Georgia Ports, DOT to study possible replacement of Savannah’s Talmadge Bridge

[masonbauknight]

Originally Posted by gentlearts

I don’t really understand why the bridge was necessary there in the first place. It goes to nowhere ville in SC. I’ve only been on it a few times in 14 years. It seems like throwing good money after bad.

River cties of a certain size, especially near their dense downtowns, generally have a route in and out -- for visitors, business/industrial interests, and for security reasons. The old 1953 Talmadge Bridge was appropriate then, and it also had to be large and high enough to accommodate the bustling Port of Savannah. Finally, Savannah has had military facilities fairly near downtown since 1940. The faraway US Hwy 17 and I-95 bridges across the Savannah River would be totally inadequate (and isolating) for the economic and security needs of an urban center of this size and military profile.Today, with the recent population growth in Jasper and Beaufiort Counties, plus development on Hutchinson, this bridge is even more crucial.

In the 21st century the debate will be: Should the Talmadge Bridge be enlarged? Enhanced? A double span instead of the current single bridge?

[masonbauknight]

Originally Posted by Atlanta-Kid

A tunnel was another option

I'm a doubter on the tunnel. Savannah's too coastal, has sandy soil except right around Yamacraw Bluff, and wetlands and marsh directly north. I'd be shocked if that kind of tunnel (costing billions) is ever approved for a metro of 430,000 people. The state and federal governments have better priorities for that much money.. Just my opinion.