COLUMBIA, S.C. — Drivers traveling on Broad River Road now have a new route.
A new bridge has been built and will be the detour for drivers exiting I-20 West. According to the South Carolina Department of Transportation, this new bridge is a part of the Carolina Crossroads project.
Instead of turning directly under Broad River Road when getting off I-20 West and using the old bridge, drivers will now turn onto the new bridge to take Broad River Road toward Columbia.
SCDOT sent WLTX a statement about the shift in traffic.
"We understand that law enforcement will be placed in locations throughout the interchange to monitor and direct traffic, and they will remain on site overnight [Friday] until the shift operation is completed. We would encourage drivers to seek an alternate route so as to avoid the area overnight if possible," SCDOT officials wrote. "If they need to be in the area overnight, we'd ask them to slow down, pay attention to signage and officers directing traffic, please drive cautiously, and watch out for crews working."
Although the S.C. Department of Transportation anticipates frustration among residents, workers, and visitors to the area, Herbert Davis said he is looking forward to the bridge.
"I drive for Quality Care Transportation," Davis said. "I take people back and forth to their doctor appointments. I'm basically on Broad River almost every day. I'm kind of excited to see the new bridge and how everything will work."
Davis said Broad River is a busy road, and he expects a rough transition to turn into an improvement over time.
"I just tell folks to be aware of what's going on around here and to focus," Davis said. "Watch out for the traffic. It's gonna be a headache for the time being."
The old bridge closed at 9 p.m. on Friday, and the new bridge opened at 11 p.m.