News Summary
The Georgia Department of Transportation has announced overnight lane closures for the ongoing I-20 Savannah River Bridge repair project starting July 28. These closures will affect both eastbound and westbound traffic, as crews work to repair the bridge following an earlier incident where a tanker truck crash caused the collapse of an overpass. Motorists are advised to anticipate delays and utilize alternative routes while the repairs are underway.
Aiken, SC – The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) has announced overnight lane closures for the ongoing I-20 Savannah River Bridge repair project. Starting July 28, the closures are expected to disrupt traffic as crews perform necessary work on the bridge.
The lane closures will take place on the following dates:
- Monday, July 28, from 9 p.m. to Tuesday, July 29, at 7 a.m.
- Tuesday, July 29, from 9 p.m. to Wednesday, July 30, at 7 a.m.
Drivers are warned that the shoulders of I-20, both eastbound and westbound, may also be affected. GDOT urges motor vehicle operators to anticipate potential delays and to exercise caution while passing through the construction zone.
These closures come in the wake of a significant incident that occurred earlier this month, resulting from a tanker truck crash and subsequent fire, which led to the collapse of the Old Vaucluse Road overpass bridge onto Interstate 20. This incident transpired at approximately 4 a.m. on a Saturday, near mile marker 13, just north of the Georgia-South Carolina state line. Fortunately, no injuries or fatalities were reported in connection with the collapse.
The swift response from road maintenance crews and various emergency services enabled the rapid demolition and removal of the wrecked bridge. By the following Sunday morning, the majority of the debris had been cleared. The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) later determined that the bridge was a complete loss and mandated its replacement.
In conjunction with the bridge demolition, road crews will also need to repave the affected stretch of roadway before it can safely reopen to traffic. The timeline for reopening I-20 remains uncertain, and additional disruptions are anticipated as repairs and replacements proceed.
To facilitate the ongoing work and ensure public safety, local authorities have implemented alternative routes for motorists.
For those traveling east toward Columbia, it is advised to take I-520 west to Jefferson Davis Highway, followed by the Robert M. Bell Highway to US 1, returning to I-20. On the other hand, drivers heading west toward Augusta should use Edgefield Highway to Edgefield Road in Trenton to reconnect with I-20.
Traffic control measures will gradually be lifted along the detour routes as the area is cleared and deemed safe for vehicular traffic. The initial emergency response included several agencies, such as local police and fire departments, resulting in at least two individuals being transported to the hospital for treatment.
In summary, the I-20 Savannah River Bridge repair project is a direct response to the recent overpass collapse, prompting scheduled overnight lane closures on July 28 and 29. Motorists are strongly urged to plan their travels accordingly and remain vigilant for construction activities in the area.
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Additional Resources
- WRDW: Overturned Vehicle Causes Lane Closures I-20 North Augusta
- Wikipedia: Interstate 20
- Augusta Chronicle: Get Around Closed Section of I-20
- Google Search: I-20 closure
- Fox 5 Atlanta: I-20 Closed After Tanker Truck Fire
- Google Scholar: I-20 accidents
- WJBF: Fiery Crash Shuts Down I-20 Eastbound
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Road Safety
- WFXG: I-20 Shut Down Due to Hazardous Spill
- Google News: Traffic accidents
