News Summary
The city of Greenville is set to begin replacing the South Hudson Street bridge starting in July 2025. With an estimated cost of $3.7 million, the project aims to enhance infrastructure following severe damage from Hurricane Helene. The bridge, which has been closed since late 2024, will be demolished and rebuilt over the Reedy River, with improvements to sidewalks and drainage systems planned. The construction is expected to take eight months, with a focus on minimizing disruptions in the area.
Greenville Prepares for South Hudson Street Bridge Replacement Starting July 2025
The city of Greenville is set to begin the replacement of the South Hudson Street bridge on July 7, 2025. This vital infrastructure project is estimated to cost $3.7 million and comes in response to severe damage sustained by the bridge during Hurricane Helene in late September 2024. The existing bridge structure has been closed since that time, necessitating its complete demolition and replacement.
Construction Timeline and Costs
The construction period is expected to extend until early 2026, with the project anticipated to take approximately eight months to complete once initiated. In light of minimizing disruptions in the area, the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) has strategically scheduled construction to commence after the conclusion of the Clemson MBA Fireworks event at Unity Park on July 3, 2025.
Project Details and Enhancements
The new bridge will be constructed over the Reedy River which runs near Unity Park, providing essential connectivity in the Greenville area. Alongside the bridge replacement, improvements will also be made to drainage systems and sidewalks along South Hudson Street, enhancing infrastructure safety and accessibility for residents and visitors alike.
Collaboration with Local Entities
The SCDOT is working in conjunction with the city of Greenville to ensure that the new bridge will effectively integrate with the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail. This collaboration aims to enhance local commuting options and support the growth of the regional transportation network.
Right-of-Way Acquisition
A critical step before the commencement of construction involves the right-of-way acquisition process. Recently, SCDOT has acquired 0.028 acres of land from Greenville County Schools for a sum of $50,000 to facilitate the project. This acquisition was approved by the school board on May 27, 2025, allowing for the necessary land use to begin executing the planned improvements. Furthermore, SCDOT aims to finalize the land ownership transition paperwork within the week following this approval.
Emergency Response Initiatives
The bridge replacement project is part of SCDOT’s emergency response plan addressing infrastructure compromised by hurricanes. The severe damage to the bridge was attributable to flooding resulting from both Tropical Storms Debby and Helene in the previous fall, highlighting the critical need for repairs in the wake of natural disasters.
Community Impact and Future Benefits
While the closure of the South Hudson Street bridge has presented challenges for local traffic flow, it is widely recognized that the eventual completion of the project will yield significant long-term benefits. The infrastructure upgrades are expected to improve overall safety and efficiency for all road users in Greenville. Additionally, the Duke Energy Foundation has contributed a $500,000 grant aimed at enhancing emergency preparedness, addressing ongoing challenges posed by climate-related events.
The city of Greenville is committed to ensuring a smooth transition during this infrastructure upgrade, ultimately striving to provide residents and visitors with a safer and more reliable route across the Reedy River. As the project progresses, further updates will be made available to keep the public informed of developments, anticipated timelines, and potential impacts on local traffic.
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Additional Resources
- Greenville Journal: South Hudson Street Bridge Replacement
- Greenville Online: Emergency Bridge Replacement in Greenville County
- Post and Courier: Helene Bridge Damage in Upstate Greenville
- Greenville Journal: Greenville Symphony Season Updates
- Roads and Bridges: SCDOT Plans to Replace Storm-Damaged Bridges
- Wikipedia: Greyhound Bus
- Google Search: Infrastructure improvement Greenville
- Google Scholar: South Carolina Department of Transportation
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Bridge Construction
- Google News: Greenville bridge replacement
