roofer in Ravenel, SC

Perched over the Cooper River, the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge stands as a remarkable engineering masterpiece and a symbol of connectivity for the vibrant city of Charleston, South Carolina. This cable-stayed bridge gracefully links downtown Charleston to the charming town of Mount Pleasant, serving as the gateway for visitors and locals alike to explore the region's rich history. With a soaring main span stretching an impressive 1,546 feet, the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge proudly claims to be the third-longest cable-stayed bridge in the Western Hemisphere. Standing at a height of 573 feet and offering a generous clearance of 187 feet below, it provides an awe-inspiring view of the picturesque surroundings, welcoming travelers with a breathtaking sight.

The construction of the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge commenced in 2001, and on July 16, 2005, it was triumphantly opened, solidifying its place in the hearts of Charleston's residents and visitors. However, this iconic bridge is not the first to grace the Cooper River's landscape. The legacy of connectivity dates back to 1929 when the John P. Grace Memorial Bridge, a double cantilever truss bridge, first spanned the river, captivating the world with its daring design and engineering ingenuity.

Today, the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge is not only an architectural marvel but also a testament to the visionary spirit of Charleston's past and its unwavering commitment to embracing the future. With many hidden gems in Charleston, Ravenel Bridge is one not to miss.

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Where Is The Ravenel Bridge Located In Charleston? How Do You Get To It?

The Ravenel Bridge is located over the Cooper River in South Carolina, connecting the cities of Charleston and Mount Pleasant. This bridge is one of the largest in the area, so it's hard to miss when driving to and from the city. Moreover, the Ravenel Bridge in Charleston has a main span of 1,546 feet (471 m), the third longest among cable-stayed bridges in the Western Hemisphere. This only adds to its charm; structurally, it's also quite interesting. For those who want to drive over this iconic landmark, head to Waterfront Park in Mount Pleasant, near the Visitor Center. From there, guests can continue their journey over the bridge by car or take a walk along the designated pedestrian walkway.

What makes this bridge unique is that it offers the chance for walking and bike riding across. Not every bridge of this size has that: making it even more worth the adventure.

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For people wanting to walk the Ravenel Bridge in Charleston, SC, head to the Waterfront Park in Mount Pleasant, near the Visitor Center. This is the best starting point for pedestrians.

What Is The History Of The Ravenel Bridge? What Makes It Special?

Before its construction, the first bridge to cross the lower Cooper River opened in 1929, eventually named the John P. Grace Memorial Bridge. After many years of serving the two cities and millions of crossers, the bridge was transformed once again into the then Silas N. Pearman Bridge, opened in 1966 at a cost of $15 million (equivalent to $135.29 million in 2022). This bridge had three lanes and was considered the best for the time. However, over the years, it too met its fate, becoming "obsolete" to many engineers, commuters, and city officials.

Ravenel Bridge crossing between Mount Pleasant and Charleston

Charleston's Battery and White Point Gardens are also history-rich.

Groundbreaking on the Ravenel Bridge occurred in 2001 in Mount Pleasant. This was a "design-build" project, meaning one contract was signed to both design and build the bridge. Therefore, construction could begin even though the design was not yet finalized. That was controversial for many residents and officials, but the project pushed through. By the summer of 2002, the foundations for the towers and piers were in place, and the rock islands were done. The first cables were hung from the bridge in 2004, marking a near-end to the year-long project.

A ceremony was held in March 2005 when the last slab of the deck was added. This bridge is considered an engineering masterpiece and was even featured on the TV show "Extreme Engineering."

This complete guide to Charleston is also worth reading.

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Is It Free To Visit The Ravenel Bridge In Charleston, South Carolina?

The Arthur Ravenel Jr. bridge over the Cooper River in South Carolina, US.

Yes, crossing this bridge is toll-free. Guests are free to enter and exit the bridge as they please, considering it's a major connector between Mount Pleasant and Charleston. Just remember to keep an eye out for traffic and for those walking: stay in the pedestrian area. Have fun!

These Myrtle Beach to Charleston road trip ideas might be worth considering.

SOUTHERN CHARM star Thomas Ravenel has accused his ex-girlfriend Kathryn Dennis of not seeing her kids for almost three months.

Thomas took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to answer some fan questions.

The Southern Charm star, 61, and Kathryn, 31, first met in 2014 and immediately began dating.

They continued to have an on-and-off relationship after having two children together: Kensington, eight, and Saint, six.

In 2016, the separated couple began a long and messy custody battle over the two tiny tots.

In a recent Q&A with Bravo fans, the former politician answered one question they were dying to know.

READ MORE on Southern Charm

CHARMED TO MEET GREEN

THOMAS' CRISIS

The fan asked: "How is @KathrynDennis doing? I’ve heard she has had some rough times recently and I really wish she were on the new season. Any update you can give would be appreciated. I hopefully assume she still spends time with your children."

"I wish she would," Thomas replied.

"She hasn't seen them in 11 weeks."

His newest comment came months after he received full custody of Kensington and Saint.

COURT RULING

In May, the court said that Thomas will care full-time for his children after the fired Southern Charm star "failed multiple drug tests," a source claimed.

A source confirmed to The U.S. Sun: “Thomas won the court case and was granted sole custody of the kids.”

However, All About The Tea was the first to break the custody win.

The source told The U.S. Sun that the custody ruling came after Kathryn “failed numerous drug tests" and said she "tested positive for three illegal drugs.”

The source also claimed Thomas' legal team “had a mountain of evidence of neglect” against Kathryn.

A source said: "Thomas’ legal team had affidavits from the speech therapists, an occupational therapist, physical therapist and play therapists that the children were making tremendous progress under his parenting.

“They were doing well in school, enjoying play dates and were happy. They love school and living in Aiken.”

The source added that Kathryn has been granted supervised time with her children from 9.00am to 4.30pm every other weekend.

Back then, the insider admitted that "everything was going well."

"Kathryn has been adhering surprisingly well to the order. Thomas wishes the best for her," the source said.

THOMAS BREAKS HIS SILENCE

Thomas spoke with All About The Tea of the custody win: "I was awarded sole custody. I make all the parenting decisions.

“She’s not allowed to have overnights with the children. I will transport the children to a halfway point between Aiken and Charleston where Kathryn will pick them up.”

He concluded: “I am beyond grateful for the outcome of this custody battle and for being granted sole custody of my children. Family is the most important thing in my life, and I will do everything in my power to ensure that my kids have a happy and stable future.

"This has been a challenging journey, but with the support of my loved ones and legal team, justice prevailed.”

A LONG BATTLE

At the beginning of their years-long battle, Kathryn first lost full custody of the children in 2016 and entered rehab after she tested positive for marijuana.

Two years later, she filed for primary custody of the kids after Thomas was arrested and charged with assault and battery in the second degree.

Thomas pleaded guilty to third-degree assault and battery charges.

He received a 30-day suspended sentence and was ordered to pay a $500 fine.

In 2019, Thomas and Kathryn agreed to share joint legal and physical custody of their children with Thomas “being the primary custodian.”

RAVENEL, S.C. (WCBD) – Ravenel leaders discussed Tuesday night plans for a proposed development that has some community members upset.

The proposed development is the Preserve at Ravenel, and community members voiced their opinions on the development before town council voted on the first reading.

Ravenel neighbors gathered in front of Ravenel Town Hall prior to Tuesday’s council meeting to discuss the proposed Preserve at Ravenel development.

“It’s been a very confusing process to all of us as concerned citizens,” Ravenel resident Melissa Barfield said. “So, now we’re just trying to figure out exactly what is going to happen.”

Some residents worry that the 755-acre development that would be located on Davison Road, and include 350 dwelling units and 25 acres of commercial space, would overwhelm the town’s roads.

“It’s traffic,” Barfield said. “Its traffic is what it is, and that’s our concern. We travel this road every day, not just me, but everybody who lives off or on Davison Road travel it every day and we see the traffic we sit in every morning. And it’s just going to create more.”

For neighbors like Angela Brown who grew up in Ravenel, she fears this development could be the start of transforming her home into a place seemingly unrecognizable.

“We have a history there,” Brown said. “I want to know, ‘What’s in it for us?’ You’re coming through our village. This is our village, and you’re just wanting to force something down our throats. I’m very disappointed that this is happening.”

During the meeting, council voted on the project’s first reading, and it passed unanimously.

After residents received a letter from Ravenel Mayor Stephen Tumbleston early Tuesday stating they would not be allowed to comment on the development at the meeting, they were permitted to do so.

“I just think there’s so many little things that can be changed to make this more palatable to the community,” one Ravenel resident said. “And we would probably say, ‘Yes, okay,’ if some of those changes were implemented. Otherwise, I think it’s a terrible idea.”

Mayor Tumbleston says the town has seen steady growth through the years, and he’s confident if this development is approved, it will be a major benefit to the community.

“Dorchester County using 165 now as a beltway around has had a huge impact on the traffic in our town,” Tumbleston said. “So, why can’t we grow a little bit, too? To reap some of the benefits, where we’re not just a speed bump for everybody else traveling through.”

The second reading will be voted on at next Tuesday’s (3/28) town council meeting.

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The growing metropolitan Charleston area continues to spread farther into what was once the rural countryside.

The town of Ravenel in southwestern Charleston County is the latest to experience the region’s growing pains as it contemplates growing by 755 acres and adding 350 more houses. Just what the final development will look like has not been decided.

Town Council voted 6-1 Feb. 28 for initial approval to annex the acreage at the bend of Davison and County Line roads in Charleston County. A second majority vote is needed before the property becomes part of the small town of about 2,700 residents.

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Vic Mills of Augusta-based development firm Southeastern​​​​​​​ wants to build the homes in a new development called The Preserve at Ravenel across from his Poplar Grove community. He also wants 25 acres for commercial use. Much of the parcel, which includes some wetlands, is set aside as agricultural land, where Mills does not currently plan to build houses.

At two recent public hearings, residents raised concerns over the number of homes, increased traffic on the two-lane road, the type of businesses that would be allowed in the commercial node and whether the agricultural land can be placed in a conservation easement to prevent or restrict further development.

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The town’s leaders are expected to address many of those issues before signing off on a development agreement that will dictate what goes on the acreage.

Mayor Steve Tumbleston said another meeting may be scheduled before the next regular Town Council meeting on March 28 to iron out the details. A date and time have not been set.

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Beezer Molten of Charleston founded the outdoor gear chain in 1993 in a small shop on North Market Street. Half-Moon Outfitters​​​​​​​ now has eight locations across two states with another shop on the way in Summerville. Shoe Show Inc. of Concord, N.C., recently bought the business Molten started.

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – Police, firefighters and community members gathered Monday morning for a walk on the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge in a show of support for the first responders and heroes of the September 11, 2001, terror attacks.

The 10^th Annual 9-11 Silent Walk began in Charleston and came to an end at the USS Yorktown at Patriots Point in Mount Pleasant.

No words were exchanged and only the sound of cars passing by could be heard as people from all over the Lowcountry and beyond participated in the silent walk across the Ravenel Bridge during the morning hours.

Tian Griffieth, who serves as executive director and captain of the North Charleston Fire Department, said this decade-old ceremony started with a text message that was sent 10 years ago.

“This has been something that we started out as five friends … a text message saying hey, let’s go something on 9-11. We came out, we walked that day the entire Ravenel Bridge and that day set off a chain of events that have allowed us to be here for the last decade,” he said.

Now, thousands have joined the walk with support from across the spectrum – from kids who were born after September 11, 2001, to those who were there in person when the attacks happened 22 years ago.

“We immediately saw the smoke, and there was a solid stream of people that were running out of the area. We got to the base just before the collapse and we started taking care of people,” recalled 9/11 first responder Johan Zamoscianyk.

“We had seen the first plane hit the towers. We went from Queens, and by the time we got into Manhattan the second plane had hit and the first tower came down,” said Retired NYPD Detective Michael Rooney.

The moment of silence and process of first responders across the Ravenel — a symbol to serve as a reminder for everyone to see.

“We put 343 firefighters on this bridge every year, police officers, members of the community, walking as a symbol of those people that were lost,” said Capt. Griffieth.

After reaching the end of the Ravenel Bridge, participants gathered on the flight deck of the USS Yorktown where organizers held additional events commemorating 9/11 and the first responders.

“It’s a surreal event. Seeing everybody walking across the bridge is reminiscent of people walking up the westside highway,” said Zamoscianyk.

Event organizers say since the inaugural walk in 2013, over 6,000 people have walked the Ravenel Bridge to honor the victims of the September 11, 2001, terror attacks.