The Georgia Department of Transportation (Georgia DOT) and construction partners anticipate shifting traffic to the new State Route (SR) 25/ Houlihan Bridge over the Savannah River on Monday, July 15, weather permitting.
Traffic approaching the new bridge will shift approximately 0.5 miles before the waterway in both directions. With the bridge open to vehicular traffic, motorists may experience ongoing periodic lane closures while crews complete the final punch list work. Demolition of the old structure will begin following the final traffic shift.
Individuals visiting the Houlihan Park Boat Ramp will still be able to access the facility via the new entrance/exit located approximately 0.1 miles west of the existing entrance/exit. Similarly, the entrance/exit to the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge at Onslow Island will move farther east for access between the island and bridge. Like the old configuration, there will not be a dedicated turn lane to access the Boat Ramp or Onslow Island. Motorists are advised to follow the posted speed limit signage which is lowered to 35 mph approaching the bridge.
Construction began in Q3 2022 with crews building the bridge substructure in the waterway and after just over 18 months, the new structure will open for the traveling public. This new bridge replaces the James P. Houlihan Bridge, one of the oldest in Georgia, originally constructed in 1954, and the last working swing span bridge in the state, with a taller structure that provides more waterway clearance. Additionally, the new bridge will have wider shoulders designed for modern passenger and commercial vehicles.
“This is a major milestone for a complex project supporting significant commercial vehicle traffic and many distribution centers in the area,” said Georgia DOT Project Manager Trevor Brown. “Local stakeholders and the community have been patiently working with us during the construction of the new bridge, and we’re excited to get motorists onto the new structure.”
This bridge replacement is bundled with the replacement of the neighboring SR 25 bridge over the Middle River. Currently construction partners are working on the bridge substructure and will set girders for the new bridge over the coming months.
The overall project completion is scheduled for Q4 2025.
Motorists are advised to stay alert and follow posted speed limits signage in the construction zones and when traveling this new roadway.
Georgia DOT plans, constructs, and maintains Georgia’s state and federal highways. We’re involved in bridge, waterway, public transit, rail, general aviation, bike, and pedestrian programs and we help local governments maintain their roads. Georgia DOT and its nearly 4,000 employees are committed to delivering a transportation system focused on innovation, safety, sustainability, and mobility. The department’s vision is to boost Georgia’s competitiveness through leadership in transportation. Visit www.dot.ga.gov.
