W J Gooding Bridge

The W.J. Gooding Bridge over Lake Marion at Interstate 95 was dedicated on October 29, 1971... with S.C. Governor John West and other dignitaries in attendence. A bronze marker on the bridge was unveiled naming it for the State Highway Department's former longtime bridge engineer. Gooding, a resident of Columbia, retired in 1968 as assistant state highway engineer after 47 years with the highway department.

The crossing extends more than 9,500 feet from shore to shore, including embankments, relief bridges, approach spans and 2,200-foot main spans over the Santee River channel.

The bridge took five years to complete at a cost of $5 million. State Highway Commissioner, Silas N. Pearman, termed the bridge "a proud example of sound highway investment". In his address, Gov. West termed the new interstate highway as a possible "avenue of prosperity for South Carolina."

Citing the recent opening of Disney World in Florida, the governor said "How we develop our own resources here in

South Carolina will determine whether these travelers come to or travel through our state. With the possibility drawing nearer that motorists can travel from the North to Florida without hitting a traffic light, those who stop here in South Carolina will be doing so because they want to, and not as a matter of necessity as in the past." He said the state has tremendous potential and opportunity for attracting visitors, noting particularly its good climate, beaches, fishing, and golf courses.

"Let us pledge to live up to the dedicated efforts which have gone into the building of this bridge," West said, "and make this bridge the cornerstone of a new prosperity for South Carolina.

Gooding, responding to the ceremonies given in his honor, expressed his "proud and grateful" thanks for the recognition, toned with a "feeling of great humility."

The former bridge engineer noted that "South Carolinians are rightfully proud of the Highway Department over the years and its accomplishments. The good reputation which the Department has achieved can be credited to its good leadership... men of vision and wisdom and men of honesty and integrity,"

THE DAILY ITEM - KEN WILLMOTT, Item Staff Writer
Sumter, South Carolina
Saturday, October 30, 1971