In order to facilitate the expedited removal of the first 5 miles (mile markers 81-86) of the chute, the I-85 widening project contractor will move forward with closing the entrance and exit ramps as needed at exit 83 (Highway 110) in the southbound direction in Cherokee County. The closure will enable the contractor to focus his work on the remaining interstate widening and ramp reconstruction needed for the southbound direction of the project in the Highway 110 vicinity.
The exit 83 northbound ramps will not be impacted by this closure, nor will traffic traveling over I-85 on SC 110.
Based on recent project team meetings, it is anticipated that the first 5 miles of the chute, between mile markers 81-86 will be removed in significantly less than 90 days. Regular updates will be provided on the progress of the work.
In the interim, and based on the recommendations of a national work zone expert, SCDOT will also be moving forward with improving the truck restriction signage by beginning the signage at the North Carolina state line and reinforcing the messaging leading up to and through the project's work zone. The S.C. Highway Patrol and State Transport Police have committed additional law enforcement personnel to the project, which has resulted in a doubling of law enforcement presence along the project corridor.
While these additional safety and enforcement efforts are key to improving safety along the project corridor, motorists are also requested to help out by slowing down, paying attention, and complying with the new 35 mph speed limit for the southbound direction of I-85 through the work zone.
"We greatly appreciate the rapid response of our national highway work zone experts, the S.C. Department of Public Safety, and local law enforcement for their collaboration as SCDOT and our contractor develop and implement these initiatives," said Secretary of Transportation Christy A. Hall, P.E. "We still have much work to do, but SCDOT is committed to improving the safety of this work zone and updating the community on our progress on a regular basis."
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