Here’s when the Church Street Bridge will completely shut down

SCDOT’s rehabilitation on the Church Street Bridge began in spring 2025 and just hit the halfway point in early 2026.

GVL_Church_Street_Bridge_JAN2026

Coming soon: 9-ft-wide sidewalks on the Church Street Bridge. | Photo by the City of Greenville

Table of Contents

The Church Street Bridge rehabilitation has reached the halfway point, and we’re getting an updated timeline for next steps and completion.

  • Now | All of the work that took place on the east side of the bridge is now taking place on the west side.
  • March | The bridge will reopen temporarily during the SEC Women’s Basketball Tournament and NCAA March Madness.
  • May 1-June 12 | The bridge will be completely closed for six weeks for resurfacing and adding lighting enhancements.

What are the improvements?

There are two main goals: Ensuring the bridge is structurally sound and enhancing pedestrian safety measures.

GVL_Church Street_Bridge_GIF_ JAN2023

It’s more than just a fresh coat of paint. | Renderings via SCDOT

Changes include:

  • Bridge deck repairs
  • New railings
  • Wider sidewalks
  • Upgraded lighting
  • New stairs leading to McBee Street
  • A paint job
GVL_Church_Street_Bridge_JAN2023

The bridge then and now. | Photos via SCDOT

Why is this necessary?

In 2021, an average of 26,300 vehicles traveled on Church Street from Augusta Street to North Spring Street. By 2039, that number could hit ~38,000+ each day. The bridge’s age and increased traffic are the main drivers of these improvements.

GVL_CHurch_Street_Bridge_Map_JAN2023

Check the map to see the project area and a route around it. | Map via SCDOT

How long will it take?

Work is expected to be done by July 2026. The bridge will remain open to cars with one lane in each direction until the final phase of construction.

More from GVLtoday
Sponsored
Greenville is full of special places to stay that offer guests a break from traditional motels and hotels.
From upgraded suites to all-new menus around the ballpark, 2026 is all about celebrating the Upstate’s “Home Team.”
The road to the Final Four could start in Greenville, either for the Furman Paladins looking to shine their glass slippers or one of the eight teams starting the NCAA Tournament here for rounds one and two.
Grab a blanket and settle in to see these artists at local outdoor venues in Greenville.
Each week, GVLtoday and CLTtoday will recap “Top Chef: Carolinas” with fun facts we’ve learned from our reporting behind the scenes and our pro tips about venues featured in each of our cities.
Dining in Greenville is always a fresh experience, with new restaurants popping up all the time — and more on the way.
Mayor Knox White says VisitGreenvilleSC estimates we’ve lost 70,000 hotel room nights from events that Greenville could not accommodate without a development like this.
It’s free to attend as the sports network spotlights Greenville and the SEC Women’s Basketball Tournament.
This is the ultimate “what if,” and it’s all in good fun. Which side of Main Street would you choose?