Ben Sawyer Bridge to close overnight for repairs in Charleston County

The Ben Sawyer Bridge, connecting Mount Pleasant and Sullivan’s Island, will close to vehicle traffic Monday night from 9 p.m. until 2 a.m. for maintenance work, according to the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT).

The closure is part of efforts to progress permanent repairs to the swing span bridge to ensure its continued and consistent operation, SCDOT said. The bridge has been restricted to light traffic since October 19 due to a mechanical malfunction.

During the closure, drivers are advised to find alternative routes to access Sullivan’s Island, such as using the Isle of Palms connector. Motorists are also urged to slow down and be cautious near the work zone.

Marine openings of the bridge have been operating on a modified schedule since the malfunction, opening three times daily. The maintenance work overnight is expected to help restore reliable operation of the bridge.