Wappoo Creek Bridge

Many Seabrookers have asked for information on when Wappoo Creek Bridge opens for boats to go through. The recent road closings heightened awareness that traffic can back up on Maybank Highway near Folly Road. The opening of the drawbridge can add to that.  We did some research and found some interesting facts about the bridge.

Wappoo Creek Bridge is on Folly Road and connects James Island to West Ashley.  It is a double draw bridge which means that two spans will open simultaneously.  It was built in 1956 and is part of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway system.

As you may know, approval has been granted for dredging the Intracoastal Waterway because it has become almost impassable at low tide in some places. As the dredging is completed, more boats will be able to use the Waterway and thus Wappoo Creek Bridge may be opened more often.

The bridge is an “On Demand” bridge, that is, it will only open if a boater calls in and requests it.  Even though boaters can call in, the bridge will only open at specific times.  Following are those times:

• From April 1 to November 30, Monday through Friday (except federal holidays) it will open anytime from 9:00 am until 4:00 pm.  On weekends and federal holidays from 9:00 am until 7:00 pm, it will only open on the hour and half hour when requested.
• The only restriction for the rest of the year is that it will only open on the hour and half hour except during rush hour traffic.  It will not open at all from about 6:00 am until 9:00 am and then again from 4:00 pm until 6:30 pm. There are a few months that the restriction goes from 6:00 am to 6:30 am, but that can get even more confusing.

For more information on opening and closing the Wappoo Creek Bridge as well as other bridges in the area, go to http://www.offshoreblue.com/

For information on the history of the bridge, check out the website, http://www.sciway.net/sc-photos/charleston-county/wappoo-creek-bridge.html

Submitted by Tidelines Editor