The U.S. Department of Transportation recently awarded the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) a $23.5 million Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development grant to replace 18 aging bridges in nine counties.
Replacing the bridges will cost the state $116.7 million.
“SCDOT will move quickly to put these funds to use and get construction underway,” Secretary of Transportation Justin Powell said. “We appreciate the continued investment in South Carolina from the Trump Administration and (U.S. Transportation) Secretary (Sean) Duffy. Today’s announcement is another example of SCDOT keeping its promise to provide a safer, more reliable transportation network that connects communities and supports economic growth across South Carolina for generations to come.”
Many of the bridges that will be replaced are between 50 and 100 years old and classified in poor condition. Several have load restrictions or are closed. Closed and load restricted bridges can disrupt emergency response, school transportation and commercial traffic by limiting access and reducing connectivity.
Funding will allow SCDOT to bring the bridges up to more modern standards, remove local restriction postings, and build bridges that can withstand extreme weather and natural disasters.
The bid process is expected to take place this fall, and the design and construction phases in 2027. SCDOT anticipates the projects will be completed by 2030.