SCDOT Secures Extra $200 Million to Enhance Bridge Infrastructure in South Carolina

SCDOT Approves Another $200 Million in Funding for Bridge Improvements

Thursday, July 18th, 2024, The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) announced the approval of an additional $200 million funding to further improve the state’s bridges. This is an increase from the existing $239 million already dedicated to improving the state’s bridge network.

The Breakdown of the Funding

The additional $200 million funding comprises $100 million dedicated for primary and interstate bridges with the remaining $100 million aimed at bridges on secondary roads, as stated in an SCDOT press release.

A Necessity for Sustainable Development

During the press conference, the Secretary of Transportation, Justin P. Powell, emphasized the importance of bridges as crucial infrastructures interconnecting various territories within the state. They allow first responders to reach emergency situations swiftly, play an essential role in transporting children to school, and facilitate the transfer of goods to the market.

He further added, “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.”

Plan for A Better Infrastructure

The additional funding was backed by the South Carolina General Assembly to expedite high-priority projects in line with their 10-year planning scheme. The primary objective is eradicating structurally deficient bridges on South Carolina’s National Highway System and minimizing the number of load-restricted bridges on the state’s secondary system.

This added budget will significantly expand the bridge program “beyond goals identified in the 10-year plan,” said a spokesperson from SCDOT. Within the current plan, there are endeavors to construct around 500 new bridges across the state. However, with the increased funding, it is speculated that the number might witness a substantial increase.

Progress in Construction and Maintenance

According to the SCDOT, it has already either completed or initiated the construction of 352 new bridges. It maintains over 8,400 bridges throughout the state, with less than 10% of those bridges being in a poor state.

Gratitude and Future Direction

Pamela Christopher, Chair of the Commission, in her remark, thanked the Governor and the entire General Assembly for their continuous and robust investment in the state’s infrastructure. “With their continued support, SCDOT is moving South Carolina forward,” she elucidated.


Author: HERE Greenville

HERE Greenville

Recent Posts

Jacksonville Men’s Basketball Faces Heartbreaking Loss to Furman in Road Game

Greenville Suffers Tough Loss as Jacksonville Falls to Furman Greenville, S.C. – The Jacksonville men’s…

23 minutes ago

Furman University Cancels Football Game Against Samford Due to Hurricane Helene

Travelers Rest, S.C. – Furman University Cancels Football Game The furman paladins football game against…

24 minutes ago

Blaze Erupts in South Greenville: Firefighters Spring Into Action

Blaze Erupts in South Greenville: Firefighters Spring Into Action What a rollercoaster of a Sunday…

39 minutes ago

Exciting New Residential Community 1776 Moore Launches in Spartanburg County with a Patriotic Twist!

Exciting New Community 1776 Moore Takes Shape in Spartanburg County! Welcome to Moore, South Carolina,…

39 minutes ago

Bunnell-Lammons Engineering Expands with New Office in Downtown Spartanburg

Exciting News for Spartanburg: Bunnell-Lammons Engineering Expands! Spartanburg, SC – Big things are happening in…

40 minutes ago

Groundbreaking Ceremony Marks Exciting Step Forward for Affordable Housing at Southpointe Senior Residences in Greenville

Exciting Development in Greenville: Groundbreaking for Southpointe Senior Residences Greenville is buzzing with excitement as…

41 minutes ago