The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT), in partnership with the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT), announced April 6, 2026, 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.
The project is supported by a significant federal investment made possible through one of the largest federal discretionary grant awards ever received by SCDOT, 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 Gov. 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."
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 U.S. 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."
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, visit scdot.org/business/I-95-LakeMarion.html.
