13th Street Bridge renovations on hold amid rising challenges
NORTH AUGUSTA, S.C.(WRDW/WAGT) - The 13th Street Bridge is crossed by thousands of people each day going to and from Augusta or North Augusta.
The Georgia Department of Transportation has had plans to replace the bridge since 2021.
Construction was supposed to start this year but delays have put the project to a halt.
According to GDOT, more than 2,100 cars go across the 13th Street Bridge every day.
GDOT says while the bridge is still fully functional, gradual deterioration is making the project a priority that will have to be addressed.
2 young males dead after boat overturns in Screven County
Two young males are dead after their boat overturned while fishing, according to the Screven County Sheriff’s Office.
It’s been more than 30 years since one of the busiest bridges connecting Garden City and South Carolina’s riverfront has gotten a makeover.
The 85-year-old bridge has not been upgraded since 1991 when it went from two lanes to four.
People like North Augusta resident Matt Lyon say the 13th Street Bridge is more than just getting people across state lines – it’s people’s livelihood.
“I mean, getting back and forth to Downtown Augusta and out Riverwatch, I-20. I mean, it’s the main thoroughfare,” said Lyon.
GDOT says plans have been in the works to replace the old bridge since 2021, but rising construction costs and property challenges have put the project on hold for a couple of years.
“We have a narrow space to work with when you look at this property right here, and then you’ve got the homes on the other side of the bridge,” said Will Volk, GDOT district 2 communications specialist. “So it’s just trying to make sure we can achieve all those things while limiting the inconvenience as much as possible.”
GDOT says they’re working closely with city officials on both sides of the river to make the bridge more accessible for people to walk and bike by having dedicated pedestrian space on both sides of the bridge.
Lyon says with the big scale of the project, he’s a little concerned about how this will impact day-to-day commutes.
Parents raise alarm after video shows gun come out during school fight
After what appeared to be a gun fell to the floor during a fight between students at Butler High School, parents are raising questions as to why there are no metal detectors in our public schools.
“Because of the amount of traffic that goes back and forth there and the amount of people that live in North Augusta, but are working downtown or work on Riverwatch, it’s just a lot of people getting across that bridge every day,” said Lyon.
Lyon says even though the project is a few years out, he’s ready for the quality of life it will bring.
“I can’t wait for that to happen,” said Lyon. “I mean, you know, being delayed now I’ll be a little bit older, but hopefully I can continue to run across the bridge.”
GDOT says because of challenges with funding and property negotiations, the project has been pushed back until at least 2028.
They have a deadline to get things started no later than 2032, so they can fulfill their responsibility with the Transportation Investment Act.
This is a sales tax ed by voters in 2020 to help regions get funding for projects like this one.
Copyright 2025 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
