Marilynn's Blog

Look for changes coming soon to the Ben Sawyer Bridge to Sullivan's Island

http://www.sullivansisland-sc.com/Default/BenSawyerBridgeNews.aspx

The SC Department of Transportation are listening to the residents' wishes with a replacement bridge to resemble the current design that they love. However, the rehabilitiation will make it safer.

Construction has begun on the bridge, originally built in 1945. The contractor, PCL Civil Constructors of Tampa, Florida, will replace the approach to the bridge as well as the swing span that opens for boat navigation. Trestles will be constructed on both sides of the bridge approaches as well as a foundation upon which to slide off the old approaches. The sidewalk on the Charleston side will be widened from 2.5 feet to 5.5 feet, and the car lanes will increase to 14 feet from 12 feet. The bridge tender’s house will increase in size slightly.

The new swing span will be topped with a truss that will be built at the old Navy base and shipped in by barge. The bridge will close for approximately a week in November while the approaches and new swing span are put in place.

Four years ago engineers reduced the gross weight of vehicle access from 30 to 20 tons after an inspection uncovered significant deterioration of stringers and floor beams. Locals remember the bridge truss left pointing skyward at a 45 degree angle,after Hurricane Hugo in September of 1989.

The 124 foot long bridge should be completed in May of 2010, at a cost of $31.5 million.