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SCDOT to replace two bad bridges in Richland County

As part of their 10-year plan, SCDOT continues to work to replace old bridges around the state.

EASTOVER, South Carolina — The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) is working to replace structurally deficient bridges around the state.

On Tuesday, SCDOT held a public meeting to show plans for their proposed bridge replacement of US 76/378 over US 601 and US 601 Bridge over Colonels Creek in Richland County.

Both bridges are in need of replacement and are considered structurally deficient. 

However, Joey McIntyre, Midlands RDG Engineer for SCDOT, says the bridges are still safe for driving.

"They're nearing or at the end of their life cycle and at a point where it's more feasible for us to replace it than to do preventable maintenance," says McIntyre. "The one that's at the interchange of 601 and 378 or us 76, whatever you want to call it. That bridge is also functionally obsolete, meaning that bridge today doesn't meet the correct geometric requirements."

According to the American Roads and Transportation Builders Association, these bridges are two of 795 structures that have been labeled structurally deficient.

SCDOT has been tackling the bridges on that list and plan on replacing 465 bridges over the next decade.

Currently, there are 10 bridges in the Midlands on their upcoming project list.

South Carolina Department of Transportation active projects and educational tools.

Drivers say, they will be pleased to have safer bridges.

"It's a national issue though, not just a state issue," says Floyd Angus. "But it's really important because obviously lives are on the line if that's not corrected."

The SCDOT expects to start construction on the two Richland County bridges in 2021.

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