The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) has been awarded $175 million by the Federal Highway Administration to replace four bridges on Interstate 95 over Lake Marion, which connects Clarendon and Orangeburg counties. The funding, announced on July 17th, represents one of the largest federal discretionary grant awards in SCDOT history.
Locally, State Senator Kevin Johnson, District 36, voiced his support, “This is great news that I’ve been waiting on for several years. In July 2023, I also wrote a letter of support to US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg in support of federal funding for this project. This is a game changer for SC Senate District 36 and the state of South Carolina.”
State Representative Fawn Pedalino, District 64, also expressed her enthusiasm: “I am thrilled to see the I-95 bridge in Santee get the much-needed funding from the federal government for its expansion. While I was just one voice among many who wrote letters advocating for this funding, I am grateful for the opportunity to join forces with others in our community to make this happen. This expansion will bring the significant changes we need, like enhancing safety and improving traffic flow for everyone.”
In their letters to Buttigieg, both Johnson and Pedalino highlighted the importance of the new bridges’ capability to “accommodate water lines [that] will enable more economic development opportunities for the Clarendon County region.” Pedalino, a former EMT, also emphasized the critical nature of emergency access, noting in her letter that she knows “firsthand how dangerous the Lake Marion Bridge is as it stands today, as there is no emergency lane for vehicles to pull off, if need be. There have been numerous casualties due to this issue alone.”
Governor Henry McMaster, U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, and U.S. Congressman James E. Clyburn spearheaded the effort to secure the grant. In his own November letter to Buttigieg, Governor McMaster emphasized the critical nature of the I-95 bridge project.
“The I-95 bridge project has long been a top priority in South Carolina,” McMaster stated. “Once complete, it will reduce highway congestion, improve safety, and enhance coastal evacuation capabilities during major hurricanes. This could not have been accomplished without the work of Team South Carolina, and especially Senator Graham and Congressman Clyburn, who worked tirelessly to secure this funding.”
The grant will fund the replacement of four bridges, originally constructed in 1968, with a single bridge featuring two 12-foot travel lanes in both directions, barrier-separated bicycle and pedestrian paths, and space for potential future expansion to include additional lanes. The project addresses significant safety concerns, including narrow shoulders that impede emergency responders during accidents.
“This $175 million in funding to replace the I-95 bridges over Lake Marion is great news for the state of South Carolina,” Senator Graham said. “This will be transformative for the region. When people choose to work together, good things happen for South Carolina.”
Congressman Clyburn highlighted the broader impact: “Today marks another significant milestone in the Biden-Harris Administration’s effort to repair critical infrastructure in rural communities. This long-overdue project will not only benefit the residents of Orangeburg and Clarendon, but it will also help ensure safety, support economic growth, and enhance connectivity for South Carolinians across the state for years to come.”
The $175 million grant is part of a $5 billion federal investment to replace or improve aging bridges in 16 states. The total cost of the I-95 bridge project is $350 million, with the remaining funds coming from $105 million in separate federal funds and $70 million in state funds.
“The existing bridges are critical links in the East Coast supply chain,” McMaster wrote. “Replacing the bridges will improve safety and reliability for travelers and support the economic development of the state and region.”
SCDOT Secretary Justin P. Powell emphasized the project’s significance: “Today’s announcement marks the beginning of a long-awaited and nationally important project that will transform this region. SCDOT worked aggressively to make this project shovel ready, and I expect the project will be under contract next year.”
The current I-95 bridges, spanning Lake Marion, are vital for transporting travelers between Clarendon and Orangeburg counties. However, portions of the bridges are predicted to be in poor condition by next year, potentially requiring load restrictions. The narrow shoulders also pose challenges for vehicle recovery and emergency response during accidents, further underscoring the need for replacement.
The new bridge will include a 10-foot minimum inside shoulder and a 12-foot outside shoulder in each direction, with a barrier-separated 14-foot shared-use path for pedestrians and bicyclists on the southbound bridge. The adjacent existing U.S. 301 pedestrian bridge, currently closed to all traffic, will be retained.
SCDOT Commission Chair Pamela Christopher commended the collective effort: “I’m proud of the work the team at SCDOT is doing. Fixing aging infrastructure is a goal of our 10-year plan, and this project will improve the flow of people and goods through our state. I want to thank our Governor, our representatives in Washington, and our South Carolina General Assembly for their continued support and investment in moving South Carolina forward.”
Construction is expected to begin in 2025, with the existing bridges remaining operational to minimize disruption. Temporary lane closures may occur, but substantial road closures or detours are not anticipated.
Lake Marion, South Carolina’s largest lake, encompasses 110,600 acres and 511 miles of shore, touching Berkeley, Calhoun, Clarendon, Orangeburg, and Sumter counties. It is part of the Santee Cooper Reservoir, constructed to provide hydroelectric power to rural South Carolina.
As this major infrastructure project progresses, SCDOT aims to maintain connectivity and ensure a safe interstate facility for the traveling public along I-95 over Lake Marion. The new bridge will not only enhance daily commutes but also support emergency evacuations and the region’s economic development for years to come.
