Lane closures along Interstate 126 in Columbia will be necessary during the week of October 6.  South Carolina Department of Transportation crews will be working to clear large amounts of debris trapped near the piers of the I-126 bridges.

Recent high water levels on the Congaree and Broad rivers have resulted in a considerable amount of debris (including large tree trunks) being trapped near the bridge piers. The removal requires personnel to cut and remove the debris from the river bed with the assistance of a mobile crane, positioned on the bridge.  The operation is too dangerous to be performed at night. 

Motorists are advised to use caution when traveling in work zones as some delays may be experienced.

With the large majority of the morning rush hour traffic traveling on the eastbound lanes, work will begin at 7 a.m. requiring the closing of two of the westbound lanes of I-126.  By 3 p.m., all westbound lanes will be open to outbound traffic. At 4 p.m., two of the eastbound lanes will be closed for operations on eastbound bridges on I-126. By 9 p.m., all eastbound lanes will be open to traffic.

Work is expected to conclude on October 9, 2008, barring any unforeseen circumstances.

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