Sawmill Bike Path, closure at Bacons Bridge Road.

This post is for the benefit of my local area cyclists. The popular Sawmill Branch Walk and Bike Path in Summerville, South Carolina, is closed at the bridge that takes the path under Bacons Bridge Road (165.) due to road widening and bridge work. I am sure it will be closed for the rest of 2014 and may run into next year.

There is a fairly easy diversion but it is not official and consequently is not marked. If traveling east, turn left on the paved path just past the Pump house, about a quarter mile before Bacons Bridge. The path joins residential streets, turn right, and right again on Holly Street.

Holly Street emerges on Bacons Bridge just above an entrance to the bike path on the opposite side. Bacons Bridge is a busy main road, but experienced cyclists should not have a problem crossing. I am sure this diversion will not be officially marked because of the problem of crossing Bacons Bridge. I would not recommend it for the inexperienced or feint hearted.

The good thing is, in either direction you make a right onto Bacons Bridge Road, so you wait for a gap in traffic, then turn right. Oncoming traffic on the opposite side is clearly visable. Take the lane, and wait for a gap in the opposing traffic, and complete the next left turn. Make sure you use a hand signal so everyone knows what you are doing. The road works on the bridge does tend to work in our favor, as it slows traffic.

If traveling west towards Down Town Summerville, take the right fork where the trail splits, and emerge on Bacons Bridge. Turn right, and left in about 50 yards into Holly Street. In about a quarter of a mile turn left (It’s a dual entrance, with a sign that says "Arbor Oaks.") after turning go straight, and after a right hand curve, look for the path entrance on the left, to rejoin the Sawmill Trail.

The Sawmill Branch Trail Is used as a safe route to get from one end of Summerville to the other. Many cyclists on weekend rides on local rural roads use the Sawmill Trail as a means to get there. I intend to keep using the trail during these road works, I hope others will find this diversion useful. Please, stay safe and use extra care while using this alternate route.

Update 8/26/16: The bridge has re-opened. See picture below.

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Comments

[TimJ]

Just out of curiosity, is there a marked detour? It would seem that if a cycle route is closed, a marked alternative should be provided.