Costly decisions loom over aging bridge safety upgrades

In a recent government meeting, officials discussed the pressing need for seismic retrofitting of aging bridges in South Carolina. The conversation highlighted that many existing bridges, some over 50 years old, do not meet current seismic design requirements, raising concerns about their safety and longevity.

The Department of Transportation (DoT) presented cost estimates for structural rehabilitation of these bridges, which amounted to approximately $240 million. However, this figure did not include the additional costs associated with seismic retrofitting, which remains a critical factor given the potential risks of earthquakes. In contrast, constructing a new six-lane bridge was estimated at $178 million, suggesting that building new may be more cost-effective in the long run.

Officials acknowledged the difficulty in obtaining a detailed breakdown of costs related to seismic retrofitting, with some expressing skepticism about the financial implications of retrofitting versus new construction. The discussion underscored the importance of ensuring that any future bridge projects incorporate seismic safety measures, as mandated by regulations.

As the meeting concluded, there was a consensus on the need for the committee to endorse the final report on the bridge assessments. While the report will ultimately be presented to the council for further recommendations, committee members emphasized the importance of their approval to facilitate the next steps in addressing the state’s infrastructure challenges.