Columbia, South Carolina, October 7, 2025

News Summary

An $8 million federal grant has been approved for the emergency replacement of the Old Vaucluse Road Bridge in South Carolina, which recently collapsed due to a collision with a gasoline tanker. The incident also caused both drivers to be hospitalized. The South Carolina Department of Transportation plans to begin construction in November 2025, with completion expected by Spring 2026. The Federal Highway Administration’s funding emphasizes the urgency of restoring this critical infrastructure, which supports approximately 40,000 vehicles daily.

Columbia, South Carolina – An $8 million federal grant has been approved for the emergency replacement of the Old Vaucluse Road Bridge, which collapsed on June 14 due to a collision involving a gasoline tanker. The crash caused the tanker to catch fire, compromising the bridge structure and leading to its eventual collapse.

Following the incident, the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) took swift action, successfully reopening Interstate 20 within 36 hours. The Federal Highway Administration has now granted funding for the bridge replacement, emphasizing the urgency of restoring this crucial infrastructure. Construction on the new bridge is expected to commence in November 2025, with completion anticipated by Spring 2026.

Secretary of Transportation Justin Powell expressed appreciation for the prompt financial support from Secretary Duffy and the Trump administration, which facilitated the bridge’s rapid replacement process. To expedite construction, SCDOT will use an emergency contract.

The bridge collapse arose from a crash involving a 2019 International tractor-trailer gasoline tanker and a 2023 Dodge Charger, both traveling eastbound on I-20 at the time of the collision. Both drivers sustained injuries and were hospitalized, although there were no reports of serious injuries. A state investigation is currently underway to determine the crash’s circumstances, and it remains unclear whether any charges will be filed.

Despite the bridge’s collapse, I-20 remained operational, with partial lane closures allowing for continued traffic flow. Approximately 40,000 vehicles use this corridor daily, indicating a critical need for prompt repairs and effective traffic management. In the wake of the incident, SCDOT is urging drivers to slow down and exercise caution around construction zones.

The bridge was quickly demolished after the accident, and crews commenced milling and repaving the damaged sections of I-20. Emergency responders, including multiple fire departments, worked to extinguish the fire that engulfed the gasoline tanker, utilizing around 10,000 gallons of water in the effort. SCDOT’s rapid response included coordination with state police and local emergency services during the emergency phase, highlighting the collaborative effort to manage the incident’s aftermath.

Key Details of the Incident

• Incident Date: June 14
• Federal Grant Amount: $8 million
• Replacement Start Date: November 2025
• Expected Completion: Spring 2026
• Average Daily Traffic: 40,000 vehicles

Emergency Response

Several emergency services responded to the incident, managing to extinguish the blaze and maintain public safety during the chaotic aftermath of the crash. The collaborative effort among the SCDOT, state police, and local emergency teams proved crucial in addressing both the immediate aftermath and continued traffic flow despite the bridge’s loss.

Concluding Remarks

SCDOT remains committed to ensuring the swift recovery of transportation infrastructure following this incident. The agency emphasizes the importance of public safety during this transitional phase and will continue to work diligently towards the bridge’s restoration.

FAQ Section

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Chart of Key Features

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

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Additional Resources

• Post and Courier: Federal Funding for Old Vaucluse Road Bridge Replacement
• WRDW: New Details on Fiery Crash that Brought Down I-20 Bridge
• WBTV: Bridge Collapses Over Highway After Fiery Tanker Crash
• Augusta Chronicle: How to Get Around I-20 After Overpass Collapse
• Wikipedia: I-20 Bridge Collapse
• Google Search: I-20 Bridge Collapse

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