The Anne Springs Close Greenway has just announced plans to replace the collapsed road bridge on their property. The largest bridge in the 2,100-acre Fort Mill nature preserve collapsed this past January after heavy rainfall.
They are now planning to construct two new pedestrian bridges across Steele Creek, including a new span where the collapsed road bridge stood, as well as another swinging bridge about a mile upstream near the Field Trial Barn.
Both new bridges will be built above the 100-year floodplain to mitigate flash flooding and stormwater effects. Surveying and technical reports are complete, and a vendor will be selected by mid-August. Construction is expected to begin this fall and be completed by Spring 2025.
“We have been doing a lot of work behind the scenes to demo the existing bridge, and now we are focused on providing the Greenway with the best possible outcome to support the long-term sustainability of our trail system,” said CEO John Gordon in a press release. “In addition to the road bridge, we will also replace the original swinging bridge near the Field Trial Barn, which is approaching a 30- year lifespan. Our goal is to build something that will support our trail system for the next 50 years.”
The project will cost an estimated $1 million. The Greenway will consider an endowment distribution to offset the financial burden and ensure the project does not impact other budgeted programs.
The public can support the project during the Greenway’s Giving Tuesday campaign on December 3.
