News Summary
The South Carolina Department of Transportation has completed the final traffic configuration for I-85 in Spartanburg and Cherokee Counties, with all lanes open in each direction. Despite this progress, there will be overnight closures for paving in the coming weeks as preparations are made for increased traffic. Recent incidents, including crashes and a hazardous materials spill, have affected traffic flow, prompting officials to advise caution to motorists. Additionally, an upcoming bridge closure as part of a major interchange project is expected to cause further delays.
Spartanburg
The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) has announced that I-85 in Spartanburg and Cherokee Counties has reached its final traffic configuration, with all three lanes open in each direction. However, overnight closures for final paving activities are expected in the coming weeks as construction crews continue to work on the driving surface of the newly opened inside lanes. This development comes as the region prepares for an increase in traffic following the back-to-school season.
On August 11, 2025, two crashes were reported in the southbound lanes of I-85 in Spartanburg County, contributing to significant traffic delays of over two hours. The first crash occurred near mile marker 81, leading to the closure of two right lanes. Shortly thereafter, a second crash was reported at mile marker 84, which resulted in the left lane being closed as well. By 7:45 a.m., both incidents had been cleared, but lingering congestion was still evident near Exits 83 and 82 in Cowpens. The traffic disturbances were exacerbated by rainy weather, prompting traffic officials to urge caution among drivers.
In addition to the traffic incidents, a hazardous materials spill was reported on I-85 South on the same day, near Exit 68 for Highway 129 in Wellford. This spill resulted from diesel fuel leaking from a punctured semi-truck’s tank after it struck debris on the road. The right two lanes of the southbound side of I-85 were closed for several hours while a hazardous materials (HAZMAT) crew managed the cleanup. As of 1:45 p.m., the spill had been addressed, but the right lane remained closed for safety inspections. By Friday evening, all lanes of I-85 in Spartanburg County were reported to be open following the successful resolution of the HAZMAT spill.
In a related transportation update, the SC Highway 290 bridge over I-85 is expected to close for several days starting May 2, 2025, as part of an interchange construction project. This project, which aims to create South Carolina’s third “diverging diamond” interchange, has faced delays and is roughly one year behind schedule. Detour signs will be prominently posted to guide drivers during the closure.
This construction project not only emphasizes the ongoing efforts to improve traffic flow and safety on I-85, but it also serves as a reminder to local residents about the potential for future delays as additional work takes place on this crucial transportation artery. As the region continues to expand and develop, the SCDOT remains focused on facilitating smoother traffic conditions for all users of the interstate.
Motorists are advised to remain attentive to ongoing construction operations and be mindful of potential traffic disruptions in the area during the overnight paving activities and throughout the interchange project.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Cannon’s Campground Road Closure Disrupts Spartanburg Businesses
Local Businesses Struggle Amid Cannons Campground Road Closure
Closure of Cannons Campground Road Bridge Disrupts Spartanburg
Road Construction and Economic Growth in Upstate South Carolina
Temporary Lane Closures Impact Travel in Spartanburg County
Tragic Incident Claims Life on Interstate 85
Woodruff Anticipates Economic Growth with New High School
Two Fatal Motorcycle Accidents in Spartanburg, South Carolina
Nine Candidates Enter Race for Spartanburg County Sheriff
Truck Driver Arrested After Bomb Threat on I-85
Additional Resources
- WSPA: I-85 Crashes Cause Traffic Delay
- Wikipedia: Interstate 85
- Fox Carolina: I-85 Lanes Closed After Hazmat Spill
- Google Search: Spartanburg Traffic News
- Goupstate: SC Highway 290 Bridge Closure
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Traffic
- WYFF: Interstate 85 Hazmat Spill
- Google News: Spartanburg Construction Updates
Author: STAFF HERE SPARTANBURG
The SPARTANBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESpartanburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Spartanburg, Spartanburg County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Spartanburg International Festival, Spartanburg ArtWalk, and motorsport events at Spartanburg Speedway. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Spartanburg Area Chamber of Commerce and the Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System Foundation, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and textiles that power the local economy such as BMW Manufacturing and Milliken & Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
