Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge Live Cam

Connecting downtown Charleston to Mount Pleasant











History

The Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge is a cable-stayed bridge that spans the Cooper River in Charleston, South Carolina. It was named after Arthur Ravenel Jr., a former South Carolina state senator and U.S. Congressman who played a key role in securing the funding for the bridge.

The bridge was designed by Parsons Brinckerhoff, with the construction work being carried out by a joint venture of Flatiron Constructors and HDR Engineering. Construction began in 2001 and the bridge was officially opened on July 16, 2005.

The Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge is one of the longest cable-stayed bridges in the Western Hemisphere, with a main span of 1,546 feet (471 meters). It is also the third-tallest bridge in the United States, with its two towers standing at a height of 575 feet (175 meters).

The bridge was built to replace the aging John P. Grace Memorial Bridge, which was deemed structurally deficient and functionally obsolete. The new bridge not only provides a safer and more efficient transportation link between Charleston and Mount Pleasant, but it also serves as an iconic landmark for the region.

In addition to its impressive engineering and design, the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge is also notable for its role in promoting physical fitness in the local community. The bridge features a pedestrian and bicycle lane, which has become a popular spot for exercise and recreation among residents and visitors alike.