SC Highway 9 bridge construction to cause 35-mile detour

CHESTER COUNTY, S.C. — As of Monday, drivers will have to take a 35-mile detour to get around construction on a Highway 9 bridge.

Channel 9 learned the bridge's support system has rusted out, forcing Department of Transportation officials to close it for the next month.

Reporter Joe Bruno timed the trip with the detour and found that it took 42 minutes to get from Chester County to Union County.

Over 5,000 vehicles use the bridge daily. The Highway 9 bridge is the only way to cross the Broad River.

Emergency management officials are concerned that the construction will prevent them from being able to reach crashes. The fire department will have to call back up from farther away.

One local business, Broad River Mart, is shutting down during the construction and has advised its employees to apply for unemployment.

“This is the first time in 24 years the store is closed,” owner Gus Poulos said.

DOT crews want the project to be completed by Aug. 14 before school starts.

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Cox Media Group