Exciting Changes Proposed for Traffic Flow on Woods Memorial Bridge in Beaufort

Exciting Changes Ahead for the Woods Memorial Bridge in Beaufort

Beaufort residents, have you heard the latest buzz about the Woods Memorial Bridge? The U.S. Coast Guard is proposing some pretty significant changes that could make your daily commute a lot smoother! If you’ve ever been stuck waiting for the swing bridge to open during those busy morning and afternoon hours, this news is definitely for you.

What’s the Proposal?

The Coast Guard’s plan aims to keep the Woods Memorial Bridge open to vehicle traffic during the busiest times of the day. This change means that from 6 a.m. to 9:29 a.m. and again from 3:31 p.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays, the bridge will only open for emergencies or a few specific exceptions. After all, who wants to sit in traffic waiting for a boat when you’re just trying to get to work or home?

Currently, the bridge opens for boat traffic regularly, but the hope is that by restricting openings during peak hours, drivers won’t have to endure those frustrating delays. Instead, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., the bridge would still open on the half-hour for boat traffic, allowing for necessary maritime passage without completely halting road traffic.

A Brief History

Now, a bit of background on this historic bridge. The Woods Memorial Bridge, a beloved part of our community, first opened its doors to traffic in 1959 and has been a crucial link between downtown Beaufort and Lady’s Island ever since. It replaced a much older swing bridge that had been operational since 1927. In 1971, it was renamed in honor of Richard V. Woods, a local trooper who tragically lost his life in the line of duty.

Did you know that the Woods Memorial Bridge is now one of only five bridges in South Carolina listed on the National Register of Historic Places? It’s a significant piece of our local history and culture, with a design that allows its center span to pivot open horizontally, letting boats navigate the Intracoastal Waterway beneath.

Driving & Boating Statistics

In 2022 alone, the bridge opened a staggering 1,659 times to allow boats to pass! That’s a lot of good old-fashioned swinging! Interestingly, there’s been a notable range of activity too, with a low of just 70 openings in September and a peak of 269 openings in November. It indicates just how vital this bridge is, not only for vehicles but also for numerous vessels navigating our historic waterways.

Prior data from 2021 recorded an average of 13,700 vehicle crossings each day. With that volume of traffic, it’s clear why the new proposals could really benefit daily commuters.

How to Share Your Thoughts

Now, if you’re interested in having your say on this proposal, the Coast Guard is actively inviting public feedback. If you want to voice your support or concerns, you can head over to the Federal Register by searching for document number USCG-2024-0198 at regulations.gov. Make sure to submit your thoughts by December 9, 2024, to have your voice heard as they finalize this important decision.

In Closing

In a community as vibrant as Beaufort, changes like these can make a big difference in our daily lives. This proposal is an exciting opportunity to enhance the balance between local traffic and maritime activity while preserving the charm of our historic bridge. Let’s make sure our voices are heard and help shape the future of our beloved Woods Memorial Bridge!