News Summary
The South Carolina Department of Transportation has announced the closure of the Belfast Road bridge for urgent repairs due to structural damage. Alongside this, a portion of SC 773 will also close for bridge work starting May 19. Motorists are advised to expect significant delays and are encouraged to find alternative routes. The repairs on the S.C. 121 bridge over Big Creek in Saluda County are also ongoing following recent accidents. These closures are part of a broader maintenance initiative, with detour routes in place for affected drivers.
Newberry County, South Carolina — The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) has announced the closure of the bridge on Belfast Road near Bush River in Newberry County due to necessary repairs stemming from structural damage. The repair work is being expedited, and further updates will be shared with the public as they become available.
In addition to the Belfast Road bridge closure, SCDOT has revealed that a portion of SC 773 will also be closed starting May 19 for bridge work over I-26, with the closure anticipated to last until July. This is part of a broader maintenance initiative that will see a reduction of westbound lanes on I-26 to a single lane for over a month, beginning April 28 and extending through the end of May.
Motorists are advised to expect delays during this construction period and are encouraged to identify alternative routes whenever possible. Signed detour routes are set to be established in the affected areas to assist drivers, especially those operating vehicles exceeding 10 feet in width. Such vehicles must exit I-26 at S.C. 202 and follow the designated detour route.
Details of the Closures
The detours and lane reductions along I-26 are expected to cause considerable traffic disruptions. Bridge repairs will occur over the Palmetto Trail at mile marker 83 and over Indian Creek at mile marker 65. A signed detour will be available for heavy vehicles until further notice.
On April 14, SCDOT is also set to close the S.C. 121 bridge over Big Creek in Saluda County for repairs, with an estimated completion date by the end of April. This closure follows recent accidents that caused structural damage to this bridge, highlighting ongoing safety concerns in the area.
Background on Structural Damage
Structural assessments conducted by SCDOT identified damage to the S.C. 121 bridge after two separate accidents occurred; one earlier in the week followed by another on the day of the bridge’s closure. These incidents have raised alarms regarding the impact of increased truck traffic on the infrastructure, as noted by local officials. Sheriff Lee Foster highlighted that truck traffic in the region has intensified since the initial construction of I-26, raising concerns about oversized vehicles potentially compromising the integrity of the bridges.
Detour Instructions
For drivers needing to navigate around the closed S.C. 121 bridge, the detour requires exiting I-26 at Exit 74 onto Highway 34, followed by US-176 and then back to S.C. 121. For those traveling south, they should exit I-26 at Exit 60 onto S.C. 121, then take S.C. 76 and return to Highway 34.
The timeline for reopening the S.C. 121 bridge currently remains uncertain, and residents and travelers are urged to remain patient during the repair processes while adhering to all posted directions and warnings.
As bridge repairs continue, SCDOT emphasizes the importance of safety, reminding drivers to slow down when approaching work zones to ensure the safety of both workers and motorists.
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HERE Resources
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Bridge Closure for Repairs on SC 773 in Newberry County
SC 773 Closure for Bridge Repairs in Newberry County
Newberry County Prepares for April 28 I-26 Lane Closures
Historic Flooding Ravages Eastern Kentucky and Southern West Virginia
Palm Beach County Schools Close as Hurricane Helene Approaches
Additional Resources
- ABC Columbia: SCDOT to Close Belfast Road Bridge in Newberry County for Repairs
- WACH: SCDOT Announces Bridge Repairs on SC 773 over I-26
- The State: Traffic Updates on Road Repairs
- Roads & Bridges: South Carolina’s John E. Caldwell Bridge Reopens
- Wikipedia: South Carolina
Author: STAFF HERE NEWBERRY
The NEWBERRY STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewberry.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Newberry, Newberry County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Newberry Opera House performances, Newberry Arts Fest, and the Newberry County Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Newberry County Chamber of Commerce and the Newberry Museum, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and agriculture that power the local economy such as Amick Farms and Newberry Mills. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
