SCDOT Adds 20 Bridges to Repair Priority List; Hwy 501 Bypass Takes The Lead
In a recent development, the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) has expanded its bridge repair strategy by adding 20 bridges to its priority list within the month of July. Topping this list is the Highway 501 Bypass bridge that towers over the Waccamaw River.
Details on Funding and Safety Concerns
As per the information divulged by the SCDOT, the Highway 501 Bypass is the first bridge in the queue for repair funding, from the budget of $200 million that state legislators allocated for bridge projects. Despite the bridge featuring some cracks and being visually unappealing, officials have clarified that it remains structurally sound and safe.
The initiative for repair came after emphasizing safety concerns and acknowledging the requirement of another crossing into Conway. The current bridges are reported to have a lifespan of 15 to 20 years still left, as per structural engineers with SCDOT.
A New Crossing Necessitated by Growth
Growth and development in the region necessitate another road into Conway as an alternative evacuation route should a hurricane strike. In view of this, a proposed new crossing forms a part of the Ride IV sales tax proposal, which is on voters’ ballots this coming November. Upon passage, the planning phase for this new crossing will commence immediately.
However, the full completion of this new bridge could take an estimated duration of between 15 to 18 years. The enormity of the project entails careful planning and preparation for successful execution. Conway City Councilman William Goldfinch noted that unless one is involved in such projects, they might not fully grasp the extensive work that planning for such a project entails.
2024 Bridge Improvement Program
In addition to the Highway 501 Bypass, DOT commissioners have approved a request to include other bridges in the 2024 bridge improvement program. This list includes bridges along US 52 in Florence, Highway 83 in Marlboro, and US 15 in Darlington County. Residents can view the map of bridge projects in South Carolina for detailed information.
In conclusion, SCDOT’s prioritization of bridge repairs and expansion of their priority list is an active response to safety issues and infrastructural growth. The prioritized repair and proposed construction of a new crossing represent a necessary step in the region’s ongoing development and safety management.
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
