FLORENCE, S.C. (WBTW) – The South Carolina Department of Transportation says repairs on the bridge over the Great Pee Dee Rive will start Jan. 22nd.

SCDOT District Engineering Administrator, Kyle Berry, said the roads in that area haven’t been worked on since the 1950’s.

“There’s been no major rehab work performed on these sections of the interstate and that’s what in 40, 50 years,” he said. “70,000 to 80,000 vehicles per day travel this section of the interstate and we’re just at the point to where we have to perform maintenance on these bridge decks.”

SCDOT officials said the department has been patching the bridge up over the years, but has still noticed cement sticking out and potholes that keep forming.

“We’re trying to make sure they [the roads] are safe for the traveling public and structurally they can withstand and withhold the load that they experience day-to-day,” said Berry.

Berry said there will be a 30 mile detour posted for drives looking to avoid the traffic:

·       Exit 170 – left onto S-21-26 N. Williston Rd.

·       Right onto SC-34 Cashua Ferry Rd E

·       Right onto SC-38 E

·       Left to reenter I-95 NB

·       Approx. 21 mile route, est. 25 minutes

·       Two lane roads – not posted due to oversize/overweight route requirements.

SCDOT is urging drivers to use the alternate route.

“Our best advice and recommendation is if you’re a local and you’re using I-95 during these two months or if you’re using 95 for your route to and from work consider an alternate route,” said Berry.

Berry said the posted speed limit will be 45 miles per hour through the work zone and anyone caught speeding will be ticketed.

“The highway patrol is partnering with us, the safety improvement team,” he said. “They’re going to be monitoring our traffic control and traffic backups.”

Berry said the left lane of the interstate will be closed the evening of Jan. 21st and the right lane will be closed the morning of Jan. 22nd. He said the right lane will remain closed until mid-February. SCDOT officials said they expect repairs to be finished in time for spring break by March 16th.