July 21, 2025

South Carolina Boosts Bridge Improvement Funding

News Summary

The South Carolina Department of Transportation has approved an increase of $200 million for the state’s bridge improvement program, raising the total budget to $439 million. This funding aims to expedite essential projects, enhance infrastructure, and ensure safety for travelers. Key projects include repairs of critical bridges in Laurens and Greenville County. The Secretary of Transportation has emphasized the importance of community feedback in the ongoing infrastructure development process, encouraging public involvement until August 2025.

Columbia, South Carolina – The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) Commission has officially approved an increase in funding for the state’s bridge improvement program, with an additional $200 million allocated to enhance infrastructure. This new funding comes after a recent appropriation from the South Carolina General Assembly, bringing the total budget for the bridge program for the upcoming year to $439 million, a significant rise from the previous $239 million.

The 2025 bridge program focuses on prioritizing projects that are poised to begin in the near future, utilizing current and expected future funding. This funding boost aims to expedite the timeline of critical improvements across the state, enhancing safety and accessibility for residents and travelers alike.

Specific Projects Highlighted

Among the prioritized bridges, Laurens County has two key projects on Highway 72 over Duncan Creek, which rank as the fourth and sixth most critical projects for repair or replacement. Additional bridges in Laurens County include the structures over Granny Creek at Lincoln Road and Cane Creek at Harris Springs Road.

In Greenville County, the SCDOT has designated four primary bridges and eight secondary bridges as part of the upcoming work. The systematic approach to addressing these structures highlights the broader goals of the SCDOT to enhance overall transportation safety and infrastructure effectiveness across South Carolina.

Current Progress and Future Goals

The Secretary of Transportation, Justin P. Powell, has highlighted the importance of this funding in accelerating improvements to South Carolina’s infrastructure. SCDOT aims to complete a total of 530 bridges over the next decade as part of their strategic improvement plan. So far, SCDOT has made significant progress, with 416 bridges either underway or completed under their current ten-year strategy.

The 2025 funding allocation has already led to the acceleration of 119 bridge replacement or repair projects, with 109 of these projects currently in preliminary engineering or construction stages, signaling a robust move towards restoring and enhancing bridge safety statewide.

Community Involvement and Feedback

To ensure community needs and concerns are addressed, SCDOT is actively seeking public comments to amend the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP). This amendment will integrate additional bridge projects along various routes as part of the ongoing infrastructure development. Members of the public are encouraged to share their feedback, with comments being accepted until August 7, 2025. Interested parties can submit their observations online, by mail, or through email, making participation accessible to all.

For those without internet access, printed copies of the bridge project list and related supporting documents are available at regional SCDOT District Offices, ensuring that all community members can engage in the process.

Conclusion

This significant funding increase for the SCDOT’s bridge improvement program represents a substantial commitment to safety and infrastructure in South Carolina. By prioritizing essential projects and engaging community feedback, the state is taking strides to enhance the quality and reliability of its bridges, ultimately benefiting residents and connecting communities.

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Author: STAFF HERE CLINTON

CLINTON STAFF WRITER The CLINTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREClinton.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Clinton, Laurens County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Festival of Discovery, Clinton Community Day, and performances at the Whitten Center Amphitheater. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce and the Laurens County Historical Society, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and education that power the local economy such as Milliken & Company and Presbyterian College. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.