The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) is beginning the replacement of the I-95 bridges over Lake Marion, one of the most significant infrastructure projects in the state. These bridges are a critical component of the I-95 corridor, which serves as a major route for freight movement, tourism, and daily travel along the East Coast.

The existing bridges, originally constructed in the 1960s, are approaching the end of their service life. This project will:

• Replace aging bridge structures with modern, resilient infrastructure
• Improve safety for motorists
• Enhance traffic flow and reduce congestion
• Support economic growth and freight efficiency along the I-95 corridor

• Full replacement of all northbound and southbound I-95 bridges over Lake Marion
• Construction of new bridge structures designed to meet current engineering and safety standards
• Improvements to approaches and roadway connections to enhance traffic flow

This project represents a major investment in South Carolina’s infrastructure and has received significant federal support, including a competitive grant award of $175 million through the Bridge Improvement Program (BIP), $50 million grant award for Promoting Resilient Operations for Transformative, Efficient, and Cost-saving Transportation (PROTECT), and $24 million in Transportation Alternative Program (TAP) funds for accommodating multimodal facilities in the design. State and federal partners have worked collaboratively to secure the resources needed to move this $400M+ project forward.

• Safety: Modern bridge design featuring wider shoulders and future lane accommodations, will minimize risks and improve driver confidence
• Reliability: New structures will provide long-term durability, reduce maintenance needs, and ensure hurricane evacuation route stability
• Mobility: Improved traffic flow will reduce delays for both passenger and commercial vehicles
• Economic Impact: Strengthens a vital freight corridor, supporting regional and national commerce
• Multimodal access: A barrier-separated shared use path for pedestrians, cyclists, and other vulnerable road users will provide safe access north and south of Lake Marion as well as access to the Palmetto Trail

On June 1, 2023, SCDOT held a public information meeting regarding the proposed replacement of four bridges of Interstate 95 that span over Lake Marion in Clarendon and Orangeburg Counties. The meeting was held at the Santee Conference Center, located at 1737 Bass Drive, Santee, SC 29142. The meeting had a drop-in type format with displays for viewing and citizens had an opportunity to provide written comments. There was no formal presentation at the meeting.

While engineering will take time, we will continue to provide updates on the progress of the project via this project page. Be sure to hit the "follow" button at the top of this page to receive direct notifications sent to your inbox.

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