South Carolina Faces Aging Bridge Crisis
South Carolina is dealing with a pressing issue regarding its aging infrastructure, particularly its bridges. According to the state’s secretary of transportation, the situation presents a “real challenge.” More than a quarter of all bridges in the state are 60 years or older, and many more are rapidly approaching that age. This growing concern has led to increased attention from state officials who are working to address the problem.
Until recently, funding levels for bridge maintenance and repairs were not sufficient to meet the demands posed by this aging infrastructure. Without significant increases in funding, it was estimated that around half of all bridges in the state would reach the 60-year mark within the next decade. To combat this, the General Assembly allocated $200 million for bridge improvements last year. That money has already been assigned, and the legislature provided an additional $200 million in this year’s budget for the same purpose.
Secretary of Transportation Justin Powell emphasized that while these funds are helpful, they do not fully solve the problem. “I can guarantee you when we meet about the budget in August, I’m going to be coming to y’all, asking to turn in another request for $200 million in bridge money because I was abundantly clear to the General Assembly that this doesn’t solve the problem. This just helps us address the problem,” he stated during a meeting with the SCDOT Commission.
The commission recently approved a list of the next 159 bridges that will receive funding for repairs. However, not all of these bridges will be under construction within the next year. The list includes interstate, primary, and secondary bridges located across all regions of the state.
Federal Funding and Streamlined Processes
In addition to the $200 million from the state budget, the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) has received $239 million in federal funding for bridge projects. Agency leaders are also exploring additional grant and funding opportunities to support ongoing and future work.
Powell has tasked the department with finding ways to expedite the start of bridge projects. SCDOT has worked closely with the federal government to reduce bureaucratic hurdles, which Powell claims will allow projects to begin three to five months sooner than before. This streamlined process means that once an inspector determines a bridge is unsafe, the design team can quickly develop a plan for either replacement or repair.
Budget Delays and Continued Efforts
Funding from the state budget typically becomes available in September. However, this year, budget writers included a stipulation that most one-time funding will not be released until February of the following year. This includes the $200 million set aside for bridges. Despite this delay, Powell assured that it will not hinder SCDOT’s progress.
“We have $239 million in federal funds that we use for bridge projects. We’re going to go nonstop and then when that point comes that the funds are released, we will immediately start putting it to work,” he said.
Ongoing Challenges and Future Steps
While the recent funding increases provide some relief, the long-term solution requires sustained investment and strategic planning. Officials recognize that addressing the aging bridge crisis is an ongoing effort that will require continued collaboration between state and federal agencies, as well as innovative approaches to infrastructure management.
As South Carolina moves forward, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and reliability of its bridges. With new funding and improved processes, the state is taking important steps to tackle this critical issue. However, the need for additional resources and proactive measures will remain a priority in the years to come.
