Backgate Bridge reduces congestion in Myrtle Beach

The area surrounding the Market Commons development near the Myrtle Beach Air Force Base has significant traffic congestion—about 100,000 vehicles per day travel this corridor. The South Carolina Department of Transportation wanted to alleviate congestion by constructing the Backgate Bridge at the U.S. 17 and S.C. 707 Interchange. Our structural and transportation engineers provided bridge design and construction services for this 1,240-foot bridge.

The superstructure runs two lanes in each direction with 10-foot shoulders to allow future widening to three lanes. Among other details we used ground modifications to reduce foundation movements in the event of an earthquake. Our knowledge of the right materials and experience designing for seismic events delivered a bridge that improves traffic movement and enhances public safety.