KERSHAW COUNTY, S.C. — A portion of I-20 in Kershaw County has been shut down as "emergency repairs" are underway.
Motorists are advised that the westbound bridge across a portion of the Wateree River on I-20 near Camden has been closed until further notice for emergency maintenance. The South Carolina Department of Transportation said crews have been called to make repairs, and law enforcement is assisting with traffic control.
Officials said they hope to have repairs done within a week.
"I've instructed our crews to work around the clock to expedite the repair on the bridge," Secretary of Transportation Christy Hall said. "I recognize the inconvenience and we never want to have to close any primary or interstate route, but safety is our number one priority."
Hall asked drivers to be patient and "know that we are doing everything we can to get the bridge open for traffic as quickly and safely as possible."
"We certainly have the support we need, the staff we need out here and the resources to get this done as quickly as possible. We really want to get it finished and make the road and the bridge safe so that folks can get back on it and continue with their holiday and just regular travels," SCDOT Communications Director Ginny Jones said.
Detour information
South Carolina Highway Patrol will divert all westbound traffic at mile marker 98 -- to Highway 521/Sumter Highway. Drivers can take that highway north to Ehrenclou Drive, then take a left on U.S. 601/Jefferson Davis Highway, following U.S. 601 South, before re-entering I-20 at mile marker 92.
Drivers in the area should expect slowdowns, as roadwork was already being done in the area before this afternoon's event.