South Carolina’s Movable Bridges Aren’t Going Anywhere Anytime Soon
When you think about impressive engineering feats, bridges probably come to mind. Especially the movable ones like those we have right here in South Carolina. These megastructures, which have been around for quite some time, highlight the beauty of blending old technology with modern needs. Even with all the leaps and bounds in technology, these movable bridges aren’t going anywhere any time soon.
A Bit of History
Of the roughly 8,400 bridges in South Carolina, only seven are movable. Movable bridges, like swing or drawbridges, harken back to a bygone era, providing a charming and unique draw for both locals and tourists. Many of the original movable bridges have been replaced over the years, but these seven continue to stand, functioning as both vital architectural landmarks and important passageways.
A Look at the Movable Bridges in South Carolina
Charleston County is home to four of these engineering wonders, while Horry County boasts two. When the swing bridge over the Harbor River was replaced in 2021, the Woods Memorial became Beaufort County’s sole remaining movable bridge. The Richard V. Woods Memorial Bridge, also known as the Lady’s Island Bridge, is an icon. Besides its day-to-day function of carrying traffic between downtown Beaufort and Lady’s Island, it’s also part of our Hollywood history, notably appearing in the 1994 film “Forrest Gump” as a Mississippi River bridge.
So what’s the future of these movable bridges? While their openings can sometimes interrupt traffic and any mechanical issues could lead to traffic snarls, they remain a beloved part of our heritage. Motorists, marine traffic, and pedestrians all rely on these bridges, and even with the occasional hiccup, these bridges are here to stay.
Keeping History Alive
Keeping these bridges operational isn’t a walk in the park. Movable bridge parts aren’t something you can easily find at your local hardware store. Often, these parts have to be crafted, a process that can take months. But the work is worth it. Each bridge, from Charleston County’s quartet to Beaufort County’s beloved Woods Memorial, represents a piece of local history – a legacy that deserves to be preserved.
A Final Word
In a time where everything seems to be replaced by the new and the digital, South Carolina’s movable bridges stand as a testament to our ability to find value in the old and the physical. So next time you find yourself waiting for a bridge to swing open or return to its position, take a moment to appreciate the feat of engineering you’re witnessing. The ride might be a little slower, but the view is hard to beat.
