This SC bridge is getting a needed overhaul, but traffic will suffer for a bit. Here’s what to know
The Church Street bridge is, by Greenville standards, pretty ugly.
Afterall, Greenville has the Liberty Bridge, a soaring span designed by a famous Boston architect over the Reedy River offering a sensational view of the falls.
Church Street bridge offers its own sensational view, that of the sweeping cityscape that has emerged over the past three decades as Greenville has grown into a major destination.
Now, after years of planning, the 65-year-old bridge is getting a beauty upgrade — and a repair to the deteriorating roadway.
Beginning next year, the four-lane bridge over East Broad Street that was designed to let travelers avoid downtown streets will be reduced to two lanes and the walkway will be closed.
Three detours will be set up during the almost year-long project. One for local traffic, another for cars and still another longer route for trucks.
Casey Lucas of the SCDOT could not be reached for comment on the cost of the project and a better understanding of the delays to expect. The project was estimated to cost $8 million last year.
At a Greenville City Council meeting in January, Tony Steffee, project manager for Mead & Hunt architectural and engineering firm, said to expect delays.
Church Street is also known as U.S. Highway 29 and is a major thoroughfare for drivers entering the city from Interstate 385.
The road in 2021 had an average daily traffic volume of 26,300 vehicles.
The South Carolina Department of Transportation called the bridge one of Greenville’s most prominent landmarks.
The bridge deck will be improved, drainage system updated and the overall condition of the structure will be addressed.
Also, there will be a widened sidewalk, better lighting and handrail and the stairs to city streets below will be replaced. And there will be planters.
