In the latest round of funding aimed at repairing or replacing bridges across South Carolina, 159 bridges have been approved for improvements. Nine bridges in Charleston County are included on this list, highlighting the importance of maintaining the region’s critical infrastructure.
Bridges Included in the Repair List
Among the bridges slated for repair or replacement, several play key roles in connecting parts of Charleston County. Notably, two bridges that connect West Ashley to the peninsula, along with the Ben Sawyer Bridge, which leads to Sullivan’s Island, are included in this important funding initiative.
Inspection Process and Safety Considerations
According to Kelly Moore, Deputy Chief of Staff for the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT), the state’s comprehensive bridge inspection program is central to identifying the bridges in need of attention.
“Every bridge in our network is inspected at least once every two years,” Moore explained. “We rate the bridges based on those inspections and immediately close any bridge if a safety issue arises.”
While the specific plans for repairs or replacements have not yet been made public, it is clear that the ongoing inspection program plays a critical role in ensuring the safety and longevity of these bridges.
What’s in the Works for Charleston County?
Several key bridges in Charleston County are scheduled for repairs or replacements:
U.S. 17 Northbound Bridge over the Ashley River is slated for replacement.
South Carolina Highway 703 (Ben Sawyer Bridge) will undergo repair work.
Cosgrove Avenue Bridge, which connects West Ashley to North Charleston, is still under review to determine if it will be repaired or replaced.
Bridge Rehabilitation vs. Replacement
Moore stated that repairs could include rehabilitation projects, which involve fixing and improving the bridge structure, or full replacement depending on the condition of the bridge. “It just depends on what the bridge structure needs and if we believe repairs and rehab can extend the life of the bridge,” she said.
Timeline and Prioritization
Although the full construction or repair timeline is not yet available, Moore explained that bridges are generally addressed in the order they appear on the program list. For example:
The U.S. 17 Bridge is ranked 54th on the list.
The Ben Sawyer Bridge is ranked 61st.
The Cosgrove Avenue Bridge appears the highest on the list at 31st.
The Challenge of Bridge Maintenance
The state of South Carolina is responsible for about 8,400 bridges, which Moore described as a significant challenge due to the number of structures and the costs associated with their upkeep. “It’s an expensive process for sure,” she added. The SCDOT aims to ensure that bridges remain safe and open to traffic year-round, which requires substantial investment and ongoing attention.
