NEWBERRY COUNTY, S.C. — Newberry County residents and drivers are getting new details on plans to replace a "structurally deficient" bridge along a well-traveled portion of road.
The South Carolina Department of Transportation announced on Wednesday that it has plans to "modernize" and replace a bridge on St. Lukes Church Road that runs over Big Creek. The bridge replacement is part of the state agency's 10-year strategic plan that will also tackle "hundreds" of bridges of concern around South Carolina.
"The new bridge will be wider and safer, with guardrail extending out from all four corners of the bridge for about 115 feet. The bridge approaches will also include a new asphalt surface which is expected to provide a smoother ride.
The work is scheduled to begin on April 12 with a rough completion date of Sept. 14. However, the work will depend largely on the weather and delays could occur.
During this time, traffic on St. Lukes Church Road, Morris Road and Sam Pugh Road will be impacted. Drivers who usually take the bridge will, instead, be redirected along Big Creek Road and SC-391. That, in turn, may also impact traffic on those roads as well.
