A South Carolina drawbridge will open less often to ease traffic jams

The US Coast Guard proposes changing the operating schedule for the Little River Bridge in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. This means the bridge will open at set times on weekdays, rather than on demand, to help with vehicle congestion.

Drawbridges are a small but persistent source of friction between road traffic and waterway traffic. This change prioritizes cars over boats during peak hours. It is a small local example of a larger trend where infrastructure managers are trying to balance competing demands on aging systems.