SCDOT: 2 key bridges replaced ahead of schedule

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — South Carolina transportation officials say two emergency bridge repairs on major highways in the state have been completed weeks ahead of schedule.

The Department of Transportation said Thursday that work was finished Oct. 22 on the Interstate 95 bridge over Lake Marion some 19 days ahead of schedule. The work to repair deteriorating concrete on the bridge required crews to shut down one lane on the busy route that takes travelers up and down the East Coast.

The DOT says work to replace the state Highway 150 bridge over Interstate 85 near Gaffney finished on Oct. 21, four weeks ahead of schedule. The bridge had to be demolished and replaced after a truck crashed into it on May 23, damaging the support columns beyond repair.