Church Street Bridge Renovation Set to Transform Greenville

News Summary

Greenville is set to undergo a significant transformation with the renovation of the Church Street Bridge, scheduled to begin on April 15, 2025. The $20 million project aims to improve the bridge’s structure and safety, with key changes including reducing speed limits and lanes, widening sidewalks, and enhancing lighting. The renovations are expected to take about 16 months, wrapping up by fall 2026, with periodic traffic modifications for commuters. This project is poised to make the bridge safer and more pedestrian-friendly for all users.

Exciting Changes Coming to Greenville with Church Street Bridge Renovation!

Greenville is gearing up for a significant transformation with the upcoming Church Street Bridge renovation. With construction set to kick off on April 15, 2025, this project is expected to take about 16 months and come with a price tag of $20 million. The bridge, which first opened its doors to traffic back in 1959, has started to show its age, with noticeable signs like potholes and rust creating safety concerns.

What’s in Store During the Renovation?

The upgrades aim to significantly improve the structure of the bridge while enhancing safety for both pedestrians and drivers. To make this possible, some important changes will roll out:

• The speed limit on the bridge will drop from 35 mph to 25 mph starting April 8, 2025.
• Drivers will experience a reduction in lanes as the bridge transitions from four lanes to two lanes. The goal here is to create a safer environment for all road users.
• The plan includes rehabilitating the bridge deck, which means fixing up its foundation to make it sturdy for years to come.
• Say goodbye to the median! That’s right, it will be removed to facilitate smoother traffic flow.
• Those who walk or bike can look forward to widened sidewalks and enhanced pedestrian barriers that will ensure a safer experience while using the bridge.
• To top it all off, new lighting will illuminate the walkway and roadway, making it a safer commute during nighttime.
• Additional stair access from McBee Avenue to the bridge will also be constructed, making it easier for pedestrians to navigate.

Timing and Traffic Changes

With over 37,000 vehicles crossing the bridge daily in 2023, it is important for drivers to stay informed about the traffic alterations that’ll be coming their way. The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) has provided alternate routes for commuters which could potentially add an extra 2.2 miles to their travel distance. To help out, electronic signs have been strategically placed at both ends of the bridge to alert drivers of the upcoming changes.

Don’t forget, there’s a pause scheduled for construction in March 2026 to accommodate the NCAA’s March Madness men’s basketball tournament. After that brief intermission, full closure of the bridge will occur for about six weeks beginning in June 2026.

Completing the Picture

Officials are aiming for the entire project to wrap up by the fall of 2026. With this renovation, the goal is simple – to make the Church Street Bridge a much safer and more pedestrian-friendly place for everyone in Greenville to enjoy. It’s a big step towards ensuring that the locals and visitors feel secure in their travels across the city’s vital thoroughfare.

As the renovation gets underway, it’s important to stay aware of the progress and changes to come. It’s all for the greater good of making Greenville’s streets a safer and more accessible place to be!

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Greenville’s Push for Affordable Housing Solutions
Construction for Church Street Bridge Rehabilitation in Greenville Begins April 15, 2025
Greenville Collaborates on Heartwarming Housing Project
Greenville County Seeks Public Input on Bridge Repairs
Renovations Set to Begin on Church Street Bridge

Additional Resources

• Greenville Journal
• Fox Carolina
• WYFF4
• South Carolina Department of Transportation
• Wikipedia: Bridge