BARNWELL COUNTY, S.C. (WJBF) — People in Barnwell and Burke Counties could soon have an easier way to get between the two.
“There’s been a movement for 50 years to do this,” Barnwell County Council Chairman Jerry Creech said.
A new bridge is expected to cut commute times and boost economic opportunities in both counties. The project involves building a bridge over the Savannah River, connecting Highway 125 in South Carolina with Highway 23 near Waynesboro.
“If you are up in Augusta area, you’ve got five or six different avenues you can go across that river. We don’t have that luxury down here,” Barnwell County Councilman Donald Harper added.
Only two bridges link South Carolina to Georgia in the area. One in Beech Island and the other 62 miles down the river.
“It’ll save everybody in Barnwell at least an hour, if not an hour and a half commute time. If you are working at Vogel or anything on Georgia’s side, it’ll save you at least an hour,” Creech said.
In addition to cutting commute times, it’s expected to provide convenience for residents and attract new businesses.