Highway in Colleton County collapses following flooding

COLLETON COUNTY, S.C. (WCSC) - A highway in Colleton County collapsed Wednesday morning following flooding in the area. Colleton County officials said heavy rains and flooding caused a washout in the are of the 2300 block of Hendersonville Highway which is south of Walterboro.

Two people had to be pulled from a car after it dropped into the massive collapse. A resident who lives near the collapse said the driver was trying to turn around when the road collapsed. They were not hurt in the incident.

The South Carolina Highway Patrol got the call a little before 11 a.m.

One of the residents who live in the area says this an important highway, and while it is closed it is going to cause some issues.

“You just don’t see anything like this around here,” said Gordon Ackerman, who lives in the area. “We live in the Lowcountry we have a lot of rain, we have a lot of wet spots, but nothing like this. Especially a complete blowout in a major highway like we have here in Hendersonville.”

Crews with the South Carolina Department of Transportation have blocked off both sides of the highway while they examine the damage.

According to DOT officials, due to the size of the washout, it’s going to take weeks to repair the road.

County officials say Great Swamp Road cannot be used as a detour as Great Swamp Road at Dover Bluff Lane is impassible as well.

South Carolina Highway Patrol Trooper Nick Pye says drivers should avoid the area of US 17 Alt and Icey Lane. There is still water on roadways within Colleton County, and individuals are advised to avoid unnecessary travel, the release stated.

Officials say those who must travel, should use caution.

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