Aiken Drivers Ignore “Road Closed” Signs

Aiken, SC—The sign says “bridge out.“ But, the bridge doesn’t appear to be ‘out’, and drivers don’t appear to be heeding the “road closed” signs.

Keith Harp, Resident: “As you can see, the road is open, sort of…so I’m sure that some people are actually taking advantage of it. But uh…the sign says closed.“

Keith Harp says he used to use Gray Mare Hollow Road as a cut through. Now, he adds an extra ten minutes to his drive, detouring around…and he says he’s been doing that far too long.

Harp: “It’s been about 14 months since the road was closed, and I believe the initial closure was supposed to be 4-6 months. So, we’ve been delayed quite a while.“

South Carolina Department of Transportation officials say the road is being re-worked, because of a dangerous curve that caused several deaths. They admit, the project has not gone smoothly. A design issue caused delays…and, due to regulations, they’re waiting for grass to grow along these slopes.

Neal Cushman, Resident: “And everybody else that would like to use this road is waiting for the grass to grow.“

DOT officials say drivers who ignore the signs, are not helping speed the process along, but they admit, after 14 months, they can understand drivers’ frustration.

Cushman: “There’s some people going through here. They’re really not supposed to be, but I think the state has recognized to that it’s taken so long, and been such an inconvenience, that they’re kind of turning their head the other way.“

Harp says he’s just tired of getting the run-around….and having to turn around and find another route.

DOT officials say that bridge should not be used yet, because there are no guardrails.

They are optimistic that the job will be done, and the road open by the end of June.