Travelers and commuters in South Carolina are advised to seek alternative routes this evening due to a significant closure on Interstate 85.
The South Carolina Department of Transportation has reported an interruption near Exit 44 heading towards Whitehorse Road, leading to full shutdowns in both directions between Exit 42 (I-185) and Exit 46 (Augusta Road) in Greenville County. The South Carolina Highway Patrol has confirmed the closure, indicating that restrictions will remain in place until officials can provide further updates.
Initially categorized as a hazardous materials incident, the situation has now been reclassified as a crash, though specific details are currently scarce. Authorities are calling the situation an active incident, and the public is strongly encouraged to avoid the area.
For those already on the road, there are established detours. Northbound drivers should exit at Mile Marker 40, follow SC 153 (Brown Road), then SC 20 (Piedmont Hwy), and navigate through US 25 (Augusta Road) to rejoin the interstate at Mile Marker 46.
For southbound traffic, the suggested detour involves exiting at Mile Marker 46, proceeding south on SC 291, and then following US 25 (Augusta Road) back to SC 20, then SC 153 to resume travel on I-85 at Mile Marker 40.
Stay tuned for more updates as the situation develops.
Traffic Alert: Major I-85 Closure in South Carolina – What You Need to Know
### Overview of the Incident
Travelers and commuters in South Carolina should take immediate action to find alternative routes due to a major closure affecting Interstate 85. The South Carolina Department of Transportation has confirmed a significant shutdown near Exit 44 towards Whitehorse Road. The blockage spans both directions between Exit 42 (I-185) and Exit 46 (Augusta Road) in Greenville County.
### Key Details
– **Current Status**: Initially labeled as a hazardous materials incident, the issue has now been reclassified as a vehicle crash.
– **Authorities Involved**: Both the South Carolina Department of Transportation and the South Carolina Highway Patrol are managing the situation.
### Detour Routes
For drivers who find themselves caught in this closure, established detour routes are in place:
– **Northbound Traffic**:
– Exit at Mile Marker 40
– Follow SC 153 (Brown Road)
– Then SC 20 (Piedmont Hwy)
– Navigate through US 25 (Augusta Road)
– Rejoin I-85 at Mile Marker 46.
– **Southbound Traffic**:
– Exit at Mile Marker 46
– Proceed south on SC 291
– Follow US 25 (Augusta Road) back to SC 20
– Then SC 153
– Resume travel on I-85 at Mile Marker 40.
### Safety Precautions
Authorities strongly advise all motorists to avoid the area entirely while the incident remains active. Updates from local traffic agencies will provide more information as soon as it becomes available.
### Travel Trends and Insights
Traffic disruptions like this are becoming more common due to increased roadway hazard incidents across the United States. As urban areas expand and traffic volumes rise, having contingency plans and being informed about real-time updates can save time and reduce stress for commuters.
### Conclusion
It’s crucial for drivers to stay informed and use navigational apps to find the best routes around this closure. For continuing updates on this and similar incidents, refer to official South Carolina transportation websites or follow local news reports on traffic conditions.
For more information, visit South Carolina Department of Transportation.
