US 301 bridge over Savannah River could be replaced by 2026. Here's what to know

Miguel Legoas, Augusta Chronicle
·2 min read
The US 301 Bridge over the Savannah River connects Sylvania, Ga., and Allendale, SC.
The US 301 Bridge over the Savannah River connects Sylvania, Ga., and Allendale, SC.

The bridge between Screven County and South Carolina is getting some much needed attention.

South Carolina Department of Transportation is pursuing replacement of the US 301 bridge over the Savannah River, connecting Sylvania to Allendale, SC. The bridge is over 50 years old and needs to be brought up to current design standards. In order to make this happen, SCDOT spokesman Alex Bennett said it would be more effective on cost and labor to build a new bridge rather than trying to fix the current one.

Under the current plan, the new bridge would include two 12-foot travel lanes with two 10-foot outside shoulders. The roadway approaches would have the same lane/shoulder widths.

Drivers crossing the bridge would not see significant changes. The plan is to build the new bridge alongside the old one, and demolish the old one once the new one is ready. The decision was made, in part, because there are no other bridges in the area allowing access between Georgia and South Carolina.

The boat ramps are not expected to close either. But, those swimming or boating should exercise caution when underneath the bridge, particularly during the demolition phase.

Bennett said the project will be entirely funded by their federal bridge replacement program, which was funded by the Biden Administration's $27 billion program to repair and upgrade roughly 15,000 bridges across the U.S. While SCDOT is managing the project, the Georgia Department of Transportation is working with the SCDOT via a bi-state intergovernmental agreement.

An environmental document is being drafted to explain the project in further detail to the various agencies who need to approve it.

South Carolina Department of Transportation spokesman Alex Bennett, right, discusses with resident Eva Walker the finer details of the proposed project to replace the US 301 Bridge over the Savannah River that connects Sylvania, Ga., to Allendale, SC.
South Carolina Department of Transportation spokesman Alex Bennett, right, discusses with resident Eva Walker the finer details of the proposed project to replace the US 301 Bridge over the Savannah River that connects Sylvania, Ga., to Allendale, SC.

The SCDOT is taking questions and comments for consideration through Thursday, May 26. A public comment meeting was held at USC Salkehatchie in Allendale on Thursday, May 12, for residents to ask questions and give input on the project. Many of the residents in attendance saw the benefits of the new bridge for the community.

"I think it's wonderful," said Eva Walker. "It's what this town needs."

"It's a great project, it's certainly needed," said Bill Robinson.

Those wanting to submit a question or comment may do so online at scdotgis.online/301bridgeoverSavannahRiver, email comments to BennettJA@scdot.org, or mail them to Bennett at P.O. Box 191 Columbia, SC 29202-0191.

This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: US 301 bridge over Savannah River could be replaced by 2026