Clyburn Joins Groundbreaking for I-95 Bridges Over Lake Marion Replacement Project

Santee, South Carolina - Congressman James E. Clyburn of South Carolina joined local leaders and officials for the groundbreaking ceremony marking the start of construction on the replacement of the I-95 bridges over Lake Merion in Clarendon County.

This major infrastructure investment will enhance safety, improve traffic flow, support regional and interstate commerce along one of the Southeast's most critical transportation corridors. The I-95 bridges over Lake Marion serve as a vital link for freight and passenger travel along the East Coast. The replacement project will modernize the corridor, improve structural integrity, and enhance long-term reliability for motorists traveling through South Carolina.

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. This $175 million grant award was a USDOT milestone first federal grant agreement under the Bridge Investment Program.

"For years, we have worked to secure the resources needed to modernize this critical corridor," said 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."

"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."

"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.

Additional project details are available here.