Celebrations in Newberry as Caldwell Bridge Reopens After Three Long Years
Newberry, South Carolina, has something to cheer about! After more than three years of waiting and a few unexpected delays, the John E. Caldwell Bridge, also affectionately known as the Boundary Street Bridge, has officially reopened as of October 24. For many locals, it feels like a long-awaited homecoming.
Community Members Share Their Relief
The reopening of the bridge has certainly sparked joy among residents, like Joe Goeckner, who have felt the impact of its closure. “It’s been a long time coming since they really shut down our access off of Boundary Street,” Joe shared, revealing that this disruption began around seven years ago. The closure didn’t just inconvenience him personally; his church, located near the bridge, also felt the effects. “We had access to our parking lots off of Nance Street, but it created a lot of congestion,” he explained. Now, with the bridge back in use, he believes it’s going to “improve those things anyway.”
A Glance Back in Time
The journey to this reopening has been quite the saga. Plans for the bridge reconstruction began during a public information meeting back in 2013. At that time, community members voiced their concerns about the potential changes to their neighborhood, worried about how the new bridge would affect their daily lives. Joe, who attended that meeting, could still remember those sentiments. “They came out and were concerned it was going to change their neighborhood. I respect that,” he noted, reflecting on how the city ultimately decided to go forward with the bridge reconstruction instead of relocating it.
Despite the initial enthusiasm, the community faced a lengthy wait. It was only in September 2021 that construction officially kicked off, leading to the closure that many found inconvenient. However, the patience of the residents has finally paid off!
City Manager Weighs In
City Manager Jason Taylor also recognized the bridge’s importance, stating, “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.” He further expressed gratitude towards the Department of Transportation for stepping up to tackle this significant project. According to Taylor, the completed bridge isn’t just an infrastructure improvement; it’s also a boost for the community’s connectivity and flow.
Looking Ahead
The reopening of the John E. Caldwell Bridge is much more than just the return of a piece of infrastructure; it’s a victory for the community members who advocated for the project through the years. With this vital connection reinstated, many are hopeful for a more streamlined traffic experience.
As Newberry begins to adjust to life with the reopened bridge, residents can reflect on the journey it took to get here. While there was a lot of talk and deliberation over the years, it’s clear that the bridge is more than just a path over the water; it symbolizes resilience and the ability of a community to unite for change.
So, here’s to the John E. Caldwell Bridge and the many journeys that will cross it in the years to come. Whether it’s your morning commute, a trip to church, or just a leisurely drive around Newberry, the reopening of this bridge is a good reason to celebrate!
