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Article published: Jul 1, 2009 Bridge construction to go through 2010
People driving from Columbia to Sumter have likely noticed the construction of a few bridges on U.S. 76/378.
And they will continue to notice it until at least January.
Yates Jackson, the resident construction engineer for the state Department of Transportation, said the three overflow bridges for the Wateree River on the east-bound side of the road are being replaced. He said the $12.1 million project began in February and will continue until at least January 2010.
Yates said the project is about 39 percent completed, according to time, but about 43 percent of the work is finished.
The project is being done in stages with the left lane of the bridge being constructed first. The bulk of the project was given to United Contractors of Great Falls.
Jackson said around mid to late July traffic will be directed to the newly constructed left lane, and then work will begin on the right lane of the bridge.
He said the main bridge over the Wateree will not be replaced.
Jackson said a bridge inspection team determined that the overflow bridges, which were built at least 60 years ago, needed to be replaced, but he did not have any more details.
Jackson said how long the project lasts will depend a lot on the weather in the next few months.
Contact Staff Writer Gina Vasselli at gvasselli@theitem.com or (803) 774-1214.