News Summary

The closure of Cannon’s Campground Road for bridge repairs has severely impacted local businesses in Spartanburg, causing a reported 70% drop in patronage for some establishments. The South Carolina Department of Transportation indicated that the initial assessment suggested repairs, but further examination revealed the need for complete replacement, expected to last until November. This vital roadway not only connects residents but also serves as a key economic lifeline in the area.

Spartanburg

Cannon’s Campground Road, a vital route for local businesses, has been closed for repairs, causing significant financial distress to establishments in the area. Bavesh Patel, owner of a nearby convenience store, reported a staggering 70% drop in business due to a lack of customer traffic. What once was a steady stream of patrons has dwindled to one visitor every 15 minutes since the bridge over Peter’s Creek on Cannon’s Campground Road closed in May 2024.

The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) confirmed that initial assessments of the bridge indicated it could be repaired. However, as investigations continued, the extent of the damage necessitated a complete replacement instead. The SCDOT anticipates that Cannon’s Campground Road will reopen to traffic in November 2024, but until then, local businesses like Patel’s continue to struggle.

Impact on Local Infrastructure

Cannon’s Campground Road serves as a critical two-lane entry point to Spartanburg’s east side, connecting residents and businesses alike. The ongoing closure has sparked both economic and logistical challenges, with businesses on this road experiencing drastic customer declines. The SCDOT oversees approximately 8,500 bridges across South Carolina, of which nearly 2,400 are over 60 years old, highlighting a statewide infrastructure issue.

Statewide Bridge Repair Initiatives

In response to deteriorating bridges, state lawmakers allocated $200 million for bridge repairs in 2024, in addition to $239 million in federal funding. The SCDOT has extensive plans to repair or replace over 150 bridges statewide, with specific projects in the Spartanburg area set to address not only Cannon’s Campground Road but also other vital crossings.

Bridge conditions are assessed on a scale from zero to nine, with any rated four or lower indicating a need for major rehabilitation or replacement. Recent incidents, including a bridge collapse in Pickens County linked to an overweight vehicle, have underscored the importance of maintaining roadway safety.

Future Bridge Projects and Repairs

In Greenville County, bridge replacement projects are scheduled to start in 2026, while Anderson County projects are anticipated to begin in 2033 due to funding delays. In Spartanburg County, several other bridge replacements are planned alongside the ongoing efforts to reopen Cannon’s Campground Road.

Ongoing Maintenance and Safety Measures

The SCDOT conducts regular inspections of bridge conditions, assessing for any signs of damage, decay, and debris. Although the State Transport Police issue citations for overweight vehicles, enforcing these regulations remains a challenge as officers must be present to witness violations. The number of citations issued in 2025 indicates significant enforcement needs, with Spartanburg County logging 261 citations in that year.

Infrastructure Developments and Community Support

The SCDOT is also managing numerous other road closure and repair projects, including the South Spencer Street bridge over the South Tyger River. Heavy rainfall from Tropical Storm Helene and Hurricane Debby in 2025 led to plans for replacing 10 damaged bridges, with work projected to start in winter 2025. Each of these projects is expected to take around eight months to complete.

In addition to regular repairs, the SCDOT is collaborating with the City of Greenville to prioritize pedestrian safety in upcoming bridge designs along the Reedy River, which will enhance community safety and accessibility.

For residents and businesses looking for the latest updates on detour routes and construction timelines, information is available on the SCDOT website, ensuring proactive communication as these projects progress.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Additional Resources

• WSPA: SCDOT Announces Temporary Closure of I-26 Bridge
• Wikipedia: Bridge
• GoUpstate: SC Highway 290 Bridge Closure
• Google Search: South Carolina Department of Transportation
• Fox Carolina: Road Closures and Repairs
• Google Scholar: Spartanburg County Infrastructure
• WYFF4: Duncan Bridge Closure
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Infrastructure
• Greenville Online: Emergency Bridge Replacement
• Google News: Bridge Repair South Carolina

Author: STAFF HERE SPARTANBURG

The SPARTANBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESpartanburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Spartanburg, Spartanburg County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Spartanburg International Festival, Spartanburg ArtWalk, and motorsport events at Spartanburg Speedway. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Spartanburg Area Chamber of Commerce and the Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System Foundation, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and textiles that power the local economy such as BMW Manufacturing and Milliken & Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.