SCDOT commission approves updates to bridge program with additional $200M in funding

COLUMBIA - After the additional $200 million investment from the General Assembly in the recent budget, South Carolina Department of Transportation Commission approved updates to the bridge program, including directing $100 million to bridges on primary and interstate routes and $100 million to bridges on secondary roads. The 2024 list approved by commission action Thursday, July 18, prioritizes bridge projects that SCDOT expects to begin in the coming years with current and future funding appropriations. Several primary and secondary bridges in Sumter and Clarendon counties are included on the list. In Sumter, primary bridges at U.S. 76 which crosses U.S. 15 and at U.S. 15 crossing Pocotaligo River will be worked on. Secondary bridges over Turkey Creek, Cane Savannah Creek, Green Swamp Branch, Mush Swamp and Shot Pouch Branch will be worked on. In Clarendon, primary bridges over Lake Marion and Tearcoat Branch will be worked on.

Secretary of Transportation Justin P. Powell said, "Our bridges in South Carolina connect communities together. They carry first responders to emergencies, our children and grandchildren to school and our products to market. It is critical that we maintain our bridge network, and today is another step towards ensuring we have a transportation system in South Carolina that is built for the bright future ahead."

Chair of the Commission Pamela Christopher said, "On behalf of SCDOT and the entire commission, I want to thank our governor and the entire General Assembly for their continued, bold investment in our state's infrastructure. With their continued support, SCDOT is moving South Carolina forward."

The South Carolina General Assembly allocated $200 million in additional one-time funding for bridges in South Carolina. The current program is $239 million, so the additional state funding increases the total program for bridge replacements and rehabilitations for the coming year to $439 million. This funding will be used to advance the agency's prioritized list of projects. While the current program budget will not cover all of the projects on the new program map, SCDOT will continue to advance these projects in order of priority and as funding becomes available.

As a part of the agency's strategic 10-year plan, SCDOT has construction underway or complete on more than 352 bridges and is on track to complete the 500 bridges outlined in the plan. This additional funding allows SCDOT to accelerate and expand the bridge program beyond goals identified in the 10-year plan.

After Thursday's action by the commission, SCDOT seeks public input to amend the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program to include the additional bridge projects on interstate, primary and secondary routes in various counties. The program includes the preservation, repair and replacement of these bridges. Comments will be accepted through Aug. 8, 2024, until the close of business and should be forwarded to Ms. Syrees Gillens Oliver, Public Involvement Director, SCDOT Public Engagement Office, 955 Park St., P.O. Box 191, Columbia, S.C. 29202 or by email at SCDOTpubliccomment@scdot.org.

Any information provided, including names and addresses, is subject to disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act.

An interactive map of the 2024 bridge program is available online at https://tinyurl.com/3wuhxyby.