Columbia, S.C. (June 16, 2025) - The South Carolina Department of Transportation has announced the newly completed US 76 bridge over the Chauga River in Oconee County has fully reopened to traffic today.
The US 76 bridge was closed to traffic in 2024 after it was damaged during Hurricane Helene. Following an inspection, SCDOT began the rapid replacement process through coordination with federal, state and local partners.
Construction began in January of 2025. The bridge was reopened less than nine months after Hurricane Helene.
SCDOT held a ribbon-cutting ceremony today to celebrate the completion of the project.
President of the South Carolina Senate Thomas Alexander said, "This is a great day in Oconee County as a critical bridge has been restored for our community. I want to thank the first responders, the South Carolina Department of Transportation, and the incredible people who live here for working together to respond to the storm and the aftermath and for their hard work to get our lives back to normal."
Secretary of Transportation Justin Powell said, "We are pleased to announce the reopening of this vital route in the upstate. This bridge is a perfect example of the perseverance of South Carolina in the wake of Hurricane Helene. We are thankful for our partners who helped us achieve this project in a fast and efficient manner and we hope that those that use this road every day will be reminded of the strength of our state and its people in the face of natural disasters."
SCDOT would like to thank the public for its patience as we worked to complete the project.
