THIS IS WHAT HAPPENS WHEN POLITICIANS RUN A ROADS SYSTEM …
In reporting on a questionable $88 million highway project in the Columbia, S.C. area earlier this week, we reiterated our case for better prioritization of the state’s increasingly abundant infrastructure resources.
In our story, we specifically mentioned chronic issues with Interstate 85 – a major thoroughfare running through the Palmetto Upstate (Oconee, Anderson, Greenville, Spartanburg and Cherokee counties).
How bad are things along this major commercial artery?
Well, here’s a look at the underside of a bridge carrying the northbound exit ramp over Interstate 85 in Greenville county …
(Click to enlarge)
(Pics provided)
This one of the busiest interchanges in the state. The fact that any bridge – let alone such a highly-trafficked one – is in such deplorable condition is absolutely inexcusable.
Lately things have gotten worse …
According to WYFF TV 4 (NBC – Greenville/ Spartanburg), earlier this week “vibration from nearby construction caused concrete to fall off one of the bridge columns.” S.C. Department of Transportation (SCDOT) crews are working to repair the bridge, but as of this writing a truck restriction remains in place.
Unreal …
This is what happens when corrupt, self-serving politicians run a roads system.
Seriously: Our leaders want to spend millions of dollars on “wetlands mitigation” for totally unnecessary new Interstates – yet the ones they have are falling apart.
All while the base budget for the SCDOT has doubled over the last six years …