Fairfield Street Bridge Replacement Meeting Announced

News Summary

Aiken residents are invited to a public meeting on January 7, 2025, to discuss the replacement of the Fairfield Street Bridge, which has been closed since February 2016. The meeting will be held at the Center for African American History, Art and Culture, and community input is encouraged as plans move forward. The project is set to be funded with $1.3 million from the South Carolina Department of Transportation, with a total estimated cost of $3 million. Join in to learn more about the exciting future of this key infrastructure!

Exciting Times Ahead for Aiken: Fairfield Street Bridge Replacement Meeting

Hey there, Aiken residents! Get ready to mark your calendars because a big event is coming your way. After almost nine years of closure, *the Fairfield Street Bridge*, which has been off-limits since early 2016, may soon be undergoing some much-needed TLC. That’s right, a public meeting is scheduled to discuss its replacement on **January 7, 2025**, from *5:30 PM to 7 PM* at the Center for African American History, Art and Culture, right at 120 York Street N.E.

Now, let’s rewind a bit. The bridge was closed back on **February 18, 2016**, due to “deteriorating conditions” discovered during a routine inspection. These weren’t just minor issues; the substructure and foundation of the bridge were reported to be in pretty dire shape during a review by the engineering firm Davis and Floyd. They presented their findings to the Aiken City Council in *September 2020*, marking the starting point of discussions about what to do next.

What to Expect at the Meeting

This upcoming meeting is not just for show—it’s a fantastic opportunity for residents to get involved. Want to see what the new bridge might look like? Curious about how it might affect local traffic? You can check out the proposed design, chat with city officials and engineers, and share your thoughts. Community input is essential as the city works to ensure the new bridge meets the needs of everyone in Aiken.

Funding the Future

Now, here’s some good news: the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) has stepped in to help fund the replacement with a generous contribution of *$1.3 million*. This agreement was reached earlier this year, in *January 2024*. However, the total cost of this project is expected to hover around *$3 million*, with Aiken City taking up the rest. In fact, the City Council made a bold move by allocating the required funds from a *$25 million settlement* awarded to the city, aimed at addressing improvements related to issues connected to plutonium stored at the nearby Savannah River Site.

A Bridge Among Friends

The Fairfield Street Bridge isn’t alone in its situation—it’s one of five bridges crossing through the *“railroad cut”* in downtown Aiken. The others include Laurens Street, Newberry Street, York Street, and Union Street. Speaking of York Street, it had also faced closure in 2016 but has since been replaced with a charming new structure that will remind everyone of the original wooden design.

Now, if we switch our focus to recent events, the Union Street Bridge has not been so lucky. Closed on *January 13, 2023*, due to unspecified structural issues, it won’t be reopening for vehicles anytime soon. Plus, let’s not forget the Laurens Street Bridge, which had its own little drama—with its southwestern corner sinking as early as *2012*. Fortunately, relief came that same year with a successful replacement.

Next Steps After the Meeting

After folks gather and express their ideas and concerns during the meeting, the proposed design will move on to the next level. It will be presented to the Design Review Board for approval, paving the way for construction to finally kick off. Exciting times are ahead, and we all can play a part in shaping Aiken’s future!

Parking Options

For those planning to attend the meeting, you won’t need to worry about where to park. Options are available at the center itself, across the street at the *First Baptist Church*, and along Fairfield Street.

So grab your friends, bring your thoughts, and get ready to dive into this exciting project. Aiken is buzzing with anticipation, and the future of the Fairfield Street Bridge looks brighter than ever!