The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) announced a $200 million investment to go towards bridges in the state yesterday. This funding adds to the $239 million already in the program.
The funding consists of $100 million in allocated funds for primary and interstate bridges and $100 million for bridges on secondary roads, according to a release from SCDOT. The General Assembly allocated the $200 million as a one-time funding for bridges in the state.
"Our bridges in South Carolina connect communities together," South Carolina Secretary of Transportation Justin P. Powell said. "They carry first responders to emergencies, our children and grandchildren to school, and our products to market. It is critical that we maintain our bridge network and today is another step towards ensuring we have a transportation system in South Carolina that is built for the bright future ahead."
The extra funding will allow SCDOT to accelerate its 10-year plan to complete 500 bridges. SCDOT said it has already completed or begun construction on 352 new bridges.
SCDOT maintains over 8,400 bridges across the state. Less than 10% of the bridges are in poor condition, according to the transportation department.
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Source: ABC News, Fox Carolina News