AAA: Midlands Bridges Among State's Worst
A report names a 54-year-old Richland County overpass is the worst in the state.
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Lexington County and Richland County each had three bridges to make AAA's list of worst overpasses in the state.
Richland County has the state's worst bridge, according to the report that takes into account the bridge's safety rating as well as traffic. The Interstate 26 bridge passes over the C&L Railroad three miles northeast of Columbia.
Lexington County, meanwhile, has three of the worst five bridges:
2. I-26 bridge over Southern Railway three miles west of West Columbia
4. I-26 bridge over SC 302 two miles southwest of West Columbia
5. I-26 bridge over U.S. 1 one mile west of West Columbia
South Carolina’s gas tax is the main funding supply for the S.C. Department of Transportation and has been unchanged since 1987, according to a release from AAA.
“It's less expensive to keep bridges in good repair than it is to replace them,” said David E. Parsons, president and CEO of AAA Carolinas, said in the release.
“The state legislature needs to step up and find a way to increase the revenue streams South Carolina’s bridges and highways clearly need.”
Secretary of Transportation Robert St. Onge said in the release: "All SC open bridges are safe for use by the motoring public within whatever restrictions are posted.”
Ken
11:49 am on Sunday, May 6, 2012
Here's an idea, collect full sales tax on all motor vehicles instead of capping the sales tax on them at $500., use that money to fund bridge replacement and road maintenance. Considering the number of cars ans SUVs on the road that cost in excess of $35,000 it is stupid to cap the tax on such vehicles, this "tax break" only truly benefits those who obviously have the money to spend on more expensive vehicles.
lynyrd
12:58 pm on Sunday, May 6, 2012
First off i am not a rich man at all. I'm a custodian at Lexington medical center. Any ways back in august i bought a 2012 jetta which i worked very hard for. Lots of overtime. If the sales tax which is 300 not 500 wasn't capped i would have never been able to afford it. If i bought the same car where i am from in new york it would easily be 2000 or more in sales tax.
erin
6:02 pm on Sunday, May 6, 2012
300 sales tax is only begining,what about year 2 and 3,4,5.You have paid way more ,Than if they charged 7.5% sales tax.like other states do. i brought a new truck in 2002. Paid $900 first year,$1100 second year,3rd year $950 4th year $800 5th year $600 .The loan is paid off . I have paid $4350 IN 5 years property tax,that's $600 more than than i had paid the 7.5% tax to begin with. now move ahead 5 years now i have about $1500 to date that is $2100 in over paying and counting .We think we are getting a deal at $300-some deal
Robert Kelly
9:07 pm on Sunday, May 6, 2012
I am confused; where does I-26 go 3 miles northeast of Columbia? or 3 miles west of West Columbia? Could someone be confusing I-26 with I-20?
Miranda Anique
12:10 am on Monday, May 7, 2012
If the taxes on these vehicles are raised, just like was done by Cilnton on luxury boats, the sales will bottom out. What a stupendous economic boon! Thinking like this is so unrealistic!!!!!!!
Mimi
5:28 am on Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Well I guess as long as Nimrata is the Governor we can rely on those faith based entities and those generous corporations. You can keep giving the tax revenue to the rich and expect everyone else to pay more to take care of the state. You talk about taxes on cars well if your rich enough to buy a boat even a yatch your taxes are a one time 300.00. If your rich enough to buy a 2nd home zero property tax. The Republican policies have caused more harm to this state and it people than any terrorist could of hoped for.