Movable Bridges: Trusty Old Technology with a Big Future
Sticking Around in South Carolina
If bridges make you think of a stable, solid construction that doesn’t budge an inch, prepare for a surprise. Some bridges, you see, aren’t aware of such formalities and swing or lift whenever needed. Seven such movable bridges still exist in South Carolina, and they’re relics of an older time. But, notably, unlike their static cousins, movable bridges come with their own charm and a technology that hasn’t outlived its usefulness.
The Woods Memorial Bridge
Take the 65-year-old Woods Memorial Bridge for instance. To anyone who stands on it feels a slight tremor as the entire bridge shifts a couple of inches before rotating 90 degrees to let sailboats with tall masts navigate through. The mechanism can be nerve-wracking to first-time users but brings a smirk to anyone who’s compared bridges with earthquakes.
While most people associate bridges with stability and permanence, Woods Memorial shatters this illusion. That’s what makes it cool and unique. If you think of it, the old technology it employs is fascinating. It’s not every day you see an enormous structure moving to make way for the passing traffic.
But, honestly, referring to moveable bridges with words like ‘modern’ feels a bit out of place. They’re from a different time, a different era altogether. They have a sort of old-timey appeal to them that sticks.
Disappearing Breeds But Sticking Around
Out of the approximately 8,400 bridges in South Carolina, only seven are movable. Many earlier bridges have been replaced to accommodate modern traffic needs. There are now four movable bridges in Charleston County, two in Horry County, and the Woods Memorial in Beaufort County remains the only one of its kind. And the best part? They’re not going anywhere.
These bridges bear a sense of history that resonates with the local population and visitors. Rob Perry, a state DOT deputy secretary of engineering, affirmatively added, “They’re a part of our history. Some of these movable bridges, like our historic buildings in Beaufort or Charleston, deserve to be maintained as long as possible.”
The Woods Memorial Bridge, which serves as a connecting lifeline for a chain of islands, is in good shape structurally. Perry suggests that it could go under rehab in the next 10-years or so, but there are no immediate plans to replace or dismantle it.
Tending a Movable Bridge
So, how do these bridges operate? There are bridge operators who double as the lighthouse keepers of the highway system. These professionals keep watch around the clock and ensure the safe movement of marine traffic. They are highly skilled operators trained to manually perform a bridge opening in the unlikely event of a technical fault.
When a boat operator requests an opening, the bridge tender then initiates a series of programmed electronic and hydraulic processes to lift or swing the bridge. The process is delicate, sophisticated and takes about 10 minutes—efficient, considering the bulk and complexity of the structures they deal with.
The Cultural Impact
More than just serving as transport lifelines, these movable bridges hold a certain cultural charm for the local populations. Beaufort Mayor Phil Cromer hailed the Woods Memorial Bridge as a significant landmark for the city, calling it a point of pride for the residents. Cynthia Jenkins, from the Historic Beaufort Foundation, pointed out that the Woods Memorial’s inherent limitations have so far limited the extent of urban development in the area. She also hinted that its absence might have led to a havoc of development.
In a nutshell, the old technology employed by movable bridges in South Carolina is far from its expiry. Merging functionality with a quaint charm, they seem to have found their place in modern society. No matter what part of South Carolina you visit, make sure to experience these relics. They might move and shake a bit, but they’re definitely here to stay.
