Piedmont's Historic Bridge Washed Away- Ambitious Plans for $10M Replacement

In a devastating event, a footbridge spanning the Saluda River in Piedmont was washed away in February 2020, leaving the town without a defining feature. However, a new and ambitious project is in the works to replace the bridge with a pedestrian walkway that aims to pay homage to Piedmont's history and reinvigorate the downtown area.
Bold Vision for the Future
Studio Main, a Pelzer-based landscape architecture firm, has been tasked with developing a vision for the replacement bridge. Their plan includes a new footbridge that would reconnect Piedmont's two halves and potentially wrap around a surviving textile smoke stack. Additionally, the project envisions creating new greenspace along the Saluda River, featuring a playground, picnic pavilions, an open plaza, and an educational garden.
A Community Gathering Point
The proposed footbridge project also seeks to improve pedestrian connections to local businesses like the Saluda Grill restaurant and enhance access to the river for recreational activities. The long-term goal is to connect the footbridge to the popular Swamp Rabbit Trail, further boosting outdoor recreation opportunities in the area.
Challenges Ahead
While the vision for the project is promising, implementation is expected to face significant challenges. The project is estimated to cost around $10 million, a substantial sum for a small unincorporated community like Piedmont. However, officials from Anderson and Greenville counties have shown support for the project and are exploring various funding avenues, including federal, state, and local grants.
A Ray of Hope
Despite the hurdles ahead, residents and officials are optimistic that the footbridge project could be the catalyst for the revitalization of Piedmont's downtown. While progress may be slow and the road ahead may be long, the dream of a new footbridge that symbolizes Piedmont's heritage and serves as a hub for the community is worth the wait.