News Summary
Residents in Irmo are advised of the temporary closure of the I-26 off-ramp at exit 97 from 7 p.m. on January 14 to 6 a.m. on January 15, with a second closure on January 16. Traffic will be redirected to exit 101 due to road repairs and ongoing flooding issues in the area, exacerbated by heavy rains and Hurricane Helene. Residents should avoid unnecessary travel until conditions improve.
Heads Up, Irmo Residents! I-26 Off-Ramp Set for Closure
Hey there, Irmo! If you’re planning to hit the road anytime soon, you might want to pay attention to some important updates regarding the I-26 off-ramp. The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) has revealed that the exit to exit 97 will be temporarily closed starting at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, January 14. This closure isn’t just a one-time thing; it’s set to last until 6 a.m. the next morning, on Wednesday, January 15.
But wait, there’s more! If you think you can dodge the detour, think again! This off-ramp is going to close again on Thursday, January 16, also from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. on Friday, the 17th. So, it’s really worth noting if you plan to be out and about during those hours.
What’s a Driver to Do?
With the closure in place, traffic will be redirected to exit 101. This detour is all part of the roadwork that’s ongoing due to the recent disturbances caused by heavy rains in the area. Residents have been battling some serious flooding, especially after the water levels in the Broad River reached about 29 feet. That’s dangerously close to the height recorded during the disastrous 2015 flood when things got incredibly dire.
Flooding Troubles
As it stands, it seems like Mother Nature just won’t let up. Lost Creek Rd., a key route in the Chestnut Hill Plantation area, is currently closed due to flooding. In fact, people in the area have reported that they have encountered these challenging flooding conditions many times before! This is already the third occasion they’ve seen their surroundings affected in this manner.
And if that wasn’t enough to keep you on alert, it appears that Hurricane Helene is gaining strength and threatening to bring even more heavy rain and strong winds. So, buckle up because it looks like the Midlands region of South Carolina may face more disruptions ahead.
Road Closures on the Rise
Local officials from Richland County have been active in monitoring the situation, urging drivers to steer clear of several roads that are currently marked as closed due to the flooding. As of 3:30 p.m., multiple reports have indicated that the towns in the Midlands are struggling with dangerous conditions caused by rising waters, downed trees, and power lines. If you’re in West Columbia, you might want to check the town’s interactive map. They reported 25 road closures as of 10:30 a.m., and updates are being provided.
Given all these challenges, the Richland County Sheriff’s Department is advising everyone to think twice about heading out on the roads. Many routes are potentially impassable, and it’s always better to be safe than sorry!
Stay Informed
To keep yourself safe and informed, be sure to stay tuned for updates regarding road conditions and closures in your area. With all these changes happening in our beloved Irmo, it’s essential to stay connected with what’s going on. And remember, when in doubt, it may be best to skip the drive until things settle down. Safe travels, everyone!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Columbia Launches $2 Billion Overhaul at Malfunction Junction
I-26 Midlands Connection Project Completed in Irmo
Columbia Traffic Update: Key Changes Implemented at Malfunction Junction
Additional Resources
- ABC Columbia: SCDOT Road Closure in Irmo
- WACH: Lost Creek Rd Closure Adds 20 Minutes to Local Commutes
- The State: Latest Weather Updates
- Lexington Chronicle: Over 65,000 Without Power After Helene
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hurricane Helene
