Construction for Church Street Bridge Rehabilitation in Greenville Begins April 15, 2025

News Summary

The South Carolina Department of Transportation is set to start the rehabilitation of the Church Street Bridge in Greenville on April 15, 2025. As safety measures are put in place ahead of the project, including a reduced speed limit, drivers should brace for lane closures and potential delays. The $20 million project aims to upgrade the bridge, enhancing safety and accessibility with expanded sidewalks, new barrier walls, lighting, and handrails. The construction, expected to complete in July 2026, is vital for handling increasing traffic in the area.

Construction for Church Street Bridge Rehabilitation in Greenville Set to Begin April 15, 2025

Get ready, Greenville! Big changes are coming to one of the city’s major traffic arteries as the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) gears up to start construction on the Church Street Bridge. The work is kicking off on April 15, 2025, but there are a few things you should know ahead of time to keep your commute smooth and stress-free!

Slow Down and Look Out!

Before the construction officially starts, SCDOT is slapping the speed limit down to 25 miles per hour beginning Tuesday, April 8, 2025. If you plan to use the bridge during this time, be sure to keep an eye on the speed limit signs. Safety first, folks!

What to Expect on the Road

Once construction begins, brace yourself for lane closures that will initially affect the inside lanes of US 29. This means drivers should expect delays—so it might be a good time to start mapping out some alternate routes. SCDOT is suggesting using Augusta, Dunbar, and Academy Streets to avoid potential traffic jams.

The Project Breakdown

The Church Street Bridge, which has been around since the 1950s, is certainly showing its age. With potholes and rust becoming more noticeable, the timing for these repairs is more than just right—it’s overdue! The project is set to unfold in four phases, with an estimated completion date staring us down on July 31, 2026.

Phase II will kick off shortly after, in July 2026, but the big event everyone is marking on their calendars is the full closure of the bridge for about six weeks starting May 1, 2026. This is no ordinary facelift; it will allow for complete deck removal and renewal, giving the bridge some much-needed TLC.

Enhancements for Everyone!

The rehabilitation project isn’t just about patching up cracks and filling potholes. It’s about making the bridge safer and more accessible for everyone! Expect some major upgrades including:

• Expanded sidewalks that will make it easier for pedestrians to get around.
• New barrier walls for added safety, keeping drivers secure as they pass over.
• New lighting to ensure that those nighttime drives are well-lit and secure.
• New handrails to provide support for pedestrians.

Plus, SCDOT is also throwing in perimeter fencing under the bridge. You can count on these enhancements not only to improve safety but also to aesthetically transform the area, making it more inviting for both residents and visitors.

Traffic Impact and Future Expectations

As construction ramps up, Police Chief Howie Thompson predicts that traffic patterns will stabilize a few weeks after work begins. During this time, the bridge will be reduced to two lanes—one lane in each direction—offering some level of functionality while the work is completed.

Currently, the bridge channels an average of 26,300 vehicles per day, and projections estimate that number could soar to over 38,000 by the year 2039! To accommodate this increasing traffic and enhance vehicular flow through downtown, this rehabilitation will be a game changer for Greenville.

Finances and Future Prospects

Funding for this significant project comes straight from SCDOT, with an estimated total cost of around $20 million. That’s a substantial investment in not just the infrastructure, but in the safety and experience of everyone who travels through this vital part of town.

So prepare yourself, Greenville! The Church Street Bridge is about to get a major makeover, and even if it means a little time spent in traffic, it’s all for the better. Stay tuned and drive safe!

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Greenville Collaborates on Heartwarming Housing Project
Greenville County Seeks Public Input on Bridge Repairs
Renovations Set to Begin on Church Street Bridge

Additional Resources

• WSPA: Construction to Begin for Heavily Traveled Bridge in Greenville
• Wikipedia: Church Street Bridge (Greenville, South Carolina)
• Greenville Journal: Church Street Bridge Work to Begin April 15
• Google Search: Church Street Bridge Rehabilitation Greenville
• Post and Courier: Church Street Bridge Construction to Begin
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Bridge