Columbia Standard

The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) begins the closure of the Koon Road Bridge and segments of Koon Road and Western Lane for utility relocation that is needed ahead of the bridge replacement construction for the Midlands Connection project.

Koon Road will be closed from James Ballentine to Annie Adkins roads, according to a news release. Access will be maintained at James Ballentine Road but there will be no access to or from Western Lane. Local residents also will have access to their driveways on Koon Road. 

The closing of Koon Road Bridge and segments of Koon Road and Western Lane for utility relocations was to start on Dec. 6 and last for approximately two weeks, the news release said. Detour routes will be appropriately signed to direct traffic in the area. SCDOT reminds the public to please use caution while driving through work zones. 

The Koon Road Bridge will be closed again for six to eight months starting sometime between mid-February and early March 2022 for demolition and reconstruction. Traffic will be detoured to the Shady Grove Bridge, and the detour route will be published prior to this closure. No new overpass connection ramps will be constructed for either the Koon Road Bridge or the Shady Grove Bridge. 

The SCDOT Midlands Connection project will improve a 16-mile segment of the Interstate 26 roadway system that stretches from Exit 85 in Little Mountain to Exit 101 in Irmo. The project will widen the I-26 roadway, modify three interchanges and replace seven overpass bridges. This project is part of SCDOT's Strategic 10-Year Plan.

Residents can visit the project's official website at scdotmidlandsconnection.com for more information.