News

Sinkhole closes I-26 exit at U.S. 25 connector

NCDOT engineer Wesley Grindstaff looks at a sinkhole caused by a failed drainage pipe I-26 ramp at U.S. 25.

By Bill Moss, Published: January 10, 2019

It may be a while before the NCDOT can reopen the exit ramp from I-26 west to the U.S. 25 south connector leading to Greenville, S.C.

The NCDOT closed the ramp on Wednesday after engineers discovered a 15-foot deep hole under the cloverleaf ramp. Engineers inspecting the scene on Thursday morning said it appeared a metal drain pipe that runs underneath I-26 had failed. "It's at the end of its useful life," one of them said.

For now the ramp from U.S. 25 north to I-26 west is open but replacement of the failed open could require the interstate entrance to close, too.

Traffic is detoured from the closed exit 54 a mile west to exit 53 (Upward Road). From there traffic can turn left on Spartanburg Highway and travel south to the U.S. 25 interchange.

“It’s probably caused by a separated drainage structure,” Division 14 maintenance engineer Wesley Grindstaff said. “But we won’t know for sure until we are able to safely get a camera into the system.”