Beaufort Residents Debate Proposed Changes to Woods Memorial Bridge Schedule

Beaufort Contemplates Changes to the Woods Memorial Bridge Schedule

In the charming city of Beaufort, South Carolina, a proposed change to the operation of the historic Woods Memorial Bridge is generating a lively discussion. The U.S. Coast Guard is seeking feedback on a new plan that would allow the bridge to remain open to vehicular traffic for extended periods during the busy morning and afternoon hours. This change comes after years of frustration for both drivers and boaters.

A Bridge in Demand

The Woods Memorial Bridge spans the scenic Beaufort River and serves as a vital connection between downtown Beaufort and Lady’s Island. According to the South Carolina Department of Transportation, approximately 14,000 cars cross the bridge daily. However, it has gained a reputation for malfunctioning, often causing lengthy delays for drivers. In fact, delays can reach up to 8 to 10 minutes for each boat passing through, making the bridge a bottleneck for traffic.

Understanding the Proposal

The proposed schedule, if approved, would restrict bridge openings for boat traffic during peak traffic times—namely from 6 a.m. to 9:29 a.m. and 3:31 p.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays. During the day, the bridge would only open once an hour for boats, allowing smaller vessels to pass through at any time without needing the bridge to lift. These changes are aimed at reducing corrosive traffic congestion experienced by drivers.

Responses: Splitting Opinions

Feedback on this proposal has been rolling in, and it’s clear that opinions are split wide open. Many motorists are cheering for the change. For example, locals like Laura Hamm, who works nearby, noticed a significant improvement in traffic flow since the temporary restrictions were put in place in March. “It allows for heavier traffic to pass while easing the weight on the aging structure itself,” she noted.

On the flip side, boaters are voicing their concerns. They fear that limiting bridge operation will hinder access to the beautiful Beaufort waterfront. Sailboat skipper Geri Connors argued that residents and motorists should not be prioritized over boat traffic. “Let’s give residents here a break,” she said, calling for a balanced approach to bridge use during the day.

Challenging History

The Woods Memorial Bridge, which opened in 1959 and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2003, has seen ongoing traffic challenges for decades. A study in 1994 hinted at the need for a fixed span bridge that wouldn’t disrupt traffic for boaters, but that idea has yet to materialize. As the bridge continues to show its age, concerns about malfunctions and delays have only intensified.

Boaters’ Voices Rise

Representatives from local boating organizations are vocal about the adverse effects of the proposed changes. Ken Chumley, president of the Marina Trawler Owners Association, warned that closing the bridge more frequently risks decreasing safety on the waterways, especially as more vessels might navigate the waters in darkness due to unpredictable openings.

Next Steps

The Coast Guard is committed to gathering community input, inviting everyone to weigh in on this matter. Comments on the proposal will be accepted until December 9. Those interested in sharing their thoughts can find information in the Federal Register under document number USCG-2024-0198.

As Beaufort navigates this complex issue that impacts both land and water traffic, it’s clear that local residents, boaters, and officials are eager for solutions that balance both needs. Whether this proposal will set a precedent for future operations remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the conversation has just begun.