Summer Detours Underway: East Butler Road Bridge Over I-385 Closed for Rehabilitation

Local commuters and Golden Strip residents are adjusting to new traffic patterns this week following the complete closure of the East Butler Road (S-23-107) bridge over Interstate 385. The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) officially shut down the vital overpass on Monday, June 15, to kick off an extensive bridge rehabilitation and resurfacing project.

Because performing structural preservation work under live traffic conditions is not practical, the bridge will remain entirely blocked to vehicular traffic in both directions for several weeks. Barring severe weather or unforeseen complications, SCDOT expects the road to officially reopen by August 5 or 6, just ahead of the upcoming school year.

The Project Purpose

The targeted repairs are part of SCDOT’s Statewide Bridge Preventative Maintenance Program. The initiative aims to execute critical bridge deck resurfacing, remove current vehicle load restrictions, increase overall transit safety, and extend the long-term service life of the aging overpass structure.

While construction crews work over the interstate, only local traffic is permitted on East Butler Road leading up to the bridge corridor.

Official Detour Routes

To accommodate the estimated 4-mile detour and navigate around the construction zone, state and local officials have established designated routes utilizing adjacent interchanges:

• For Southbound Traffic on East Butler Road: Motorists traveling southbound are being directed to travel north on Woodruff Road (SC-146), turn left to merge onto I-385 South, and then utilize Exit 34 to return to East Butler Road.

• For Northbound Traffic on East Butler Road: Motorists traveling northbound are being routed south on Bridges Road (S-23-941), instructed to turn left to merge onto I-385 North, and directed to take Exit 34 to exit back onto East Butler Road.

Commuter Advisory

City officials and local law enforcement are urging regional drivers to map out alternative travel routes well in advance and expect heavier-than-usual morning and evening congestion along adjacent side streets—particularly near Woodruff Road and surrounding intersections.

SCDOT reminds motorists to exercise extreme caution, slow down, and remain mindful of posted signage and active work crews when driving anywhere near the construction zone.