Accidents clog both sides of I-26 in Newberry County; road repairs causing heavy congestion near Harbison

Multiple traffic accidents are causing major traffic congestion on I-26 in Newberry County on both sides of the interstate, according to the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office.

Local traffic, especially coming from Columbia, is encouraged to take alternate routes and take extreme care on the highway and entry and exit ramps.

South Carolina transportation officials already were reminding drivers to expect heavy congestion on Interstate 26 in Richland County because of work to repair damage caused by a multi-vehicle wreck last month.

Officials advise motorists to use alternate routes this weekend if possible. The area is near the popular Harsison shopping area.

The May 27 crash involved a fuel tanker, which caused an extensive fire at that damaged the barrier walls and roadway. The damaged area is located between the Piney Grove Road and St. Andrews Road exits, about one mile west of the I-20 interchange.

The contractor intends to install lane closures on the inside travel lane in both directions that will remain in place until 6 a.m. Monday.

Additional nightly lane closures can be expected through June 29.

This story was originally published June 20, 2015 at 11:29 AM.