SC’s Governor has just announced the state has secured the final funding piece to build a new mega-structure over the largest lake in the Carolinas.
I-95’s new 6-lane reinforced concrete span over Lake Marion is expected to cost a total of $350 million, with the state this week receiving $175 million in federal funding.
“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,” said Governor McMaster in a press release. “This could not have been accomplished without the work of Team South Carolina, and especially the work of Senator Graham and Congressman Clyburn, who worked tirelessly to secure this funding.”
The $175 million for South Carolina is part of a $5 billion federal investment to replace or improve aging bridges in 16 states, as announced on July 17 by the Department of Transportation. The rest of the funding includes $105 million from separate federal funds and $70 million from state funds.
The urgency of bridge repairs has increased since a cargo ship hit the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Maryland, causing a collapse that killed six workers. The I-95 bridges are vital for the East Coast supply chain. I-95 is one of the busiest interstates, carrying traffic from Maine to Florida.
You can find out more about the massive new bridge project here.
