The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) announced Thursday May 29, 2008 that bridge inspectors found that the SC 14 bridge crossing I-26 near Landrum has a bridge deck that is severely deteriorated below the asphalt surface and is in need of emergency repairs.

The factors contributing to the emergency status of this bridge are:

·         The bridge typically handles 11,300 vehicles on an average day.

·         SCDOT engineers can find no acceptable detours due to the narrowness of the local road system in the area.

·         Many businesses are located at this interchange.

·         The SCDOT Maintenance unit does not have the proper equipment for a repair of this magnitude.

          Transportation Secretary H.B. Limehouse Jr. said he approved the emergency procurement for safety reasons and to reduce the inconvenience for the public. “The bridge is structurally sound aside from the deck issues, so I have approved the emergency procurement of a contract so that the work can be done properly and quickly,” said Limehouse.

        SCDOT is accepting bids for this project until Monday June 2 at 11 a.m. The contract will be awarded to the successful bidder at that time to allow the contractor to get the work started as soon as possible.

        The SC 14 bridge will remain open while the repairs are being made. However, only one lane will remain open and flaggers will control traffic on the bridge until the work is done. SCDOT intends to have the project complete in the month of June.

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