COLUMBIA, S.C. — Interstate construction and detours aren't exactly what South Carolina drivers are excited to see, but some are looking forward to the improvements that follow.
The I-77 southbound bridges above the Congaree River between Bluff Road and I-26 are currently closed for repair, with construction in full swing.
This will go on for the next week and a half, causing drivers to readjust their routes, drive times, and plans.
Locals tell News 19 they remember all too well what the traffic congestion was like two weeks ago during construction on the northbound side of the interstate.
"It was affecting everybody. Everybody was late to work," Gene McMillan of Gaston said.
McMillan explains he plans to stay home this weekend to avoid any detours. He adds that Monday he'll try using back roads to get to work.
Kendall Brookins, a student-athlete at Columbia International University, said he expects traffic to get worse, especially with hundreds of drivers coming through the area on this busy weekend that's filled with activities across the Capital City.
"I pull out of my complex and it's just semis going through and standstill traffic. I've got a tight schedule so I don't have that much free time for myself. Put that with the traffic and that's even less time that I have," Brookins said. "I can't wait until it's over but I'm just happy they're doing it."
Kelly Moore, the director of public engagement for SCDOT, said that consistent 24-hour work, along with the technique and technology crews are using, like hydro demolition robots, allows them to work faster.
"We're asking folks again just to be patient, to leave early, plan their trip in advance if they can. Doing this closure in nine days is really an innovative and accelerated way to do the project. If we were to do a typical construction model, that would mean lane closures for around nine months to do the same amount of work," Moore said.
There might not be normal morning drives for the coming days, but SCDOT says it will be worth it in the long run.
This closure will last until Sunday, April 23.
As for other projects, SCDOT said the Carolina Crossroads projects are making progress. The state agency has completed 199 bridge projects with another 75 under construction.