Reeves Construction Rebuilds Four Bridges in South Carolina After Hurricane Helene
When Infrastructure Resilience Becomes a Priority
On September 26, 2024, Hurricane Helene made landfall on the southeastern coast of the United States, causing widespread devastation across South Carolina. Among the hardest-hit assets were 24 bridges, destroyed or severely damaged, temporarily isolating several rural communities.
In response, the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT)(SCDOT) launched an emergency Design-Build program to replace 10 of these essential bridges, crucial for reconnecting local populations.
On December 6, 2024, Reeves Construction, a U.S. subsidiary of the Colas Group, was awarded one of the three bridge packages, which included the reconstruction of four bridges located in York, Greenwood, and Greenville counties.
Four Bridges, Four Technical Challenges
The project assigned to Reeves Construction included:
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York S-59 (North Burris Road) – Bridge over Little Turkey Creek
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Greenwood S-166 (Tillman Territory Road) – Bridge over Henleys Creek Tributary
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Greenville S-115 (Dill Road) – Bridge over Middle Tyger River
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Greenwood S-230 (Townsend Road) – Bridge over Townsend Creek
Work began in February 2025, just four months after the storm, and reached substantial completion in September 2025 — less than a year after Hurricane Helene.
This swift timeline reflects Reeves’ ability to rapidly mobilize teams and partners to restore critical infrastructure that supports daily life and the regional economy.
Modernized and Resilient Structures
The original concrete and timber bridges were replaced with modern concrete and steel structures, fully compliant with updated design standards.
In partnership with engineering firm Rummel, Klepper & Kahn (RK&K), Reeves reimagined the bridge design by maximizing span lengths, which reduced the number of foundations and lowered deck elevations — minimizing impacts on the environment and surrounding terrain.
The objective: Build safer, more durable bridges with enhanced resistance to extreme weather events.
Key technical innovations included:
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Use of precast box beams and slabs to accelerate construction
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Hybrid foundations combining driven piles and drilled shafts
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Cast-in-place concrete abutments for better ground integration
Reeves Construction: A Key Player in Sustainable Mobility in the U.S.
Headquartered in the southeastern United States, Reeves Construction Company is a long-established subsidiary of Colas USA, active in the region for over 70 years. The company specializes in road and bridge construction, maintenance, and materials production.
With strong expertise in Design-Build delivery and a multidisciplinary team experienced in emergency response, Reeves was able to leverage resources already mobilized during a previous 24-bridge program in South Carolina, delivered in partnership with RK&K.
This team continuity enabled seamless coordination, fast-track execution, and high-quality delivery, earning praise from local authorities.
A Symbol of Recovery and Adaptation
In under a year, Reeves Construction successfully restored four vital transport links, reestablishing mobility and safety for thousands of citizens.
These projects embody the mission of the Colas Group: to sustainably shape the regions of tomorrow, by combining technical innovation, proven expertise, and human commitment.
