Coast Guard, DOT will allow modified schedule to avoid delays
From staff reports
Beginning later this month, if you’re late getting where you’re going, it’s going to be a little bit harder to blame it on the bridge being turned, at least temporarily.
According to a news release from the City of Beaufort on Friday, March 8, the Woods Memorial Bridge opening schedule will be modified beginning March 25 to allow continuous traffic flow during morning and evening rush hours, with some exceptions.
“This adjustment to the schedule has been in the works for almost a year. We’ve collaborated with Beaufort County, the South Carolina Department of Transportation, and the United States Coast Guard to bring about this change,” Beaufort City Manager Scott Marshall said in the news release. “Special acknowledgment is extended to State Rep. Shannon Erickson for her invaluable support and advocacy throughout this process.”
The U.S. Coast Guard has authorized the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT), which operates the historic swing bridge, to remain operable for vehicular traffic from 6 a.m. to 9:29 a.m. and 3:31 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday beginning on March 25 and ending on Sept. 29 of this year.
This is a temporary change to test the feasibility of this schedule, and may result in a permanent change after the evaluation period, SCDOT said.
Currently, the swing mechanism on the bridge opens once an hour on the half hour to let boat traffic through. During these periods, but especially during rush hours, there is considerable traffic backup on both sides of the bridge, which connects downtown Beaufort to Lady’s Island.
From 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, the bridge will continue to open once an hour on the half hour, as needed.
“We are grateful to our dedicated partners with the USCG, SCDOT, City of Beaufort, and our local representatives to accomplish this temporary schedule change,” Interim County Administrator John Robinson said in the release. “The connection from downtown Beaufort to Lady’s Island is crucial for both vehicular and waterway traffic, and Beaufort County remains a committed partner in ensuring smooth operations and enhanced quality of life for all residents.”
The drawtender, who operates the opening and closing of the bridge, is authorized to open the draw regardless of the schedule for:
- Vehicles in distress, where a delay would endanger life or property;
- Commercial vessels engage in rescue or emergency salvage operations; and
- Vessels seeking shelter from severe weather.
Concerned about the extensive traffic backup caused by the openings of the swing bridge during rush hours, the City of Beaufort, Beaufort County, and SCDOT worked on possible solutions for about six months, Assistant County Administrator Jared Fralix said.
“We have been working on a traffic study to make an informed request to the Coast Guard, which is responsible for managing the passage as a navigable waterway. Concurrent with the traffic study being performed locally, SCDOT had the opportunity to request the Coast Guard to change the bridge opening to a schedule similar to the Wappoo Creek Bridge near James Island,” Fralix said. “Thanks to that request, the Coast Guard has agreed to a temporary deviation from the existing opening schedule for a 6-month trial period. After the trial, they will assess the changes to determine if permanent changes are acceptable.”
Those who worked on the project included Justin Powell and Rob Perry of SCDOT, S.C. Rep. Erickson; Marshall and Community Development Director Curt Freese from the City of Beaufort; and Transportation Planner Kevin Sullivan and Fralix from Beaufort County.
