$21 million US 378 bridge replacement project in full swing

The U.S. 378 Little Pee Dee River and Swamp River Bridges Replacement Project spans about eight miles and the speed limit during the project is 45 miles an hour.

By: Thema Ponton | SCNOW
Published: August 25, 2009

One local lawmaker said there is some much-needed bridge repair happening in the eastern Carolinas.

Senator Kent Williams said once it’s done, drivers should have a much smother and safer ride.

Benar Amado, Bridge Program Manager for the Pee Dee area, said eight bridges are being replaced along S.C. Highway 378 in western Horry and eastern Marion counties.

Amado said the U.S. 378 Little Pee Dee River and Swamp River Bridges Replacement Project spans about eight miles and the speed limit during the project is 45 miles an hour.

Sen. Williams said the project costs $21,739,000, 80 percent of which is coming from the federal government and 20 percent coming from the state.

Chris White, owner of CFW Trucking in Mullins said he’s glad to see the new bridges under construction. White said sometimes driving over the Great Pee Dee River Bridge, that spans Horry and Marion counties can make for some bumpy driving. “It isn’t too bad for the truck, you just hope you don't fall in, it shakes and stuff like that."

Williams said since the life of a bridge is about 50 years and since the Great Pee Dee River Bridge was built in 1955, construction is behind schedule. But Williams said now that work on the new bridge is underway, they are working towards making traveling that stretch of road safer for everybody. And while the construction is going on, the old bridge is still open for business.

Williams said he's confident it will hold up during construction. "It's held up this long of course you know it's pretty worn and I’ve gone down under the bridge and I got first hand experience and I know what it's like when the trucks are crossing, but I think we'll be ok and at least we're going to hope and pray anyway."

Amado said the replacement project is scheduled to be completed in October of 2011. Amado said once the new bridges are done, the old bridges will be taken out.