The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) urges motorists to use alternative routes to avoid heavy congestion from daytime lane closures on a portion of Interstate 95 from Florence County to Dillon County.

An interstate improvement project has been under way since October along a 23-mile stretch of I-95 from mile marker 171 near Florence to mile marker 194 near Dillon. The work includes concrete patching and asphalt work.

Long delays are expected in these areas on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays during the months of February, March, and April (excluding the week before and after Easter). Only nighttime closures are scheduled after April 29. The project is scheduled to be completed in winter 2010.

Lane closures are in place 24 hours a day from Sundays at 8 p.m. until Thursdays at 10 a.m. From 10 a.m. Thursdays until 8 p.m. Sundays, only nighttime closures are permitted.

The detour is as follows:

·        Traveling northbound, take exit 170 at Florence to SC 327, US 76/US 301 and SC 9 back to I-95 and return to I 95 at exit 193 at Dillon.

·        Traveling southbound, take exit 193 at Dillon to SC 9, US 301 to US 76/US 301 and SC 327 and return to I 95 at exit 170 at Florence.

Detour signs, including variable message boards and an overhead message board, are in place to inform motorists of the alternative routes. Signs are in place at exit 170 (Florence) 181 (Latta) and 193(Dillon).

SCDOT appreciates your patience during these necessary improvements to provide a safer, more efficient interstate system. Motorists are urged to use caution when traveling in work zones.

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