I-20, Augusta Road fully reopens after overnight work on gas line

LEXINGTON COUNTY, S.C. (WIS) - Friday morning saw traffic completely restored on Augusta Road after a gas leak shut it down Thursday evening.

Officials in Lexington County said work continued overnight by Dominion Energy with the use of a crane. As of 7:15 a.m. all lanes of Augusta Rd at I-20 were reported fully opened.

All businesses asked to evacuate Thursday are able to return to work.

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Both directions of I-20 are now open but one inbound lane of Augusta Road will remain closed while work continues on the natural gas line.

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According to the Lexington Police Department, a total of two business were evacuated by the Lexington County Fire Service, and one residence was under a shelter-in-place order until the gas line was repaired.

Officials say conditions are stable, but people are advised to avoid the area as crews work to repair the gas line.

Westbound I-20 is beginning to reopen, and traffic will continue to be detoured onto westbound I-20 toward Augusta.

At this time, both Dominion Energy and Lexington County Fire Service’s HAZMAT team are monitoring the conditions of the gas line and will issue further evacuations if needed, according to a tweet on the County of Lexington’s official Twitter page.

Evacuations of businesses and residences in the area of Augusta Road south of or past I-20 are being led by the Lexington Police Department.

The Lexington County Fire Service is also assisting with evacuations.

“If asked to leave, this is for your personal safety and your understanding is appreciated,” the Lexington Police Department said.

According to Rhonda O’Banion with Dominion Energy, a third-party contractor accidentally struck a natural gas line around 2 p.m.

“Safety is our top priority. Our crews will continue to work until repairs are completed,” O’Banion said.

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According to the Lexington Police Department a gas line break has led to traffic being detoured, and early indications say this closure could be up to five hours

At this time, traffic is being detoured at Cedarcrest Drive and Cedar Drive/Dooley Road.

Officials advise people to avoid the area if possible.

All traffic on I-20 is being detoured through the town of Lexington from Sunset Blvd. and South Lake Drive, according to police.

Traffic inbound and outbound on Augusta Road is also being detoured around the affected area.

The Lexington Police Department is assisting the South Carolina Highway Patrol with road and ramp closures at this time.

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