(Columbia, SC) – Sixth District Congressman James E. Clyburn is pleased to learn The Carolinas Associated General Contractors (Carolinas AGC) has awarded a 2003 Pinnacle Award to the James E. Clyburn Pedestrian Overpass over SC 277. In announcing the Best Highway-Heavy Project award, Carolina AGC honored Lee Construction Company of the Carolinas for creating a new gateway into the City of Columbia that "incorporated a design never before used in South Carolina bridge construction, as well as other innovative construction techniques and extensive use of special materials. The bridge design blends into the city's architectural history in a remarkable way."
The overpass was dedicated on March 24, 2003, and the South Carolina Department of Transportation named the bridge in Congressman Clyburn's honor at that time. Community concerns prompted the Congressman to secure $1.8 million in federal funding to build the overpass because the construction of SC 277 bisected an existing neighborhood. Several local residents, including a 7-year-old girl, were killed as they tried to cross the busy, four-lane highway because no safe, convenient crossing was provided for local residents when SC 277 was completed in 1975.
"This bridge was designed not only to provide safe passage for neighborhood residents, but also to serve as a gateway welcoming travelers into Columbia. This award is recognition that this goal was achieved," Congressman Clyburn said. "All Columbia residents can be proud of this structure that sets a positive tone for those who enter our city on SC 277, while providing a very vital function."
Carolinas AGC has 3,200 members in North and South Carolina. Pinnacle Award winners were selected by a judging panel made up of the organization's members including general contractors, subcontractors, suppliers and service companies.
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