Palmetto State News

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Governor Henry McMaster, U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, and U.S. Congressman James E. Clyburn announced today that the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) has been awarded $175 million by the Federal Highway Administration to replace four bridges on I-95 over Lake Marion. This award is one of the largest federal discretionary grant awards ever received by SCDOT.

Senator Graham and Congressman Clyburn led the South Carolina Congressional Delegation in securing funding for the project. In November, Governor McMaster sent a letter to U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg supporting the delegation's efforts.

The grant will enable the reconstruction of four bridges, originally built in 1968 with narrow shoulders and roadway approaches, into one bridge with two 12-foot travel lanes in both southbound and northbound directions. The project includes a barrier-separated bicycle and pedestrian path.

Additionally, space will be provided for potential future additional travel lanes in each direction with a 10-foot minimum inside shoulder and a 12-foot outside shoulder in each direction.

Governor Henry McMaster stated: "The I-95 bridge project has long been a top priority in South Carolina, and once complete, it will reduce highway congestion, improve safety and enhance coastal evacuation capabilities during major hurricanes. This could not have been accomplished without the work of Team South Carolina, and especially the work of Congressman Clyburn and Senator Graham, who worked tirelessly to secure this funding."

Senator Lindsey Graham remarked: “This $175 million in funding to replace the I-95 bridges over Lake Marion is great news for the state of South Carolina. I’ve enjoyed working with Congressman Clyburn and Governor McMaster to make the case for the necessity of this grant. I appreciate Secretary Buttigieg and the Department of Transportation for understanding the merits of our grant application. This will be transformative for the region. When people choose to work together, good things happen for South Carolina.”

Congressman James E. Clyburn commented: “Today marks another significant milestone in the Biden-Harris Administration’s effort to repair critical infrastructure in rural communities. This long-overdue project will not only benefit the residents of Orangeburg and Clarendon — it will also help ensure safety, support economic growth, and enhance connectivity for South Carolinians across the state for years to come.”

Secretary of Transportation Justin P. Powell added: "Today's announcement marks the beginning of a long-awaited and nationally important project that will transform this region. SCDOT worked aggressively to make this project shovel ready and I expect construction will be underway next year. This bridge is a critical link in the east coast supply chain and connects the communities here with economic opportunity, education and healthcare."

SCDOT Commission Chair Pamela Christopher expressed her pride: "I'm proud of the work the team at SCDOT is doing. Fixing aging infrastructure is a goal of our 10-year plan and this project will improve the flow of people and goods through our state."

SCDOT plans to host a media availability next week with other officials on this project.

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