Traffic slowed but still moving on I-77 as bridge repairs continue

Traffic heading south on Interstate 77 was moving slowly near mile marker 82 Saturday as crews continued repairing the bridge over the Catawba River.

The two right lanes on I-77 south are closed for deck repairs on the Catawba River bridge. Crews with the S.C. Department of Transportation closed the two lanes late Friday, and the lanes will remain closed until noon Sunday.

There was some congestion around mile marker 82 early Saturday afternoon, and while traffic slowed even more with motorists entering the interstate from Sutton Road, it continued moving.

This permanent repair is required due to a large hole that formed in the bridge deck on Tuesday, highway officials said in a statement. Maintenance crews were able to temporarily patch the damage Tuesday night and Wednesday until a contractor could make permanent repairs with specialized equipment.

These permanent repairs will be performed on 24-hour shifts during the weekend when local commuter traffic volumes are lower and backups will be minimized, officials said, adding that permanently repairing the problem now will avoid possible worsening conditions that could disrupt upcoming holiday traffic.

Motorists are urged to use caution while traveling in work zones, and to consider using an alternate while repairs are underway.

To check traffic conditions on I-77 and other major highways in South Carolina, visit the Department of Transportation’s 511 Traveler Information System, www.511sc.org, or download the free app.

This story was originally published December 12, 2015 at 2:56 PM with the headline "Traffic slowed but still moving on I-77 as bridge repairs continue."