Vietnam Veterans Memorial Bridge

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Tom Young

A concurrent resolution urges SCDOT to rename the Shaws Creek Bridge on U.S. Route 1 in Aiken County the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Bridge and install commemorative markers.

Adopted, returned to Senate with concurrence

Summary — S. 617: “Vietnam Veterans Memorial Bridge” (Concurrent Resolution)

Note: The materials provided contained multiple unrelated drafts and bill texts. This summary focuses on the concurrent resolution titled “Vietnam Veterans Memorial Bridge,” which requests that the South Carolina Department of Transportation rename the Shaws Creek Bridge on US 1 in Aiken County and install appropriate markers.

Purpose and intent

To honor Vietnam War–era veterans — particularly those from Aiken County — by requesting that the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) designate the Shaws Creek Bridge on U.S. Route 1 in Aiken County as the “Vietnam Veterans Memorial Bridge” and erect appropriate signage or markers reflecting that designation.

Key provisions

Requests that SCDOT name the Shaws Creek Bridge on US 1 in Aiken County the “Vietnam Veterans Memorial Bridge.”

Requests that SCDOT erect appropriate markers or signs at the bridge location that display the designation.

Directs that a copy of the resolution be forwarded to the Department of Transportation and presented to the Aiken County Veterans Council.

Who or what is affected

Department of Transportation (SCDOT): asked to implement the naming and install markers/signs.

Aiken County Veterans Council and local veteran community: the resolution is intended as a local tribute and the council is a recipient of the resolution.

Local travelers and the general public: will encounter the new name/signage; symbolic recognition of veterans’ service.

Legal effect and limitations

This is a concurrent resolution (expression of the General Assembly’s request); it does not, by itself, appropriate funds or create regulatory changes. Implementation (sign production/installation and any associated costs) would be subject to SCDOT policies, available funds, and administrative procedures.

Legislative and procedural status (selected timeline)

Introduced: April 29, 2025 (Senator Young).

Committee referral and action: Referred to Committee on Transportation; Committee on House Invitations and Memorial Resolutions reported favorably (committee report dated May 6, 2025).

Chamber actions: Adopted by the originating chamber and sent to the other; House concurred.

Final status reported: Adopted and returned to the Senate with concurrence (scrivener’s correction noted May 7, 2025).

Practical impact

The resolution creates an official legislative request to SCDOT to rename the identified bridge and install commemorative signage. The primary effect is symbolic recognition of Vietnam-era veterans in Aiken County. Any physical signage or costs would be handled administratively by SCDOT under existing processes.