Spartanburg County Businesses Struggling Amid Bridge Closure

News Summary

Local businesses in Spartanburg County are facing significant challenges due to the prolonged closure of the Peter’s Creek bridge on Cannons Campground Road. With a reported 40% decrease in business for some merchants, the lengthy closure, expected to last until 2026, is impacting not just commerce but also residents’ daily lives, complicating access to essential services. Community members express concerns over safety and rising difficulties in navigating around the detours, raising questions about the future of local businesses and accessibility.

Spartanburg County Businesses Feel the Heat from Bridge Closure

In the heart of Spartanburg County, the situation is growing tense as local businesses are facing unexpected challenges. The culprits? A bridge closure that has persisted since June on Cannons Campground Road. This hasn’t just been an inconvenience; it’s had a profound impact on the livelihood of many merchants in the area.

Significant Drop in Business for Local Shops

Take, for instance, the case of Mr. Oz Engine Works. The owner, Darryl Mroz, has reported a staggering 40% drop in business since the nearby Peter’s Creek bridge was closed. Mroz has seen fewer customers, and it’s easy to connect the dots; the closure drastically reduces traffic that used to flow freely by his shop. Before the bridge closure, Cannons Campground Road welcomed around 8,000 vehicles daily, a vital lifeline for businesses like his.

The Road to Recovery: A Long One

According to the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT), the rebuilding of the bridge won’t be a quick fix. The estimated timeframe suggests that it will remain closed until the spring or summer of 2026. Yes, you heard that right! This extended period of disruption is due to the extensive damage that necessitates a complete replacement of the bridge. Right now, crews are hard at work on repairs to the bridge’s foundation, but the full restoration is still a year or more away.

Affecting Daily Life

This closure is more than just a roadblock for businesses; it’s affecting daily life for residents in the area. David Britt, a representative for Spartanburg County Council District 3, has pointed out that Cannons Campground Road plays a crucial role for almost all residents on the east side of Spartanburg. With the bridge out of commission, access to schools, shops, and even the Mary Black Campus of Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System has become more challenging.

Detour Dilemma: A Longer Route

For those navigating around the closure, the simplest detour is now Old Converse Road, but this adds a hefty distance to already lengthy drives. In Mroz’s case, he has to travel an additional nine miles just to reach his shop! That’s a major inconvenience for anyone trying to make a living.

Small Businesses on the Brink

Not just Mr. Oz Engine Works is feeling the pinch; local favorites like OB’s Barbershop and Nana’s Soul-Licious are also grappling with the loss of foot traffic that once kept their doors swinging open. Owners are increasingly anxious about their futures, with many worrying whether they can keep their businesses afloat during this drawn-out closure.

Community Concerns and Accessibility

In a recent informational session held by the DOT, community members voiced their worries not just about commercial issues but also about safety and accessibility. One concern that stood out was the potential danger posed by restricted medical access due to the detour routes, underscoring that the bridge affects much more than just shopping and dining. It’s essential for daily living, especially when emergencies arise.

The Future of Cannons Campground Road

As it stands, the SCDOT is in the design phase for the necessary bridge replacement, with no announced timeline for when the repairs will progress to a stage that allows for a reopening. For the time being, Spartanburg County residents and businesses will need to stay hopeful and resilient as they navigate the uncertainty ahead.

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Additional Resources

• Goupstate: Bridge Replacement to Keep Key East Spartanburg Road Closed into 2026
• Wikipedia: Spartanburg County, South Carolina
• WSPA: SCDOT Plans Replacement of 6 Upstate Bridges
• Google Search: Spartanburg bridge closure
• Fox Carolina: Getting Answers – DOT Meeting on Upstate Bridge
• Google Scholar: bridge closure impact on business
• Goupstate: Spartanburg Roads Update – Resurfacing and Safety Improvements Planned
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Bridge