Drivers using I-20 could see an impact of traffic increase for the rest of the week.

Georgia and South Carolina Department of Transportation is closing the left lane on both sides of I-20 to begin work of the new bridge. 

The project is technically the kick-off of what’s going to be a three-year project. 

The GDOT communications specialist says it’s time for the bridge to get a facelift. 

“They lived a great life, but we are talking about the mid-1960s’ when they were built,” said Kyle Collins. “65,000 to 70,000 cars travel this area through any given day. Having those additional lanes from to two to three; having those inside and outside shoulders are just going to make safer operations all around.”

Part of I-20 is getting a significant upgrade. Both sides of the highway from exit 200 to exit one will have three lanes instead of two, and the roads will be widened. For one driver, the project makes his job easier.

“It gives us more room to pass cars and especially the wide load guys,” explained James Lashley. “They will have a lot more room to maneuver around the small bridges. It will help us out in the long run.”

The roadway is Lashley’s life. He told NewsChannel 6 reporter Devin Johnson, GDOT and SCDOT working together to rebuild the bridge will benefit those who use the roads for work, as well as the people who live in the area.

“That’s how we get the product to the customers,” said Lashley. “If the roads aren’t maintained, it’s hard to get stuff from point A to point B.”

Major construction should start later this year. The project should be finished sometime in 2022.

“It’s just maybe a little bit of delay during the off-peak times; in the middle of the night or early in the morning,” said Collins. “It won’t cause a major impact, but it will be different for drivers approaching that are using to having two lanes in that area.”

“If you do your trip planning, you should be okay with the traffic flow on I-20,” explained Lashley.

During the project, drivers are advised to obey posted speed limits and traffic control measures inside the project limits. 

Photojournalist: Antony Sherrod