The South Carolina Department of Transportation reported that lanes on Interstate 20 are closed due to a significant incident involving a bridge. This occurred near mile marker 13 around 4 a.m., when a tractor-trailer caught fire beneath the Old Vaucluse Road overpass. Upon arrival, the Graniteville-Vaucluse-Warrenville Fire Department discovered the fully engulfed vehicle, which had already compromised the bridge’s integrity.
As the situation unfolded, authorities noted that the second bridge over the eastbound lane subsequently collapsed. Consequently, Interstate 20 is shut down in both directions between Bettis Academy Road and Edgefield Highway (Hwy. 19), and Old Vaucluse Road will remain closed until further notice.
To manage the disruption, the SCDOT has established a detour for motorists. Eastbound traffic will be rerouted off I-20 at Exit 11 and can re-enter at Exit 18, while westbound traffic will reverse this route, traveling from Exit 18 back to Exit 11. Drivers are advised to avoid the area and utilize alternate routes as necessary.
While this incident is certainly challenging for commuters, the proactive response by local fire departments and traffic authorities highlights the collaborative effort to ensure public safety and maintain traffic flow as quickly as possible under the circumstances. It serves as a reminder of the importance of disaster preparedness and the resilience of community resources in time of crisis.