Newberry, S.C. – Heads Up for Weekend Travelers!
If you’re planning to hit the road this weekend in Newberry, we’ve got some important news you’ll want to keep in mind. As of early Friday evening, the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) has decided to close down the SC 121 bridge over I-26 due to some recent mishaps that left the bridge with noticeable damage.
What Happened?
This unfortunate situation unfolded after two separate accidents involving the bridge occurred just days apart. According to Newberry County Sheriff Lee Foster, the incidents prompted the authorities to take immediate action for the safety of all travelers. As Sheriff Foster explains, “Whenever an accident involves a bridge, they call in SCDOT to look at it and make sure it’s not damaged.”
Unfortunately, the SC 121 bridge was not just scratched; it suffered significant damage. “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,” Foster added. This kind of damage is something the state cannot take lightly. Safety always comes first!
Why Is This Happening?
Your first thought may be, “How did this happen?” As it turns out, the truck traffic on I-26 these days is much larger than when I-26 was originally constructed. The size of trucks on the highway has increased over the years, leading to more collisions with bridges. To keep up with these changes, SCDOT is even looking into raising some bridges to prevent these incidents from occurring again.
Sometimes, things don’t go as planned, and oversized trucks can accidentally hit the bridge’s superstructure. Foster explained, “You get a situation where an oversized truck goes through, or they have maybe a malfunction and it’s lifted a little bit more than it should be, and it hits the superstructure of the bridge, causing damage.” It’s a real issue that is affecting our roads and infrastructure.
Planning Your Route
For travelers this weekend, you’ll want to plan ahead. The suggested detour is to take Exit 74 onto Highway 34, then hop onto US-176 before returning to SC 121. If you’re headed south instead, take Exit 60 onto SC 121, then change to 76 and finally back to Highway 34. It may feel like a hassle, but taking these detours will keep you safe.
What’s Next?
While we all hope for a speedy resolution, Sheriff Foster has indicated that the timeline for reopening the bridge remains uncertain. So, travelers need to be patient while waiting for updates from SCDOT. It is always better to be safe than sorry, especially when it comes to the integrity of our roads and bridges.
This weekend is bound to be busy, especially with the fall season in full swing. So if you’re in Newberry or passing through, make sure to keep this detour in mind, follow the suggested routes, and drive safely! If you see any updates about the situation, be sure to share the information with your fellow travelers.
In Summary
To recap: The SC 121 bridge over I-26 in Newberry is closed due to two recent accidents causing damage. Adjust your travel plans accordingly and be sure to take the recommended detours. Stay safe out there, and happy travels!
