A closure is coming as the state Department of Transportation continues improvement work on a key interchange near downtown Lexington.

As part of its ongoing project to re-work the Interstate 20/U.S. Highway 1 interchange, the department will close the I-20 eastbound on-ramp and off-ramp onto U.S. 1 overnight Tuesday, Nov. 21, starting at 8 p.m. Nov. 20.

[Update: From a second DOT release, issued Nov. 21  —"Following an overnight closure of the Interstate 20 eastbound ramps at U.S. 1 (Exit 58), work in the area is ongoing and could impact drivers throughout the day. Traffic delays are expected in the area - drivers are encouraged to plan ahead and use an alternate route if possible. Law enforcement is on-site to help move traffic through the area."]

“The I-20 eastbound on-ramp from U.S. 1 and the I-20 eastbound off-ramp to Exit 58 (U.S. 1) will both be closed during this operation,” the department writes in a release. 

“U.S. 1 northbound and U.S. 1 southbound motorists planning to use the on-ramp should follow the detour route and enter I-20 westbound. Motorists will follow the detour route to Exit 55 (S.C. 6) to change directions and enter I-20 eastbound,” the release continues. “I-20 eastbound motorists planning to use the off-ramp to Exit 58 (U.S. 1) should follow the detour route to Exit 61 (U.S. 378). Drivers will follow the detour to change directions and enter I-20 westbound. Motorists will follow the detour route to Exit 58 (U.S. 1).”

The release notes that message boards and signage along the detour routes will indicate directions, with messages about the lane closures placed in advance of the work area.

“The road work is part of the U.S. 1 over I-20 Interchange Improvement Project in Lexington County and is a part of SCDOT’s Strategic 10-year Plan to rebuild South Carolina’s roads and bridge,” the release notes. “Upon expected completion in 2024, the project will fully replace the existing interchange to improve overall traffic through this area.”