The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) will begin late this fall remediation work to improve the condition of the old US 301 bridge over Lake Marion to allow the bridge to be opened to non-motorized traffic. Work on the bridge, now closed, is expected to be completed in the spring of 2023.
Once the work is completed, the bridge will only be opened only to pedestrians and bicyclists. The work is made possible by a special $1.6 million line item in last year's 2021-2022 state budget. SCDOT expects to receive bids from contractors for the work in September. Once a contractor is selected, more specific construction schedules will be established.
Work on the bridge will include:
- removal of chain link fence, dirt mounds and other items restricting access,
- removal of vegetation and brush immediately adjacent to or on the bridge,
- repair or replacement of damaged steel railings and painting of the railings,
- repair of breaks in the concrete and joints to reduce tripping hazards, and
- installation of signs, markings, and bollards that will provide directions and restrict access by motorized vehicles.
Once open for pedestrian use, no motorized vehicles will be allowed on the bridge. SCDOT will provide updates on the work to improve the bridge during the coming months.
###