(Photo by Eddie Waits) Work on the SC Hwy. 20 bridge just north of Piedmont has come to a halt and South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) has issued a notice of default to the contractor. According to a news release, SCDOT had planned to re-open SC-20 over the Norfolk Southern and CSX Railroads on March 31, 2019.
However, this bridge deck replacement project fell behind schedule, and on April 1, 2019, SCDOT began assessing liquidated damages in the amount of $800 a day against the contractor, Extreme Concrete Cutting of Gaffney, SC. As work continued to progress at a much slower rate, then ultimately ceased, SCDOT issued a Notice of Default to the contractor.
SCDOT is currently evaluating options to complete this bridge deck replacement project and have it open to the public as soon as possible. Once a replacement contractor has been selected, SCDOT will provide more information about the completion date for this work. In the meantime, the public is asked to continue using the detour route posted for Old Pelzer Road (S-52) and Bessie Road (S-86).
For more information, the public may contact Resident Construction Engineer Jack Valetti at (864) 239-6091.
