Newberry Residents Face Weekend Detours Due to SC 121 Bridge Closure over I-26

Newberry Residents, Get Ready for a Weekend Detour!

Hey there, Newberry! If you have plans to hit the road this weekend, we’ve got some news you need to know about. The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) has closed the SC 121 bridge over I-26 as of early Friday evening. It seems there were two unfortunate accidents involving the bridge this week, and they’ve decided it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Why the Sudden Closure?

So, what exactly happened? According to Sheriff Lee Foster of Newberry County, there were two accidents that caused this situation. One occurred earlier this week, and the second just happened today. When an accident involves a bridge, the protocol is to call in SCDOT to assess any potential damage. In this case, the bridge suffered damage on two separate occasions, and SCDOT determined it would be dangerous to keep it open.

“Unfortunately, in the last couple of days we’ve had two accidents on I-26 that have hit that bridge, and it had done damage to it. Damage that the Department of Transportation has determined would make it dangerous,” Sheriff Foster explained. That really puts things into perspective, doesn’t it? It’s not just our daily commute at stake; safety is a top priority!

What’s Causing All These Accidents?

You might be wondering why this bridge keeps getting hit. It turns out that truck traffic has gotten significantly larger since I-26 was originally built. The sheriff mentioned that SCDOT is currently in the process of raising several bridges in the area because they’ve been struck so many times. Often, oversized trucks or equipment malfunction may be factors in these accidents, leading to a dangerous situation where the bridge’s superstructure gets hit and damaged. Who knew something so routine could turn into a cause for concern?

Finding Your Way Around

Now that we’re all caught up, let’s talk about alternatives. If you find yourself driving in this area, you’ll need to take a detour. Here’s the easiest route: If you’re heading north, take Exit 74 onto Highway 34, then follow that to US-176 and finally back onto SC 121. For those traveling south, your route will start at Exit 60 onto SC 121, then onto Highway 76, and finally back to Highway 34.

When Will It Reopen?

As for when this bridge will be back in action, Sheriff Foster didn’t have an exact timeline. So, if you’re planning on driving that way, it might be a good idea to allow a little extra time for your trip. Patience is key during these kinds of situations!

A Final Note

We know detours can be annoying, but they’re put in place for our safety. It’s always better to take the longer route than risk driving over a compromised bridge. Stay safe out there, Newberry! Keep an eye on local updates for any changes regarding the bridge’s status. Safe travels and happy driving!