ORANGEBURG, S.C. (WCIV)-- If you plan to head north up I-95 in the next couple of months, expect to see some congestion as you approach Santee.
Traffic build up is expected along I-95 N as the speed limit is reduced to 45 mph and one lane is closed for bridge repairs over Lake Marion at the Clarendon-Orangeburg County line.
The concrete span was built in the late 1960s and an inspection by the SCDOT showed deterioration. Officials say that while the bridge is safe for travel, the condition warrants repairs before it worsens.
Work is scheduled to begin in the early morning hours of Sept. 12th with anticipated completion on Nov. 16th. The lane closure starts at mile marker 98, Santee exit. Northbound traffic will be reduced from two lanes to one lane 24 hours a day.
Motorists are advised to expect congestion, heavy at times, especially during peak travel times such as Friday through Sunday evenings.
Due to the limited access across Lake Marion, there are no convenient alternate routes. Motorists may consider using I-26 West to Columbia, I-77 North to I-20 East to I-95 at Florence.
No oversized/overweight loads will be allowed to travel through the work zone, which will have concrete barrier walls in place. The open lane will have a restriction of loads exceeding 8½ feet in width.
A detour for loads exceeding 8½ feet in width has been established from I-95 Exit 86A onto I-26 East to US 78 exit 205B to US 52 to SC 375 to US 521 & I-95 near Manning. This route will be marked with signs.
(This story courtetsy WCIV and ABCNews4.com)
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