SCDOT, USDOT break ground on I-95 bridges over Lake Marion replacement project
April 7, 2026
The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT), in partnership with the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT), announced the groundbreaking of the Interstate 95 bridges over Lake Marion replacement project, one of the most significant infrastructure investments in South Carolina.
The project will replace the existing northbound and southbound bridges over Lake Marion, originally constructed in the 1960s, with modern structures designed to improve safety, reliability, and mobility along the I-95 corridor. This critical route serves as a major artery for freight and passenger travel along the East Coast.
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The project is supported by a significant federal investment made possible through one of the largest federal discretionary grant awards ever received by the South Carolina Department of Transportation, underscoring the strong partnership between state and federal leaders to modernize America’s infrastructure. Following a concerted effort by U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy, this $175 million grant award was a USDOT milestone first federal grant agreement under the Bridge Investment Program. “Today’s groundbreaking is a proud moment for Team South Carolina and a testament to what can be accomplished when state and federal partners work together to deliver for the people of South Carolina,” said South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster. “These new bridges will strengthen one of our most important transportation corridors, improve safety for drivers, and help drive continued economic development across our state.” |
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I-95 is one of the most heavily traveled interstate highways in the nation, connecting major markets from Florida to Maine. The Lake Marion bridges are a vital link in that network, carrying thousands of vehicles each day, including a significant volume of commercial traffic. “For years, we have worked to secure the resources needed to modernize this critical corridor,” said United States Congressman James E. Clyburn. “This investment will not only improve safety and reliability but also strengthen our economy by ensuring goods can move efficiently along the East Coast. I am proud to support this project and the benefits it will bring to South Carolina and beyond.” USDOT officials emphasized the national significance of the project and its role in strengthening the country’s transportation network. “The Trump Administration is delivering results at an unprecedented pace to rebuild America’s crumbling infrastructure one project at a time,” said Federal Highway Administrator Sean McMaster. “This investment in South Carolina exemplifies Secretary Duffy’s leadership to get America Building Again and put shovels in the ground to deliver for South Carolina’s transportation needs, not just for South Carolina today, but for its future.” “This project represents a major milestone for South Carolina and for everyone who relies on I-95,” said Justin Powell, Secretary of Transportation for SCDOT. “Replacing the Lake Marion bridges ensures we are delivering a safer, more reliable corridor that supports economic growth and keeps people and goods moving efficiently through our state for decades to come.” The project includes full replacement of both bridge structures and improvements to the surrounding roadway approaches. Once complete, the new bridges will meet current engineering standards and provide long-term durability with reduced maintenance needs. Construction is expected to take several years, with work phased to minimize disruptions to traffic along this vital interstate corridor. For more information about the project, visit: https://projectportal.scdot.
About SCDOT The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) is the state agency with oversight of South Carolina’s network of highways and bridges, including responsibilities such as planning, design, construction, financing, and roadway safety. To ensure the nation’s fourth-largest highway system is prepared to serve the needs of South Carolina’s growing economy and population, SCDOT has developed a Strategic 10-Year Plan that addresses improvements to the state’s highway and bridge systems. Learn more at scdot.org. |
