Drivers beware: Black ice reported on major Midlands highway during commute
Black ice was reported on a major highway running through the Midlands Thursday, which causing issues for drivers making a morning commute.
A 10 mile stretch of Interstate 20, from mile marker 51-61, has been affected by snow and ice, the South Carolina Department of Transportation said on Twitter.
The winter weather hazards were spotted on both directions of the interstate running through Lexington County.
The National Weather Service office in Columbia said no snow, or precipitation of any kind, had fallen in the Midlands, and that the issue was caused by black ice.
Two westbound lanes were closed just before 6:30 a.m. near the 61 mile marker. That’s close to the exit for U.S. 378.
All lanes for traffic heading toward Columbia remained open, SCDOT tweeted.
That is the same stretch of I-20 that was closed for more than an hour Wednesday morning, when six crashes occurred because of black ice on the road, according to South Carolina Highway Patrol.
No collisions were reported on I-20 by the South Carolina Department of Public Safety, as of 7 a.m.
An eight-vehicle wreck closed all lanes of traffic on Interstate 26 eastbound, near Exit 107 and the junction with I-20, according to the Department of Public Safety. Information if the collision was caused by snow or ice was not available.
Drivers are encouraged to proceed with caution and allow for extra time on the road.
This is a developing story, check back for updates.
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This story was originally published November 14, 2019 at 7:06 AM.