The South Carolina Department of Transportation has received a $23.5 million federal grant to replace 18 aging bridges across the state. The bridges, located in nine counties including Berkeley, Colleton, and Horry, are between 50 and 100 years old and are classified as being in poor condition.
The grant will allow the state to bring the bridges up to modern standards, remove local restriction postings, and build bridges that can withstand extreme weather and natural disasters. The total cost to replace the selected bridges is $116,644,428.
Local Impact
Closed and load-restricted bridges limit access for drivers and reduce connectivity for the communities that depend on these routes. This can disrupt emergency response, school transportation, and commercial traffic.
South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster said, “Our bridges remain a top priority in keeping our transportation system safe and reliable. Working together with our federal partners, we are continuing to make important investments that benefit South Carolinians.”
Senator Lindsay Graham added, “Ensuring our state has structurally sound, modern bridges to ensure the safe passage of residents, visitors, and commerce is vital to South Carolina’s wellbeing.”
Next Steps
The South Carolina Department of Transportation will move forward with the bid process this fall, with design and construction following in 2027. The projects are expected to be completed by the end of 2029.
Original reporting: MyrtleBeachSC News — read the source article.
