Columbia, South Carolina, September 14, 2025
News Summary
The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) has initiated a significant renovation project to replace the structurally deficient bridge on Garners Ferry Road. Set to take 14 months, the project aims to improve safety and traffic flow with minimal disruption. SCDOT will implement traffic adjustments and host a public meeting to inform residents about the construction process and gather feedback.
Columbia, South Carolina – The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) has begun a major renovation project to replace the bridge on Garners Ferry Road over McCords Ferry Road. This undertaking is a crucial step aimed at improving the safety and structural integrity of the bridge, which has been identified as “structurally deficient” by SCDOT. The total duration for replacing the bridge is estimated to span 14 months.
Crews have already initiated preliminary work, which includes enhancing storm drainage and constructing two new ramps. These ramps are designed to help manage traffic flow during the bridge’s replacement. The ongoing construction work is expected not to significantly alter traffic patterns on U.S. 378/U.S. 76, which sees an average of 19,100 vehicles daily near the bridge.
To accommodate the changes during construction, SCDOT plans to implement temporary traffic adjustments by utilizing the newly constructed off-ramps. This will facilitate two lanes of uninterrupted traffic flow, one lane in each direction. Vehicles traveling through will seamlessly merge from the new ramps back onto U.S. 76/378, minimizing disruptions to everyday commuters.
The new bridge will be constructed to meet modern safety standards, which reflects SCDOT’s long-term goal of modernizing hundreds of outdated bridges across South Carolina over the next decade. The replacement of this bridge on Garners Ferry Road is part of a broader initiative, with additional bridge repair and replacement projects also planned throughout Richland County. Upcoming projects include the replacement of a bridge on River Drive over the CSX railroad and the Blossom Street bridge over Norfolk Southern and CSX railroads in downtown Columbia, which is currently in the preliminary stages and may not begin until after 2030.
To inform the public about this significant infrastructure project, SCDOT will host a drop-in public information meeting on August 7 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Crossroads Park Community Center. This meeting will provide residents with information regarding the bridge replacement and an opportunity to ask questions or voice concerns. Furthermore, SCDOT is accepting comments on the project until August 22, allowing community members to participate in the planning process.
During the construction phase, SCDOT will also be installing temporary traffic signals at various intersections to regulate the flow of vehicles and ensure safety for both drivers and pedestrians in the area.
This bridge replacement marks a pivotal investment into South Carolina’s infrastructure, enhancing the overall safety and functionality of the transportation network in and around Columbia. SCDOT’s long-term vision aims to provide stable and reliable transportation avenues for the future.
FAQs
Why is the bridge on Garners Ferry Road being replaced?
The bridge is being replaced because it has been labeled as “structurally deficient” by SCDOT, highlighting the need for improved safety and structural integrity.
How long will the bridge replacement take?
The total duration for the bridge replacement project is estimated to be 14 months.
Will traffic flow be significantly impacted during construction?
Traffic flow on U.S. 378/U.S. 76 is not expected to significantly change. Temporary traffic measures will allow for two lanes of uninterrupted traffic during construction.
Is there an opportunity for the public to provide input on the project?
Yes, SCDOT will be holding a public information meeting on August 7 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Crossroads Park Community Center. Comments on the project will also be accepted until August 22.
Key Features of the Bridge Replacement Project
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Current Status | Structurally deficient; replacement in progress |
| Total Duration | 14 months |
| Traffic Impact | Minimal disruption expected; two lanes operating |
| Public Meeting | August 7, 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. at Crossroads Park Community Center |
| Public Feedback | Comments accepted until August 22 |
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Additional Resources
- WLTX: SCDOT to replace US-601 bridge
- WIS TV: SCDOT public drop-in meeting for bridge project
- MSN: SCDOT project updates on US-176 bridge replacement
- WIS TV: SCDOT public drop-in meeting details
- Cola Daily: SCDOT public meeting on bridge replacement
- Wikipedia: Bridge construction
- Google Search: bridge replacement
- Google Scholar: bridge engineering
- Encyclopedia Britannica: bridge
- Google News: South Carolina bridge construction
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