News Summary

In the wake of a serious accident involving a tanker truck that caused the collapse of the Old Vaucluse Road I-20 overpass, Governor Henry McMaster has issued an executive order to expedite the bridge’s replacement. The collision lead to significant damage and closed I-20 temporarily, with full replacement expected to take up to 12 months. The South Carolina Department of Transportation has been assigned to handle the emergency replacement and pursue federal funding.

South Carolina Governor Orders Quick Replacement of I-20 Overpass Bridge Following Tanker Truck Collision

Aiken, South Carolina – Governor Henry McMaster has issued an executive order to speed up the replacement of the Old Vaucluse Road I-20 overpass bridge, which was destroyed in a major accident involving a tanker truck. The unfortunate incident occurred on Saturday, June 14, 2025, when a 2023 Dodge Charger collided with a gasoline tanker truck around 3:40 AM, resulting in a fire that ultimately led to the bridge’s collapse.

The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) has been tasked with the immediate replacement of the bridge, which is classified as a total loss due to the extensive fire and structural damage. The executive order classifies the situation as an emergency, enabling the state to quickly pursue federal assistance and initiate reconstruction efforts.

The collision prompted the closure of I-20 between Exit 11 and Exit 18. However, the interstate was reopened a few hours later on Sunday, June 15, following the quick response of emergency crews who worked diligently to manage communication and flow of traffic effectively. Despite these efforts, officials anticipate that the bridge will take up to 12 months to be fully operational again.

Details of the Incident

The South Carolina Highway Patrol has confirmed that the accident involved a two-vehicle crash between a passenger vehicle and a tanker truck carrying gasoline. The fire that occurred as a result of the collision exacerbated the damage, leading to the complete destruction of the Old Vaucluse Road bridge.

Governor McMaster’s executive order enables SCDOT to take necessary actions for the expedited replacement process and also allows them to apply for federal emergency relief funding through the Federal Highway Administration. An emergency contract is expected to be awarded shortly to ensure the replacement project can begin without unnecessary delays.

Traffic Impact and Public Response

The collapse of the bridge has caused significant disruptions to local traffic, with many drivers being turned around over the weekend as they navigated alternate routes. Officials expressed gratitude for the swift actions of the emergency response teams and contractors, which significantly minimized the duration of the interstate’s closure.

Cost and Specifications

The cost for replacing bridges of similar size to the Old Vaucluse Road bridge is estimated to be around $15 million. This financial projection will likely be subject to review as the project scope and specifications are further developed in the coming weeks.

Background Context

The Old Vaucluse Road bridge has been a significant infrastructure component in Aiken County, facilitating easy travel for both locals and visitors alike. Its sudden destruction not only highlights the risks associated with heavy vehicle transport on highways but also emphasizes the importance of maintaining safe and operational transportation networks.

As the state moves forward with the bridge replacement process, residents are urged to stay informed through updates from local authorities and transportation officials, ensuring they remain aware of any ongoing traffic changes and developments regarding the bridge’s reconstruction.

In summary, the quick response and proactive measures initiated by Governor McMaster aim to minimize the inconvenience caused by the bridge collapse while safeguarding infrastructure integrity for future commuters.

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HERE Resources

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Interstate 20 Reopens After Major Aiken County Accident
I-20 Reopens After Old Vaucluse Road Overpass Collapse
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Tractor-Trailer Accident Causes Overpass Collapse in Aiken
Massive Gasoline Truck Crash Causes Fire and Bridge Collapse

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