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Horry County Faces Concerns Over Bridges in Poor Condition

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Picture of a deteriorating bridge in Horry County, SC.

News Summary

Horry County, South Carolina, is grappling with the designation of 18 out of its 479 bridges as being in poor condition according to the Federal Highway Administration. While there are no immediate safety issues, some bridges have weight limits, necessitating ongoing inspections and repairs. Local agencies prioritize public safety and have initiated repair plans for several structures. As officials work to address these concerns, the infrastructure’s integrity remains a focal point for the community.

Conway, South Carolina – Horry County is facing increasing concerns as 18 of its 479 bridges have been classified in poor condition by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). This designation signals a need for repair or rehabilitation, although it does not necessarily indicate an immediate safety issue.

The FHWA assesses bridges based on various factors, such as the condition of their decks and culverts, categorizing them as good, fair, or poor. While none of the eighteen bridges in Horry County currently pose a safety hazard, some have implemented weight limits and are subject to more frequent monitoring. According to the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT), as of now, 29 bridges within the county have posted weight restrictions.

Of the eighteen bridges identified, they are spread across the county from the North Carolina state line to Garden City. Some bridges have already had contracts awarded for repairs or replacements, while others are still in the planning phase. The SCDOT assures that their top priority is public safety, with an immediate closure policy in place for any bridges deemed unsafe.

Details of Poor Condition Bridges

The following is a list detailing the bridges in poor condition, including their locations, construction years, and average daily traffic:

  • U.S. Bypass 501 over U.S. Route 701 (Conway, built 1958, average daily traffic: 54,000)
  • U.S. Bypass 501 over the Waccamaw River (Conway, built 1958, average daily traffic: 54,000)
  • U.S. Route 501 over Crabtree Swamp (Conway, built 1948, average daily traffic: 36,700)
  • U.S. Route 501 over Chinners Swamp (near Aynor, built 1948, average daily traffic: 25,700)
  • U.S. Route 701 over Crabtree Swamp (Conway, built 1920, average daily traffic: 21,900)
  • U.S. Route 701 over Maple Swamp (Adrian area, built 1931, average daily traffic: 12,900)
  • S.C. Highway 9 over Iron Springs Swamp (Green Sea, built 1981, average daily traffic: 8,600)
  • Cypress Avenue over Garden City Inlet (Garden City, built 1997, average daily traffic: 2,500)
  • S.C. Highway 917 over Long Branch Swamp (Finklea area, built 1948, average daily traffic: 2,100)
  • Good Luck Road over Lousing Swamp (near Poplar Hill, built 1975, average daily traffic: 1,050)
  • Highway 472 over Horsepen Creek (built 1963, average daily traffic: 1,000)
  • Hendricks Short-Cut Road over Hunting Swamp (built 1975, average daily traffic: 950)
  • 5th Avenue South over Myrtle Swash (Myrtle Beach, built 1966, average daily traffic: 750)
  • Alma Road over Huggins Swamp (near Green Sea, built 1959, average daily traffic: 600)
  • Barnhill Road over Breakfast Swamp (Ketchuptown area, built 1959, average daily traffic: 450)
  • Dows Road over Kingston Lake (5 miles south of Loris, built 1974, average daily traffic: 300)
  • Highway 931 over Brown Swamp (just outside Conway, built 1976, average daily traffic: 300)
  • S.C. Highway 308 over Prince Mill Swamp (northeast of Aynor, built 1961, average daily traffic: 125)

Safety Monitoring and Public Concerns

One of the bridges drawing significant attention is the US 501 Business bypass over US Highway 701 in Conway, primarily due to concerns regarding its structural integrity raised on social media. In response, the SCDOT conducted additional inspections in January, concluding the bridge is safe despite its visible cracks, which they attribute to past construction methods rather than an indication of structural failure. Although classified as poor, this particular bridge does not currently have restrictions on vehicle weight, unlike the 29 other bridges across Horry County.

The SCDOT maintains a stringent protocol for addressing bridges rated as poor but confirmed to be safe. Their continuous monitoring program ensures that any issues are promptly detected, safeguarding both the public and infrastructure integrity.

As Horry County moves forward, officials and transportation agencies work diligently to address the concerns surrounding these bridges, focusing on required repairs and preventative measures to ensure safe travel for all.

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Additional Resources

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