News Summary
The Cannons Campground Road Bridge in Spartanburg County has been closed since May due to severe damage. Local businesses report significant income losses, with customer traffic dropping by up to 70%. The bridge’s closure has also hindered access to schools and essential services, raising concerns about community safety. The projected reopening is set for November 2025, as extensive repairs are needed, highlighting the urgency for bridge inspections and maintenance statewide.
South Carolina is facing significant disruptions following the closure of the Cannons Campground Road Bridge in Spartanburg County. The bridge over Peter’s Creek has been out of service since May 2024 due to extensive damage, leading to a projected total replacement. Local businesses report severe income losses, with estimates indicating a decrease of up to 70% in customer traffic.
Bavesh Patel, a convenience store owner, has noted a stark decline in business, averaging just one customer every 15 minutes, a stark contrast to the steady flow he experienced before the closure. The Cannons Campground Road serves as a critical two-lane entry point to Spartanburg’s east side, making the closure even more impactful for the local economy.
Currently, the road is anticipated to reopen in November 2025. Unfortunately, initial repair hopes were dashed upon discovering the extent of the damage, as extensive repairs were required instead of simple fixes. Local business owners like Darryl Mroz of Mr. Oz Engine Works have reported a 40% drop in business, attributing their losses to fewer customers passing by due to detours. Mroz highlighted that his commute to work has also increased significantly, necessitating an additional nine-mile detour.
The impact extends beyond local businesses. The closure of Cannons Campground Road disrupts access to nearby schools, retail outlets, and essential services, including the Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System’s campus. Concerns have been raised by residents about emergency access to hospitals, emphasizing the broader implications of the bridge’s closure on community safety and mobility.
As part of their response to the deteriorating conditions of bridges statewide, the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) reported that they oversee approximately 8,500 bridges, with 2,400 of these being over 60 years old. In 2024, a budget of $200 million was allocated by lawmakers for bridge repairs and replacements deemed in poor condition, supplemented by $239 million in federal funding. SCDOT plans to either repair or replace more than 150 bridges across the state within this framework.
Bridge Inspection and Maintenance Processes
To ensure safety, SCDOT conducts thorough inspections of bridges, checking for signs of damage, debris, pot holes, decay, and overall structural integrity. Bridges are rated on a scale of zero to nine, with a score of four or below indicating a need for major rehabilitation or replacement. Consequently, the Cannons Campground Road Bridge was assessed and found to require complete replacement.
Public Engagement and Future Planning
A public information session regarding the closure attracted about 200 attendees, emphasizing the community’s vested interest in the situation. Spartanburg County Council member David Britt has remarked on the critical role that Cannons Campground Road plays for residents and local businesses.
In recent months, structural safety has become an acute concern statewide, evidenced by incidents like the partial collapse of a bridge in Pickens County on July 21, which was caused by an overweight vehicle. SCDOT has reiterated the importance of adhering to posted weight limit signs to prevent further damage, noting that citations are regularly issued for violations. In 2025 alone, Spartanburg County recorded 261 citations for overweight vehicles, highlighting the need for compliance.
Local authorities are proactively urging drivers and operators of heavy vehicles to follow weight regulations to mitigate risks and avoid further incidents that could exacerbate the already challenging situation with the Cannons Campground Road closure. As repairs near commencement, the community continues to navigate these disruptions while awaiting restoration of this crucial transportation route.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- GoUpstate: Bridge Replacement to Keep Key East Spartanburg Road Closed into 2026
- WSPA: SCDOT Announces Temporary Closure of I-26 Bridge in Spartanburg Co.
- Fox Carolina: SCDOT Lane Closing I-26 Spartanburg Co. Bridge Repairs
- WYFF: Rare Diverging Diamond Interchange SC Duncan Bridge Closure
- Greenville Journal: Bridge Over I-85 in Duncan, SC to Close May 2
- Wikipedia: Bridge Inspection
- Google Search: South Carolina bridge closures
- Google Scholar: Bridge safety South Carolina
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Bridge
- Google News: Bridge repair South Carolina
