SCDOT Adds 20 Bridges to Repair List, Prioritizes Hwy 501 Bypass

Efforts to Enhance Road Safety Continues

In a recent infrastructure update, the SC Department of Transportation (SCDOT) added 20 more bridges to its priority list of structures needing repair or replacement. The Highway 501 Bypass bridge, situated across the Waccamaw River, took precedence on the list. The 501 Bypass will be the first to benefit from the $200 million, which was set aside by the state lawmakers in the budget for bridge projects.

Conway Bridge “Safe and Structurally Sound”

A source of concern for regular commuters, the Conway Bridge, despite exhibiting noticeable cracks and an appearance suggesting the contrary, is deemed safe by the authorities. “The Bridge looks like it could collapse at any moment, visually, but structural engineers with DOT assure us that the bridge, as well as the 501 business – the downtown main street bridge, are structurally intact and have anywhere from 15 to 20 years of useful life left”, stated HERE News.

Additional Crossing Needed for Safety

However, safety concerns arise from the potential need for another crossing into Conway. With the growing population and development in the area, it is crucial to have an additional Waccamaw River crossing near Conway. This becomes even more significant if a hurricane were to hit, ensuring people have an alternative road out of the area.

Plans for a new crossing form part of the Ride IV sales tax, which will go before voters this coming November. In case of approval, planning for the new crossing is expected to start immediately, although full completion could take between 15 to 18 years due to the project’s magnitude.

Bridge Improvement Program

The SCDOT, expanding its efforts to improve overall road safety, successfully requested to prioritize the Highway 501 Bypass on the 2024 bridge improvement program. Numerous bridges, including those along US 52 in Florence, Highway 83 in Marlboro, and US 15 in Darlington County, are also included in the repair program.

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Source: HERE News Network