Count on 2 had complete team coverage of the demolition of the Pearman bridge. Including video reports on the explosition, Lowcountry reactions, what's next, photo galleries, and more.

WCBD NBC News 2 is proud to present the LOWCOUNTRY'S VERY FIRST LOCALLY PRODUCED HDTV report called:

"Bridging the Future: A News 2 Special Report"

It is a 30 minute special dedicated to the opening of the new Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge and all the festivities surrounding it. FInd out how you get a DVD copy of it.

After 4 years of construction, the opening ribbon was cut at 11:07am on July 16th. Thousands were on hand to witness this historic event while thousands of cars waited throughout the day to cross the new bridge. Special Features: Bridge Timeline Bridge Components

The Fireworks Gala was a huge success as the countdown to the official grand opening of the Arthur Ravenel Bridge opens on Saturday.

Information on the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge Dedication Ceremony, Ribbon Cutting, Road Closures, and event schedule for Saturday's Grand Opening.

Complete list of road and bridge closures for Dedication Ceremony for Saturday, July 16th

Complete list of speakers and events during the Dedication Ceremony.

The excitement of the new bridge is affecting bridge memorabilia sales throughout the Lowcountry. From key chains to cups retailers say new bridge memorabilia is in high demand especially t-shirts.

Traffic life after the new cooper river bridge opens is expected to dramatically affect traffic flow, and there are many new routes you'll have to learn to access the bridge.

Before the new bridge open up for traffic, the old cooper river bridges have to be shut down. (Video Report & Ramp Maps)

The new bridge's name sake, Arthur Ravenel, Junior says not even a temporarily debilitating disease will keep him from attending the opening of the bridge. (Video Report)

This weekend's bridge opening was a big success for bridge officials. They say it even went better than they planned. (Video Report)

Tens of thousands of bridge walkers used their time on the bridge to show support for our troops in Iraq during Unity in the Community Day. For many, the bridge to patriotism is never far away from the heart. (Video Report)

Walkers just wanted the chance to put their feet on the bridge before it's touched by tires. Thousands showed up the first day but even more showed up today.

The bridge opening is a new beginning for the people of the lowcountry. For some it's also a symbol of patriotism.

The four hospitals came together to get out the health message. Representatives handed out ten thousand goody bags filled with water, health messages and more.

During the demolition, large pieces of concrete will be taken out to sea and turned into artificial reefs.

News 2's Brad Franko tells us how the Grace Bridge played a part in "delivering" a bundle of joy for one Lowcountry couple. (Special Video Report)

For one Lowcountry couple the old cooper river bridges have a special place in their hearts both remember a time when only a horse and buggy and a ferry connected Charleston to Mount Pleasant.

News 2's Leigh Spann tells us how the Grace Memorial Bridge bring back scarey memories and stories from Lowcountry residents driving across it. (Special Video Report)

Hundreds of people showed up Monday night to take part in the bridge gala. A rare opportunity to be one of the first people on the bridge. (Video Report & Photos)

Charleston police say vandals struck along the Arthur Ravenel Bridge, damaging part of the bridge just 2 weeks before the grand opening. (Video Report)

Replacement of the Cooper River Bridges project fact sheet

Transportation Department officials are completing plans to demolish the two old bridges across the Cooper River in Charleston, once a new bridge opens next month.

The new Arthur Ravenel Bridge will be open to traffic in a matter of weeks, but not all the ramps open at the same time.

State and local government leaders commented on the progress of the bridge construction and opening plans.

Even with four lanes going in both directions on the new Arthur Ravenel Bridge, there will still be those times of heavy traffic