MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WBTW) – The Withers Swash Bridge on Broadway St. in Myrtle Beach was supposed to be finished with construction by April 30, but according to the South Carolina Department of Transportation, some delays slowed down the process.
WBTW first told you about the construction in November. According to SCDOT the bridge had to be torn down, and the road around it had to be raised, in order to meet new flood requirements. Anna Barnhill with SCDOT said there were some issues with utility lines that slowed down construction at the beginning. “We identified all the utilities before we got out there, but it’s still a challenge to work around everything in such a tight area as you have around a bridge.” She also mentioned the winter weather mixed with spring rain played a part in the delays as well.
Barnhill said one of the biggest factors is that there are many other road construction projects happening but not enough staff. “The big ticket projects and then also lots of resurfacing that is happening right now in the county,” said Barnhill. “Just a lot of work going on and a limited number of contractors.” She said it’s a good thing there are road improvement projects happening, but she said the contractors are being spread thin.
SCDOT is now expecting the road and the bridge to reopen by the end of July, weather permitting.
