Monitor to provide ship info for I-526 bridge - Live5News.com | Charleston, SC | News, Weather, Sports

NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) - A new monitoring system will help larger ships arriving at the Port of Charleston pass safely under the I-526 bridge.

The Post and Courier of Charleston reports the new $40,000 system will provide real time information about the clearance beneath the Don Holt Bridge on the interstate in North Charleston.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says the system that goes into use next week will be able to determine the clearance within 6 inches. Ships will be able to get the information either over the Internet or by phone.

Clearance between the water and the bridge can vary depending on tides and the time of year. Hot summer weather can cause bridge materials to expand while they contract during colder winter weather.

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