Ben Sawyer bridge to get $40 million in repairs

Image by NOAAImage by 20080828bensawyer.jpg The Ben Sawyer bridge was heavily damaged during Hurricane Hugo in 1989. [gmap markers=blue::32.77269767232346,-79.84193801879883 |zoom=12 |center=32.78294501748632,-79.85515594482422 |width=220px |height=250px |control=Small |type=Map]

The bridge from Mount Pleasant to Sullivan's Island is scheduled to get $40 million in repairs in a repair contract approved by the S.C. Department of Transportation.

According to a press release:
The $40 million project is funded entirely by federal dollars. The project is expected to take two years to complete.

The contract only permits the bridge to be completely closed for seven days during the 24 months allowed for the project. During the closing, the steel superstructure will be brought in by barge and lifted atop the existing bridge piers. Detours will be determined and announced prior to the closing of the bridge.

The Post and Courier reported last year that the bridge is one of our worst in the area.

No word yet on when closures are to start, but it's probably a ways off. We'll keep you posted.

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