The message was clear on the evening of May 27, 2025, at Beaverdam Baptist Church: the community wants the bridge back.
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In a Public Involvement Meeting hosted by the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT), local residents and stakeholders gathered to voice their concerns and share passionate calls for the replacement of the demolished bridge at Beaverdam Church Road and Kilgore Bridge Road in Laurens County.“We need that bridge. If it’s not rebuilt, we will be going backwards,” said local landowner Marcia Verdin Rice, capturing the sentiment shared by many who depend on the bridge for access, safety, and economic vitality.
Shenese Gilmore speaks out at the SCDOT meeting, highlighting the safety concerns and urging swift action on the bridge replacement for the well-being of all residents. (courtesy of Vareva Harris)
The bridge, once a vital connector for families, emergency services, farms, and businesses, was removed due to structural concerns. But for this rural community, the loss has created significant inconvenience and worry about long-term impacts if reconstruction is delayed — or worse, denied.SCDOT is currently collecting public feedback as part of its planning and evaluation process. Comments remain open through June 11, 2025, and community members are strongly encouraged to participate by submitting their comments at
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Sandra Fleming speaks passionately at the SCDOT meeting.
https://scdotgis.online/S112andS116Bridge.Sandra Fleming asked SCDOT, “who can submit comments?” Berry Maddox, SCDOT engineer, and Ginny Jones, Director of Public Involvement responded, “Anyone can submit a comment”— whether they live in the area, own property, operate a business, or simply want to support the region’s infrastructure and rural connectivity.“This isn’t just about a bridge,” said Shenese Gilmore. “It’s about who we are as a community and whether our voices still matter.” “Help this community,” Gloria Merrill.
Gloria Merrill shares her perspective at the SCDOT meeting, emphasizing the bridges’ vital role in connecting the community and supporting local access.
Local leaders hope that the outpouring of support will send a strong signal to state officials that Beaverdam Church Road and Kilgore Bridge Road are more than lines on a map — they’re lifelines for the people who call this part of Laurens-Spartanburg County home.
Now is the time to speak. Let your voice be heard before June 11 and help bring the bridge — and the community — back together.
Community: Time to Speak – Residents Urge Action on Beaverdam Church Road/Kilgore Bridge Replacement
By: Vareva Harris, Co-Editor | vareva@thewoodrufftimes.com
The message was clear on the evening of May 27, 2025, at Beaverdam Baptist Church: the community wants the bridge back.
In a Public Involvement Meeting hosted by the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT), local residents and stakeholders gathered to voice their concerns and share passionate calls for the replacement of the demolished bridge at Beaverdam Church Road and Kilgore Bridge Road in Laurens County.“We need that bridge. If it’s not rebuilt, we will be going backwards,” said local landowner Marcia Verdin Rice, capturing the sentiment shared by many who depend on the bridge for access, safety, and economic vitality.
The bridge, once a vital connector for families, emergency services, farms, and businesses, was removed due to structural concerns. But for this rural community, the loss has created significant inconvenience and worry about long-term impacts if reconstruction is delayed — or worse, denied.SCDOT is currently collecting public feedback as part of its planning and evaluation process. Comments remain open through June 11, 2025, and community members are strongly encouraged to participate by submitting their comments at
https://scdotgis.online/S112andS116Bridge.Sandra Fleming asked SCDOT, “who can submit comments?” Berry Maddox, SCDOT engineer, and Ginny Jones, Director of Public Involvement responded, “Anyone can submit a comment”— whether they live in the area, own property, operate a business, or simply want to support the region’s infrastructure and rural connectivity.“This isn’t just about a bridge,” said Shenese Gilmore. “It’s about who we are as a community and whether our voices still matter.” “Help this community,” Gloria Merrill.
Local leaders hope that the outpouring of support will send a strong signal to state officials that Beaverdam Church Road and Kilgore Bridge Road are more than lines on a map — they’re lifelines for the people who call this part of Laurens-Spartanburg County home.
Now is the time to speak. Let your voice be heard before June 11 and help bring the bridge — and the community — back together.
Author: Vareva Harris
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