Exciting Changes Ahead for Greenville Neighborhoods!
Greenville, known for its charming neighborhoods and vibrant community life, is all set for an important upgrade that will enhance connectivity for residents living in the Southernside and West Greenville areas. The much-anticipated news is that the aging Queen Street bridge, a crucial link constructed back in 1927, is going to be replaced!
A Bridge with a History
Crossing over the Norfolk Southern rail line, the current bridge has served the community for decades, but it’s showing its age. City engineers, headed by Clint Link, the director of engineering services, have observed that the structure has several maintenance and structural deficiencies. Most concerning of all, it has a low load restriction, which prevents emergency vehicles, trucks, and even school buses from using it.
“Through the study, we’ve determined it’s a complete replacement,” Link shared. “Replacing it would certainly improve access to these neighborhoods and just connectivity in general.” And what a relief that is for those who rely on it daily!
What’s Next for the Bridge?
The city of Greenville is taking the reins on this project, even though the bridge itself is owned by the railroad company. They’ve brought in a consulting firm, Mead and Hunt, to help design new alignment options for the bridge. They’ve come up with two exciting options for us to consider, both featuring 10-foot sidewalks and a custom metal safety fence.
One significant improvement includes raising the bridge’s height to meet current rail line standards, which is always a great safety measure. Plus, they plan to turn Gates Street into a cul-de-sac to enhance traffic flow and safety in the area.
Two Options on the Table
Now, let’s break down the two design options that have been shared with the public:
- Option 1: This plan entails building a new bridge right next to the existing one and extending Queen Street to intersect with Willard Street. As part of this setup, Cain Street would be transformed into a cul-de-sac.
- Option 2: This approach involves constructing a new, realigned bridge but stops short of extending Queen Street. Simplifying access in this way could afford unique benefits to the area.
Interestingly, the city has confirmed that both options would come with the same cost and construction timeline, which is estimated to fall between $5 million and $6 million.
Funding and Community Input
As you can imagine, a project of this magnitude requires substantial funding. Link explained that they’re actively exploring funding options and partnership opportunities, including potential grants to help with the engineering design and construction phases.
“This is a project that has been identified on the Greenville County’s capital project sales tax program. So we would love to see that passed and this project get funded through that,” Link stated, highlighting the community’s role in making this bridge a reality.
But that’s not all! Your voice matters in this process. The city is currently collecting public feedback to assist in selecting the best design option for the new Queen Street bridge. Residents are invited to share their thoughts before the deadline on October 31 through the city’s website.
How to Participate
If you want to make your opinion known, head over to greenvillesc.gov/2403/Queen-Street-Bridge-Replacement and let your voice be heard! Remember, this is not just about a bridge; it’s about enhancing quality of life in our beloved Greenville.
With these exciting plans in motion, it’s clear that Greenville is moving towards a more connected and safer future—one bridge at a time!
