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Columbia, S.C. (July 9, 2026) – Following an announcement from the US Department of Transportation, the South Carolina Department of Transportation announced today that it has received a competitive $23.5 million Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant to replace several aging bridges across the state. In total,18 bridges across nine counties—Berkeley, Colleton, Darlington, Dorchester, Florence, Georgetown, Horry, Marion, and Williamsburg, will be replaced to improve safety for drivers. The total cost to replace the selected bridges across the state is $116,644,428. Many of the bridges being replaced by the grant award are between 50 and 100 years old and are classified as being in poor condition. Several also have load restrictions or are currently closed, underscoring the need for replacement. Closed and load restricted bridges limit access for drivers and reduce connectivity for the communities that depend on these routes. These conditions can also disrupt emergency response, school transportation, and commercial traffic. “Our bridges remain a top priority in keeping our transportation system safe and reliable,” said South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster. “Working together with our federal partners, we are continuing to make important investments that benefit South Carolinians. This grant will help us build on the progress we’ve made to improve critical infrastructure and keep South Carolina moving forward.” “I am so pleased that South Carolina was selected to receive a $23.5 million BUILD grant to replace up to 18 bridges in need of repair across nine counties. Early on, I met with state officials who made the case for South Carolina to receive this grant. Improving several bridges across our state is a worthy use of taxpayer dollars. I was glad to advocate strongly to the Trump Administration for South Carolina to receive this grant and vote for the underlying funding on the Senate floor,” said Senator Lindsay Graham. “Ensuring our state has structurally sound, modern bridges to ensure the safe passage of residents, visitors and commerce is vital to South Carolina’s wellbeing. I’m grateful to the Trump Administration for approving this much-needed federal funding.” “South Carolina’s rural communities deserve infrastructure that’s safe and built to last,”said Senator Tim Scott. “Replacing structurally deficient bridges across nine counties will strengthen local economies, improve safety, and ensure our roads keep pace with South Carolina’s growth. I’m grateful to see federal resources delivering real results for the communities that need them most.” “This is a major win for South Carolina,” said Congresswoman Nancy Mace. “Our state is growing fast, and our infrastructure has to keep up. This investment will replace aging bridges, improve public safety, support local businesses, and strengthen the connections our communities rely on every day. These new bridges are built to last more than 70 years, giving South Carolinians safer, stronger, and more reliable infrastructure for generations to come.” Congressman Russell Fry said, “Safe, reliable bridges keep South Carolina’s families safe and our economy moving. I’m proud to help secure $23.5 million to replace 18 structurally deficient bridges across the state, including 12 in the Grand Strand and Pee Dee, strengthening critical infrastructure that serves South Carolinians and the millions of visitors who travel our state each year.” Secretary of Transportation Justin Powell said, “SCDOT will move quickly to put these funds to use and get construction underway. We appreciate the continued investment in South Carolina from the Trump Administration and Secretary Duffy. Today’s announcement is another example of SCDOT keeping its promise to provide a safer, more reliable transportation network that connects communities and supports economic growth across South Carolina for generations to come.” The BUILD grant allows SCDOT to bring the carefully selected bridges up to more modern standards, remove local restriction postings, and build bridges that can withstand extreme weather and natural disasters. SCDOT will move forward with the bid process this fall with design and construction following in 2027. With plans for accelerated schedules, we currently anticipate these projects to be completed by the end of 2029. SCDOT will provide updates to community members as projects get underway and will work to sequence construction and optimize traffic control coordination to minimize travel impacts. SCDOT encourages community members to stay tuned to our website for updates as these projects progress. |
| About SCDOT The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) is the state agency with oversight of South Carolina’s network of highways and bridges, including responsibilities such as planning, design, construction, financing, and roadway safety. To ensure the nation’s fourth-largest highway system is prepared to serve the needs of South Carolina’s growing economy and population, SCDOT has developed a Strategic 10-Year Plan that addresses improvements to the state’s highway and bridge systems. Learn more at scdot.org. |
