While Charleston woes captured attention, rural counties have more problematic bridges

The Post and Courier: State officials were on a routine inspection when they came upon the wooden beam shattered beneath the bridge in Lancaster County.

The loss of the wooden support sank parts of the roadway above by more than two inches, leaving state officials with no choice but to close the bridge that carried more than 5,800 motorists every day, 60 miles north of Columbia.  

School buses and ambulances were rerouted. Residents found another way to work. Cars and trucks were diverted around for eight months until the bridge could be reopened in March.

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