SCDOT Responds to Flooded Roadways after Unprecedented Rainfall Event

Pictured: Hwy. 45 heading to Huger. (CREDIT: Nikki Gaskins Campbell/The Berkeley Observer)

SOUTH CAROLINA – Following the additional rainfall in the Lowcountry overnight, South Carolina Department of Transportation employees are responding to assess and repair flooded roadways.

At this time, I-26 near mile marker 189 is completely closed to eastbound traffic. Both westbound lanes are reopened and safe for travel, but delays in the area are expected. The agency does not expect the water to recede from the east side of the roadway until after the peak travel hours during today’s evening commute. SCDOT urges drivers to seek alternate routes and avoid the area if possible. A detour map for eastbound travel is provided below.

SCDOT has crews pre-staged to assess the interstate as soon as the water recedes and to make rapid repairs if necessary.

Secretary of Transportation Justin Powell said, “Tropical Storm Debby brought incredible amounts of rainfall to our state in just a few short days. Events like this one prove how important it is to invest in our infrastructure and SCDOT is making great progress on our interstates like I-26 with projects designed to bring them up to new, modern standards. “

As of midday today, there are closures on approximately 150 state-maintained roadways. Since the storm started, SCDOT has reopened 165 storm-related road closures.

Crews in the Lowcountry and the Pee Dee are focused on assessing and repairing roads as the water recedes. SCDOT continues to monitor the rainfall and potential for flooding in impacted river basins, with additional assistance crews from the Upstate ready to deploy if needed.