Socastee swing bridge closed to traffic for ‘at least a week’ following deadly crash on Monday

SOCASTEE, S.C. (WBTW) — The Socastee swing bridge will be closed for “at least a week” while repairs are made to the bridge after a deadly crash on Monday, the South Carolina Department of Transportation said.

“Safety and mobility are a top priority for the agency,” said Christy A. Hall, Secretary of Transportation. “To expedite repairs, I have authorized an emergency contract for work on this historic bridge in the Socastee community.”

SCDOT said it will continue to coordinate closely with the Coast Guard to determine if the bridge can be safely opened for marine traffic.

A Myrtle Beach man died late Monday morning after his vehicle crashed into the bridge and went into the Intracoastal Waterway. The bridge is on Dick Pond Road over the ICW.

SCDOT said inspection crews worked Monday night and planned to continue their work Tuesday morning. SCDOT said it plans to provide an update on the condition of the bridge once the inspection is finished.

Sky13 drone video taken Tuesday morning showed barricades in place and the bridge still closed.

In the meantime, traffic is being detoured using Highway 544. Motorists are asked to use caution in the area to keep crews safe and allow motorists to adjust to the detour route.

According to information on the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places website, the bridge was completed in 1935 and opened in 1936, marking the completion of the Intracoastal Waterway in South Carolina. It is a part of the Socastee Historic District.

It is 217 feet long and about 24 feet wide.

Count on News13 for updates.