S.C. DOT shifting traffic pattern in I-20 construction zone

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As work continues on a road-widening project on Interstate 20 in Lexington County, the S.C. Department of Transportation plans to shift traffic patterns this week.

Beginning this weekend, traffic on eastbound I-20 between S.C. Highway 6 and U.S. Highway 378 will be split into two lanes of traffic separated by concrete barriers, according to a news release from the department. The change was supposed to begin Thursday, but the S.C. DOT pushed back the date because of anticipated weather. 

The right lane will travel adjacent to the eastbound lanes and will allow access to all existing exits. The left lane will travel adjacent to the westbound lanes and will not allow access to exits at S.C. Highway 6 and U.S. Highway 1, but drivers will have access to the exit at U.S. Highway 378.

Westbound I-20 traffic will continue as normal.

The lane shifts will allow construction crews to remove and reconstruct existing eastbound travel lanes and replace the eastbound bridge over Meat Plant Road.

The traffic split will occur at approximately mile point 53.5 and end at mile point 60. Eastbound drivers who need to exit at S.C. Highway 6 or U.S. Highway 1 must use the right lane. Through traffic can use the left lane.

The DOT said the shift will occur over three days in which traffic will be in several alignments while temporary concrete barriers are relocated and exit ramps are realigned.

After 8 p.m. Sunday, eastbound exit and entrance ramps at S.C. Highway 6 and U.S. Highway 1 will be closed temporarily and detours posted. Work on the ramps is scheduled to be completed by Monday morning.

Drivers with wide loads are advised to take U.S. Highway 178 and S.C. Highway 302 as alternative routes.

This traffic pattern will be in place for about nine months. Once the eastbound lanes are complete, a similar traffic shift will occur for the westbound lanes.

S.C. DOT contractors are widening an 11-mile stretch of I-20 from near U.S. Highway 378 to Longs Pond Road. The project will add a third inside lane in both directions.

The project is expected to be completed in the summer of 2021.