Old Technology with an Unstoppable Future: Movable Bridges of South Carolina
It might be a bit of a brain twister, but if you’ve ever journeyed over the 65-year old Woods Memorial Bridge in Beaufort, South Carolina you’d know exactly what I mean. As the metal center of the bridge begins to disconnect from the approach decks, you can’t help but feel a little dizzy. The four solid steel wedges holding up the bridge’s weight are pulled out, and the mid-section plunges onto a massive bearing that then rotates 90 degrees to the left.
After a minute or two, the waterway underneath is cleared allowing the mighty ships to pass by – usually some super-tall sailboats cruising through this region of the Beaufort River. The thunderous noise of the metallic-gray drawbridge coming down, though only by a few inches, makes it feel like an earthquake just hit. Your mind races, trying to make sense of the perceived movement with the knowledge that bridges don’t randomly fall.
Historical Technological Gems
Movable bridges, or drawbridges, are testament to a bygone era of technology. Out of nearly 8,400 bridges that dot South Carolina, only seven are movable. Tourism officials in the state don’t exactly have data on how many sites like these used to exist along the South Carolina coastline. However, we do know that several structures like the original Hilton Head and Edisto islands bridges, and also the bridges that linked Johns Island to James Island and Charleston county mainland, have been replaced. Now, only four movable bridges are still functional in Charleston County, and two are at home in Horry County.
When the swing bridge that traversed over the Harbor River was substituted with a new one back in 2021, the Woods Memorial Bridge became the only surviving movable bridge in Beaufort County. As per Robert Perry, the state DOT deputy secretary of engineering, “Some of these movable bridges, like our historical buildings in Beaufort or Charleston, warrant to be sustained and kept in a top-notch state as long as attainable. They’re a fragment of our history.”
Movable Bridges and Modern Challenges
These picturesque, movable bridges do have their downsides too. Openings disrupt the flow of traffic, and any mechanical glitches can worsen any existing traffic problems – more so in smaller towns such as Beaufort. If Woods Memorial Bridge gets stuck in an open position, even for a few extra minutes, it can cause vehicles to queue up on Carteret and Bay streets, creating instant traffic chaos.
However, in some cases, the amount of marine and surface traffic make it necessary to consider alternatives to a movable bridge. The DOT works in collaboration with the U.S. Coast Guard to establish the best way to build over navigable waterways. The Coast Guard favor higher structures like the Isle of Palms connector and the new Harbor River Bridge.
The Pros and Cons of High-Level Modern Bridge Design
To provide adequate clearance and avoid steep grades, these high-level bridges need to be much longer. In certain locations, accommodating for the extra length isn’t an issue, but in areas steeped in historical charm like downtown Beaufort, it’s a whole different ball game. The idea of extending a long bridge through the historic district of South Carolina’s second-oldest city appears quite improbable.
Maintaining these movable bridges is also vitally important. The availability of spare parts for these structures is extremely limited and often needs to be manually produced which can take up to several months. That being said, for many locals, the hard work that goes into maintaining bridges like the Woods Memorial is undeniably worth it. They symbolize more than just functional infrastructure, and are beloved landmarks that represent the history and charm of the place.
