DOT closes bridge near Clemson

The S.C. Department of Transportation has closed a bridge in Pickens County on S. 18 (also known as 18 Mile Road) which crosses 18 Mile Creek near the U-S 123 interchange. The closure is due to piling problems that have caused the bridge deck to sink about one foot. The location is about seven miles east of Clemson. An SC-DOT crew responding to a report about the bridge just before midnight Monday discovered the pilings and bridge deck problems. The decision was made to close the structure and a section of the road between U-S 123 and SC 88. Bridge inspectors are at the location this morning to determine the extent of the damage and what repairs will have to be made to reopen the bridge.