Cekra, Inc., a private contractor for the S.C. Department of Transportation (SCDOT), will begin rehabilitation work on the Highway 17 southbound bridges over the Santee river next week. Construction is scheduled to begin Monday, Oct. 27 and last about six months.

The project includes rehabilitation of both the North and South Santee River bridges along the southbound lanes of Highway 17 in Georgetown County. Cekra will perform the work and implement traffic control measures throughout the duration of the project.   

Motorists traveling between Georgetown and Charleston should expect periodic lane closures and possible delays during construction. Crews will be active in the area preparing for these closures and other work activities.

Beginning Oct. 27, the speed limit on the bridges will be reduced to 35 miles per hour whenever lane closures are in place.   

Drivers are urged to use caution when traveling through the work zone, follow all posted signage, and allow extra travel time when passing through the affected area.