Study begins to replace aging Harbor River bridge

Visitors will cross a new bridge to get to Hunting Island State Park in 2017, if all goes as planned.

An environmental study has begun on building a new bridge to replace the Harbor River span on U.S. 21 between St. Helena and Harbor islands, according to a state Department of Transportation letter released last week. The current half-mile span -- the only bridge that connects St. Helena to Hunting Island State Park -- is more than 75 years old and structurally deficient, according to the letter.

The $56 million project will start in 2017, according to a DOT estimate. Attempts Friday to reach a DOT official with knowledge of the project were unsuccessful.

Instead of a swing bridge, the new bridge will be a fixed structure similar to the bridge over Broad River. Officials have said it will include safety shoulders and sidewalks, which will make it safer for motorists and emergency vehicles.

The DOT and the Federal Highway Administration have started studying the project area for potential environmental effects, according to the letter.

The bridge will rise next to undeveloped marsh. Several federally protected animals visit the area, including loggerhead sea turtles, wood storks and manatees, according to the DOT letter.

"The project will be designed to minimize wetland impacts to the maximum extent practicable," the DOT letter said.

Noise and water-quality tests are also planned.

The DOT will take public comments on the environmental aspects of the project until July 23, according to the letter.

Those interested can contact the DOT at 803-737-2314.

Follow reporter Dan Burley on Twitter at twitter.com/IPBG_Dan.

Related content:

• DOT taking bids to replace Harbor River bridge, Feb. 27, 2014

This story was originally published June 27, 2015 at 2:19 PM with the headline "Study begins to replace aging Harbor River bridge."