COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Interstate 95 is now completely open in South Carolina, nearly two weeks after historic flooding across much of the state.
The South Carolina Department of Transportation said Tuesday morning that the northbound lanes of the highway in Clarendon County are now open.
A 13-mile stretch of the road had been closed since the heaviest rains fell Oct. 3 and 4. Officials say they still need to inspect and shore up a number of bridges over the swampy areas that included the Black and Pocotaligo rivers.
The southbound lanes of I-95 had reopened Monday.
Motorists had been taking a long detour up I-26 to Columbia and back along I-20 to Florence to avoid the closed part of the highway.
More than 200 roads and 90 bridges remain closed in the state.
South Carolina lowers alert level after historic flooding
Emergency officials in South Carolina have reduced their alert level, nearly two weeks after heavy rain brought historic flooding.
Emergency Management Division spokesman Derrec Becker said late Monday that state officials are increasingly focused on recovery.
The American Red Cross said 308 people spent the night in 10 shelters Monday.
The transportation department reported Tuesday that 212 roads remain closed. Ninety-four bridges are closed because of damage or to be inspected for safety.
Northbound lanes of Interstate 95 are still closed in Clarendon County
State health officials are offering free tetanus vaccinations for those affected by the flooding. Mobile clinics are operating in Florence, Georgetown, Lexington, Richland and Williamsburg counties.
Nineteen counties have a presidential disaster declaration, making people eligible for assistance. Disaster recovery centers are operating in a number of locations.
WSOC
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