Newberry County Celebrates Reopening of John E. Caldwell Bridge After Three-Year Wait

Newberry County Welcomes Back the John E. Caldwell Bridge

Columbia, S.C. — The long wait is finally over! Residents of Newberry County are celebrating the reopening of the John E. Caldwell Bridge, affectionately known as the Boundary Street Bridge. After more than three years of extensive construction, the bridge made its official comeback on October 24. Initially expected to reopen in November 2022, unforeseen delays pushed the completion date another 11 months past that target.

A Sigh of Relief for Local Residents

Local resident Joe Goeckner shared his feelings about the bridge’s reopening, saying, “It’s been a long time coming because they really shut down our access off of Boundary Street. It’s probably been seven years ago or so.” Goeckner, who has been directly affected by the closure, expressed a sense of relief and joy at seeing the bridge once more welcoming vehicles and pedestrians.

The closure had caused some inconveniences for Goeckner and his church, situated close to the bridge’s exit onto Nance Street. While they had access to their parking lots via Nance Street, the bridge’s closure had resulted in increased congestion in the area. “I think it’s going to end up solving or improving those things anyway,” he noted, optimistic about a smoother flow of traffic now that the bridge is open again.

A Journey Through Time and Community Input

The trajectory of the Caldwell Bridge redevelopment dates back to 2013, when local residents first voiced their concerns during a county public information meeting. Goeckner noted that many residents were worried about how potential changes might affect their neighborhood. “They came out and were concerned it was going to change their neighborhood. I respect that, and I think at the end of the day the city got behind it and the DOT made that change,” he explained, showcasing a sense of community resilience and adaptability.

In 2014, the city had opted to replace the bridge instead of relocating it, a decision that had its own set of challenges. However, it wasn’t until September 2021 that construction work truly began. For seven long years, the community had to patiently wait as plans moved from paper to reality.

The Importance of the Caldwell Bridge

According to City Manager Jason Taylor, the Caldwell Bridge is more than just a structure; it’s an essential artery for the local community. “The Boundary Street Bridge is an important bridge to the city of Newberry. It connects two of our main arteries, Drayton Street and Nance Street,” Taylor stated, echoing sentiments shared by many in the area.

The successful reopening has filled community members with gratitude and relief. “We are very glad DOT took this project on, and they have done a wonderful job with getting the bridge reconstructed and open again,” Taylor added, thanking those involved in the project for their hard work and dedication.

Looking Forward

With the reopening of the John E. Caldwell Bridge, residents and visitors alike can now traverse the area with greater ease and less congestion. As the community looks toward the future, the bridge stands not just as a passageway but as a testament to collaboration, patience, and the importance of community infrastructure.

So, if you’re in or around Newberry County, be sure to take a drive across the newly restored bridge and appreciate the effort that has gone into bringing this vital connection back to life!