BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C. — Three aging Berkeley County bridges — including two that have been carrying traffic for more than a century — are among 18 bridges across South Carolina slated for replacement as part of a statewide infrastructure initiative backed by a $23.5 million federal grant.
The South Carolina Department of Transportation said the Berkeley County projects include bridges over Molly Branch, Canterhill Swamp and Wapoola Creek. All three are currently open, according to SCDOT data.
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The oldest is the S-8-791 bridge over Molly Branch, built in 1921 and now 104 years old. The S-8-791 bridge over Canterhill Swamp was built in 1922 and is also 104 years old, while the S-8-791 bridge over Wapoola Creek dates to 1941 and is 85 years old.
Specific construction schedules for the Berkeley County bridges have not yet been determined.
A representative with the SCDOT told The Berkeley Observer that the agency plans to put the entire bridge package out for bid this fall, with construction expected to begin in 2027. More detailed timelines for individual bridges will be available after the bid and procurement process.
Statewide, SCDOT plans to replace 18 bridges across Berkeley, Colleton, Darlington, Dorchester, Florence, Georgetown, Horry, Marion and Williamsburg counties.
The total cost of replacing the bridges is estimated at more than $116.6 million, with the federal Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development, or BUILD, grant providing $23.5 million toward the initiative.
Many of the bridges selected for replacement are between 50 and 100 years old and are considered to be in poor condition. Some have load restrictions, while others are closed entirely.
SCDOT said aging or restricted bridges can create broader problems for communities by disrupting emergency response, school transportation, commercial traffic and everyday travel.
“Our bridges remain a top priority in keeping our transportation system safe and reliable,” Gov. Henry McMaster said. “This grant will help us build on the progress we’ve made to improve critical infrastructure and keep South Carolina moving forward.”
The grant will allow SCDOT to replace the selected bridges with structures built to modern standards and designed to better withstand extreme weather and natural disasters.
The funding announcement came shortly before the sudden death of U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, who had advocated for South Carolina to receive the federal grant.
Before his sudden death Saturday, Graham said he had met with state officials about the funding and argued that replacing aging bridges was a worthy use of federal dollars.
“Ensuring our state has structurally sound, modern bridges to ensure the safe passage of residents, visitors and commerce is vital to South Carolina’s wellbeing,” Graham said when the grant was announced.
U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace, whose district includes parts of Berkeley County, said the investment would help South Carolina address infrastructure needs as the state continues to grow.
“Our state is growing fast, and our infrastructure has to keep up,” Mace said. “This investment will replace aging bridges, improve public safety, support local businesses, and strengthen the connections our communities rely on every day.”
SCDOT Secretary Justin Powell said the agency plans to move quickly to begin putting the federal funding to use.
The department expects design and construction to move forward in 2027, with the overall package of projects anticipated to be completed by the end of 2029.
SCDOT said it will release more information about the individual Berkeley County bridge construction schedules after the bidding and procurement process is completed.
