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UPDATE| York Street Bridge construction underway; expected finish in March

Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2016 News 12 First at Five

AIKEN, S.C. (WRDW/WAGT) — A loud noise outside people’s houses on York Street is good sign for people like Charlie Haneman.

“I’m glad to see it finally started,” he said, “We’ve been anticipating this for awhile, hope it’s going to go quick and smooth.”

Construction on Aiken’s York Street bridges is underway after much debate to keep the bridges wooden look. Now crews are clearing trees, a welcome noise for some.

“The trees are coming out and we’re happy to see that open up and cleaned up,” Haneman said.

But not a happy sight for everyone like Tom Misiag and his struggling business.

“Right now I feel it’s going to get worse with this construction equipment because of the construction equipment over here blocking the roadway,” Misiag said, owner of Thru Times & Ages.

Bridge construction should take until March 12th, 2017 if there are no complications, if the crews finish by December the contractor could receive a bonus, but it’s highly unlikely according to SCDOT.

“It depends who you talk to, how many meetings go on between contractors and the state,” he said.

The construction is taking place in Aiken’s Historic neighborhood, so to protect homes crews are monitoring the foundation of houses with meters.

“With the vibrations from working on the bridge that meter is supposed to protect any increases of cracks in the foundation,” Haneman said.

To keep the bridge to city standards materials have to come from Portland, Oregon, which could stretch out the project. Neighbors hope it finishes on time.

“The only kind of feeling you can have about it is like it or not, it’s here, it’s started and I guess once it’s started it should be over sooner,” Misiag said.

Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2016

AIKEN, S.C. (WRDW/WAGT) — Both York Street bridges were closed Tuesday for construction and aren’t set to reopen until March.

York Street north and southbound lanes at the Aiken Railroad construction activities started Sept. 13 for bridge replacements and road improvements.

Aiken Street north and southbound lanes will be closed to thru traffic between Park Avenue and Colleton Avenue at the railroad crossing.

Detour routes have been marked along local roads. Local residents and businesses will continue to have access during the construction. Extreme caution should be observed during the time of construction.

York Street is scheduled to be reopened by March 12, 2017.

All construction activities are expected to be complete by May 12, 2017.

South Carolina DOT said there is an early completion date scheduled for December 31, 2016. If contractors make that deadline, they will receive $144,000. Unfortunately, that is not likely as materials are being made in Portland and being shipped.

One side of York Street was opened on Sept. 14, but will immediately close that same day.

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Source: News