Categories: CommunityEvents/What's HappeningNews

Aiken Residents Invited to Discuss Bridge Rehabilitation Project

Community members in Aiken gather to provide input on the bridge rehabilitation project during the public information meeting.

News Summary

The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) is hosting a public information meeting regarding the bridge rehabilitation project on SC 28. Residents can express their opinions on the proposed work, with a meeting scheduled for January 27 at Clearwater Elementary School. Additionally, public comments will be accepted until February 26. This initiative follows the recent closure of the Fairfield Street Bridge and the upcoming focus on improving local infrastructure, including plans for other bridge developments in the area.

Aiken Residents Invited to Weigh in on Bridge Rehabilitation Project!

Exciting news, Aiken! The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) is kicking off a bridge rehabilitation project on SC 28, also known as Sand Bar Ferry Road, and they want to hear from YOU! This is a fantastic opportunity for community members to have a say in how our local infrastructure is shaped.

Mark Your Calendars!

Set aside some time on Monday, January 27, because from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Clearwater Elementary School will be bustling with activity as SCDOT hosts a drop-in public information meeting. Located at 4552 Augusta Road in beautiful Beech Island, this is the place to be if you want to learn more about the proposed work and share your thoughts on the project.

What’s on the Table?

During the meeting, residents can chat with SCDOT representatives, who will be there to provide insights and answer questions regarding the bridge rehabilitation initiative. After the get-together, public comments will be taken into consideration from January 27 all the way through to February 26. So if you have concerns or suggestions, make sure to let your voice be heard!

Current Bridge Status

And speaking of bridges, let’s not forget that the Fairfield Street Bridge in Aiken has been closed since February 18, 2016. It was closed after an inspection uncovered some rather concerning wear and tear. Good news is on the horizon, though! Just recently, Aiken City Council approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with SCDOT for the bridge’s replacement and future ownership. A drop-in session on this replacement project was recently held on January 7, allowing residents to review design plans and learn about impacts related to the project. The goal? To beautify the area and bolster connectivity between Aiken’s historic and downtown districts.

Roadwork Updates

But wait, there’s more! Starting Monday, the southbound and northbound lanes of Atomic Road will see temporary closures for bridge repairs that are expected to last until at least August. Don’t forget to plan your travels accordingly, as a detour route will be put into effect. Given these changes, traffic might get a bit spicy in the Broad Street and Sand Bar Ferry areas over the next few months. And let’s not overlook the ongoing road construction on Broad Street between 15th Street and 13th Street, which is reducing lanes to one in each direction — a mix that could lead to delays!

Future Developments

In exciting infrastructure news, the Storm Branch Road bridge near Beech Island is being identified as a high-priority replacement project, with an aim to have it reopened by late 2025. Plus, there’s even a broader $200 million bridge improvement package rolling out in Aiken County, which will give a facelift to several other bridges in the area. Talk about uplifting our community!

How to Stay Informed

For those looking for more comprehensive information on the Bridge Rehabilitation Project, the SCDOT website has all the details you need. So gear up, Aiken! This is your chance to contribute to important decisions being made in our lovely town. With your participation, we can ensure that our bridges and roads not only improve connectivity but also add to the beauty and charm of our community.