Construction is officially underway on the pedestrian bridge in Mauldin that will extend over the six lanes of Interstate 385 near the Bridges Road exit and connect to the new BridgeWay Station development. The bridge project is slated to be completed later this year.
The City of Mauldin has partnered with Hughes Investments, Inc., developer of BridgeWay Station, to create the bridge. It is a key addition that will connect BridgeWay Station to the greater Mauldin community through the recently developed Mauldin City Trail, given its proximity to Mauldin High School and surrounding communities. This section of trail, which provides for dog waste stations and an emergency phone system, will be open to the public later this summer. Concurrently, the City is exploring opportunities for the expansion of a trail network from CU-ICAR to ultimately connect to the trail and bridge.
“There are several developments that are going to really enhance the Mauldin community and this is one that we have been excited about for a long time,” said Mauldin Mayor Terry Merritt. “The bridge is a unity point that will enhance the walkability to the new amenities coming to BridgeWay Station and we’re excited to see it coming to fruition.”
Pedestrians will be able to access the bridge through the Mauldin City Trail located on East Butler Road, across from Mauldin High School. On a donated easement from Laurens Electric Cooperative, the 0.25-mile paved trail featuring dog stations and an emergency phone is great for walking, biking and strollers. The trail will be officially open to residents in July once the entrance is complete. It will eventually also connect to the future Swamp Rabbit Trail extension.
“We are investing energy and resources into increased connectivity in the Mauldin community,” said City Councilman Taft Matney, Chair of the Economic Development Committee. “We look forward to seeing Mauldin residents have more opportunities for entertainment, recreation and dining just a short walk from home.”
The first phase of BridgeWay Station is expected to be completed in early 2023 and will bring a variety of dining, entertainment, and recreation opportunities to the area, as well as new apartments, offices, and work spaces. “We are grateful to the City of Mauldin and South Carolina Department of Transportation for their partnership in bringing this vision of a pedestrian bridge for the Swamp Rabbit Trail to reality. We hope to see Mauldin residents enjoy this path for years to come,” said Phil Hughes, President of Hughes Investments.
