Man on sign causes all eastbound lanes on major highway in Lexington County to be blocked
Drivers were asked to avoid part of a major highway running through Lexington County after several lanes were closed because a man climbed on top of an interstate sign.
All of the eastbound lanes on Interstate 26 were temprarily blocked by the incident, which was called an obstruction by the South Carolina Department of Transportation. The sign is near Exit 115 on I-26, which is the junction with U.S. 21, U.S. 176, and U.S. 321 in Cayce.
At about 10 a.m., the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department said the “man came down safely.” About 10 minutes later, SCDOT said all of the lanes had reopened.
Closer to 9:30 a.m., the sheriff’s department said it was making contact with the man.
“We have deputies on scene to ensure the safety of the man and drivers that may be in the area,” the sheriff’s department said.
No injuries have been reported.
Despite the resolution, drivers were still facing delays.
“Expect delays on I-26 and Charleston Hwy. as first responders are working,” the sheriff’s department said.
Traffic was being rerouted off I-26 at the Airport Boulevard junction at Exit 113, according to the Cayce Police Department.
“Please avoid the area and find an alternate route,” Cayce police said.
SCDOT traffic cameras near the sign were not available.
About an hour prior to the incident, two separate crashes were reported within four miles of the sign on I-26 eastbound lanes.
This is a developing story, check back for updates.
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This story was originally published June 20, 2023 at 9:49 AM.
