Wappoo Creek Bridge is on Folly Road and connects James Island to West Ashley. It is a double drawbridge which means that two spans will open simultaneously. It was built in 1956 and is part of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway system.
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.
The current opening schedule has been in effect since May 4, 2018. The Coast Guard regulation reads as follows:
“SR 171/700 (Wappoo Cut) Bridge across Wappoo Creek, mile 470.8, at Charleston, SC. The draw shall open on signal; except that the draw need not open from 6 am to 9:29 am and 3:31 pm to 7 pm, Monday through Friday, except for Federal holidays. Between 9:30 am and 3:30 pm, Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays, the draw need open only once an hour on the half-hour.”
The changes were made to alleviate traffic backup during rush hours as well as allow the bridge to open only once an hour on the half-hour during the workweek. On the weekend, these restrictions are lifted and the bridge may open at any time.
To read the complete text from the Coast Guard, click here.
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