Jon, I agree that the Bridge of Lions replacement made more sense, particularly because it is a bascule bridge which goes up and down much faster than a swing bridge can swing and because it truly is a signature bridge with aesthetic value. The Ben Sawyer Bridge is at best an ugly, slow hunk of junk. Unfortunately, in SC (and maybe elsewhere) the local community has final approval over bridge design. Engineering plans for a high rise using the existing causeway were developed, but rejected. And I don't think economics played a role.

Jim