Hole Found on I-85 Bridge in Oconee County Prompts Emergency Repairs
OCONEE COUNTY, S.C. — Transportation officials say a hole discovered on an I-85 bridge in Oconee County forced crews to close lanes Saturday as emergency repairs got underway.
Hole on I-85 Northbound Near Exit 2
According to the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT), the damage was found on the northbound side of Interstate 85 near Exit 2, in the lane closest to the median.
Traffic was reduced to one lane as workers moved quickly to stabilize the roadway.
Temporary and Permanent Repairs Scheduled
Officials confirmed that temporary repairs are being made to allow the bridge to reopen safely. Permanent repairs are scheduled to begin Sunday night, with crews expected to work into next week.
Warning signs and traffic advisories are in place to alert drivers.
Impact on Travel
The lane closure is expected to cause slowdowns along I-85 through Oconee County, particularly for drivers heading toward the Georgia line. Motorists are encouraged to plan alternate routes or allow extra travel time until repairs are complete.
Bridge safety remains a priority in South Carolina, where aging infrastructure often requires unexpected closures and emergency maintenance.
Do you think South Carolina should dedicate more funding to preventive bridge inspections and repairs to avoid sudden lane closures? Share your thoughts with us at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.