COLUMBIA, S.C. — Detours due to construction on Interstate 77 is causing delays for drivers in in the Midlands this week.
A much-anticipated SCDOT roads project along I-77 in Lexington and Richland Counties is causing some traffic snarls and longer commute times, especially during morning and afternoon rush hours. The closed section of I-77 is in the northbound lanes from I-26 at I-77 to mile marker 5, the Shop Road exit.
Kristen Crawford is a Columbia native and, like many of us, is one of the drivers trying to maneuver detours to get to where she needs to go.
"It took me eight minutes to get across the street, just to cross the street," Crawford said. "When I go to class, it's like I need to leave 40 minutes to an hour before because you have to get through traffic, park, make sure you pay the meter. It's just a lot."
Kelly Moore is the Director of Public Engagement at SCDOT. She met us at the traffic management center in Columbia, where teams monitor the state's roads 24 hours a day. Moore says this weeks traffic stems from the ongoing construction on I-77.
"The primary detour route uses interstates like [I-26] and [I-20] for folks to get around the closure, so in some cases, that backs up," Moore said. "We see folks coming in to town and using those local roads."
According to Moore, all of the new concrete has been poured to fix potholes.
"Part of the construction process is a hydro-demolition process that removes old concrete," Moore said. "They're pouring spans of new concrete, and they'll grind those down to make a smooth driving surface."
Early Wednesday afternoon, cars moved smoothly down Assembly and Huger streets, a stark difference just a few hours later, when cars where bumper to bumper for hours. Blossom Street was also at a standstill for much of the afternoon.
Kevin Lewis, who is from Eastover, says he uses I-77 daily and is choosing to look at the positives, even in a back-up.
"It's about a thirty minute ride in the morning, but it's turned into about an hour and a half," Lewis said. "I'm gonna be a lot happier when they get to working on the southbound lanes so my afternoon isn't as bad."
Crawford also feels that pain, but says staying calm is important.
"Usually I go into with a good mindset," Crawford said. "I try to think like 'I have to go here anyway, so just sit and wait through the traffic,' or I'll think, 'You're not going to be here all day.'"
Moore says the northbound lanes will be open on Sunday, April 2, and the southbound closure is expected to start on April 14 and last 9 days.