On Friday, August 2, 2024, U.S. Representative Jim Clyburn of South Carolina delivered a speech during the award ceremony for a $175 million federal grant. The grant was allocated for the replacement of the I-95 bridge over Lake Marion. A photo captured by Abraham Kenmore of the SC Daily Gazette shows Rep. Clyburn speaking at the event.
U.S. Rep. James Clyburn expressed his excitement for a less visible yet equally important aspect of the $175 million federal grant awarded on Friday for the construction of a new bridge for Interstate 95 over Lake Marion in Summerton – clean drinking water. While the new bridge may be the obvious outcome of the grant, the provision of clean drinking water is a significant benefit that should not be overlooked.
Clarendon County is finally getting a solution to its longstanding water supply problem as a 24-inch pipe will be attached to the bridge to bring drinking water into the town of Summerton. The town has been grappling with issues related to its water system for years. Congressman Clyburn, who was shown the plans for the structure by state Secretary of Transportation Justin Powell, requested that the design include piping from the Lake Marion Regional Water Authority into Clarendon.
According to Clyburn, the cost of the proposal increased by $33 million, but he strongly believes that it will be a worthwhile investment in improving water service for the small community of 800 people.
When Clyburn talked to Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg for the first time, he emphasized that the issue was not just about the bridge, but something more significant. Clyburn shared with Buttigieg the failures of the system in Summerton, and to his satisfaction, Buttigieg listened attentively without saying no or interrupting him.
The much-awaited federal funding finally arrived last month.
$175M federal grant enables SC to build new I-95 bridge over Lake Marion
During the award ceremony, state and federal officials graced the occasion at the lake. Governor Henry McMaster and Senator Lindsey Graham were present alongside Clyburn, Powell, and Polly Trottenberg, the federal deputy secretary of transportation. The event took place on a pedestrian bridge that will be replaced in the new construction.
According to Graham, he and Jim Clyburn have collaborated on various occasions, usually pertaining to matters similar to this one. Graham mentioned that every time he reaches out to Clyburn, he responds with a positive attitude and an eagerness to accomplish the task at hand.
The project’s expenses will be divided between the federal grant and other sources. The federal grant will account for 50% of the total cost, while the remaining expenses will be covered by $105 million from South Carolina’s standard share of federal highway funding and $70 million from state taxes.
The bridges that currently span across the massive lake were constructed in 1968 and are the sole route available. However, due to their age, these spans may require weight restrictions by next year. In case of closure, commuters will have to endure a 70-mile detour on a highway that runs along the East Coast.
Graham expressed the urgent need for a new bridge, emphasizing that time is of the essence.
Senator Graham is among the 19 Republican colleagues who supported the federal infrastructure law, which has bipartisan backing. However, Senator Tim Scott, South Carolina’s junior senator, voted against it. Notably, none of the Republican members of the House from South Carolina backed the bill. The funds for this infrastructure law are derived from various sources.
According to the federal Department of Transportation’s Trottenberg, South Carolina had to compete with other states to obtain a portion of the federal funds.
Trottenberg expressed her excitement for the project and acknowledged the significance of the occasion. “You’re among an exclusive group, with only 13 projects across the country receiving a total of five billion dollars in funding,” she stated. “It’s a privilege to be here, and I’m eager to collaborate closely with all of you on this endeavor.”
Initially, the bridge will have three lanes of traffic each way, and it will be 130 feet wide to accommodate them. Eventually, there will be enough space for four lanes each way, and there will also be ample room on each side for shoulders wide enough to allow a car to pull over.
As per the state DOT, there will be a 14-foot-wide path alongside the span for bicyclists and pedestrians to cross the lake, safely separated from traffic by concrete and fencing. Once completed, the walkway will connect to the Palmetto Trail, a vast network of trails spanning a distance of 500 miles from Lowcountry to Upstate.
According to Powell, the DOT aims to secure the project’s contract by next year, with an estimated completion time of three to four years. He reassured that traffic will not be disrupted during the construction of the new bridge, as it will be built in phases while the old bridges are gradually demolished.
Powell expressed his excitement about a long-awaited day that has finally arrived. Many people had doubts about whether it would ever happen, but Powell is thrilled to confirm that it is now a reality rather than just a dream.