South Carolina DOT addresses aging bridges with $200M funding proposal
March 12, 2025 | Finance, Standing, Senate, Committees, Legislative, South Carolina
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The South Carolina Senate Finance Committee's Transportation and Regulatory Subcommittee held a budget hearing on March 12, 2025, focusing on critical infrastructure issues, particularly the state's aging bridge inventory. The meeting highlighted the urgent need for funding to address the deteriorating condition of bridges across South Carolina.
The South Carolina Department of Transportation (DOT) reported that the state owns approximately 8,400 bridges, with 2,400 of these being over 60 years old. Officials warned that if current investment levels remain unchanged, the number of aging bridges could rise to 3,900 within the next decade. This situation poses significant safety concerns, as around 600 to 700 bridges currently have load postings, and over 80 are closed due to damage, exacerbated by recent storms.
The committee expressed gratitude for a previous appropriation of $200 million from the General Assembly, of which $67 million has already been allocated. The DOT aims to fully commit these funds by the end of the fiscal year and is seeking an additional $200 million to further address bridge repairs and replacements.
In terms of budget projections, the DOT anticipates revenues of nearly $2.8 billion for the upcoming year, with a shift towards more state funding compared to federal sources. Approximately half of the budget will be dedicated to maintenance and system preservation, while significant investments are also planned for interstate projects and safety improvements.
The DOT outlined several funding requests, including a continuation of $120 million in matching funds from the General Assembly, additional funds for hurricane recovery efforts, and increased support for litter pickup initiatives. The agency also proposed changes to streamline the acquisition process for small parcels of land needed for infrastructure projects, which could save an estimated $10 million.
Overall, the meeting underscored the pressing need for increased investment in South Carolina's transportation infrastructure to ensure safety and maintain the integrity of the state's bridge network. The committee's discussions will inform future budget decisions as they work to address these critical issues.
The South Carolina Department of Transportation (DOT) reported that the state owns approximately 8,400 bridges, with 2,400 of these being over 60 years old. Officials warned that if current investment levels remain unchanged, the number of aging bridges could rise to 3,900 within the next decade. This situation poses significant safety concerns, as around 600 to 700 bridges currently have load postings, and over 80 are closed due to damage, exacerbated by recent storms.
The committee expressed gratitude for a previous appropriation of $200 million from the General Assembly, of which $67 million has already been allocated. The DOT aims to fully commit these funds by the end of the fiscal year and is seeking an additional $200 million to further address bridge repairs and replacements.
In terms of budget projections, the DOT anticipates revenues of nearly $2.8 billion for the upcoming year, with a shift towards more state funding compared to federal sources. Approximately half of the budget will be dedicated to maintenance and system preservation, while significant investments are also planned for interstate projects and safety improvements.
The DOT outlined several funding requests, including a continuation of $120 million in matching funds from the General Assembly, additional funds for hurricane recovery efforts, and increased support for litter pickup initiatives. The agency also proposed changes to streamline the acquisition process for small parcels of land needed for infrastructure projects, which could save an estimated $10 million.
Overall, the meeting underscored the pressing need for increased investment in South Carolina's transportation infrastructure to ensure safety and maintain the integrity of the state's bridge network. The committee's discussions will inform future budget decisions as they work to address these critical issues.
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