A number of local organizations are working together to ensure residents, businesses and visitors are aware of the SCDOT I-77 Catawba River Bridge Project, scheduled to start May 6 and last through May 24, 2021. Since there are limited routes over the Catawba River, this will have significant impact to both York and Lancaster County motorists. Those who frequently use I-77 between Charlotte, NC and Rock Hill, SC are strongly encouraged to allow extra time, consider alternate routes, explore telework options and adjust work hours, if possible, during the project. Visit www.yorkcountysheriff.com/77BridgeProject for information related to the SCDOT project and local impacts.
Coordination meetings have included:
• York County Government
• York County Sheriff’s Office
• York County Office of Emergency Management
• York County Public Safety Communications 911
• City of Rock Hill
• Rock Hill Police
• Town of Fort Mill
• Fort Mill Police
• City of Tega Cay
• Tega Cay Police
• Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office
• SC Highway Patrol
• Visit York County
• Local School Districts
The SCDOT project will close the southbound bridge, with southbound traffic diverted to the northbound lanes to accommodate two-way traffic over the bridge, two lanes in each direction. A temporary concrete median will be in place to separate the northbound and southbound traffic. The southbound on-ramp at Sutton Road (exit 83) will be closed, with all northbound on-ramps closed at Cherry and Celanese (exit 82). Local law enforcement agencies and Highway Patrol will be stationed at the closed ramps at all times throughout the project.
Heavy delays are expected on I-77 and on the posted detour of US 21 to Sutton Road, as well as other roads used to access I-77 and alternate routes, including Highway 49/Buster Boyd Bridge and US 521. Motorists should also expect delays on local roads, including SC 160 and Sutton Road in Fort Mill, and Celanese Road, Cherry Road, Cel-River Road, and Dave Lyle Blvd in Rock Hill. Avoid those roads if possible, especially during rush hour.
Neighborhoods near the impacted routes, such as Riverwalk, Baxter, and Kingsley should expect a significant increase in traffic and delays on nearby roads, as well as a possible increase in cut through traffic. Use caution as drivers who may be unfamiliar with neighborhood streets try to navigate to their route.
The SCDOT contractor will perform weekend work, tentatively scheduled for April 9-12 and April 16-19, to prepare crossovers leading up to the main project. There will be single and dual lane closures in both directions on the inside lanes during the preliminary weekend work. Traffic flow is expected to be restored to regular patterns before Memorial Day weekend.