Bridge Collapse in Pickens County, South Carolina
A section of a bridge in Pickens County, South Carolina, partially collapsed on Monday, causing significant disruption to local traffic and prompting immediate action from transportation authorities. The incident occurred on the bridge that spans Crowe Creek and the Ellenburg Branch of Lake Keowee, which is located at the intersection of Crowe Creek Road and Newton Road.
The bridge had been serving as a detour for drivers while crews worked on Highway 183. Following the collapse, the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) quickly closed the bridge to the public to ensure safety and begin an assessment of the damage. Officials are working to determine the full extent of the structural issues and develop a plan for replacement.
Background on the Bridge
Built in 1968, the bridge was already scheduled for replacement due to its age and condition. The most recent inspection, conducted in April 2025, rated the structure as being in “fair” condition. Despite this rating, SCDOT had imposed load restrictions on the bridge, prohibiting the use of heavy vehicles to prevent further deterioration.
Witnesses reported that concrete and dump trucks were crossing the bridge when parts of it began to fall. This raises questions about the effectiveness of the existing restrictions and whether they were properly enforced.
Impact on Local Traffic
The partial collapse has led to extended detours for both southbound and northbound traffic on Crowe Creek Road (SC-133). Motorists are being directed through alternate routes to avoid the affected area.
Detour Route for Southbound Traffic:
- Drivers traveling southbound on Crowe Creek Road will take Shady Grove Road (S-39-32) to Walhalla Highway (SC-183).
- They will turn left onto Walhalla Highway before taking a right onto Allgood Bridge Road (S-39-273).
- Proceeding south on Allgood Bridge Road to Walhalla Highway, then turning left onto SC-183.
- After approximately 4.0 miles, they will turn right back onto Crowe Creek Road (SC-133).
Detour Route for Northbound Traffic:
- Drivers heading northbound on Crowe Creek Road will take Walhalla Highway (SC-183) toward Pickens to Allgood Bridge Road (S-39-273).
- They will turn right and follow Allgood Bridge Road to the intersection of Walhalla Highway, where they will turn left toward Shady Grove Road (S-39-32).
- Proceeding west on Shady Grove Road until reaching Crowe Creek Road (SC-133).
Long-Term Closure and Repairs
SCDOT officials anticipate that the closure will last for several months while construction work begins. The department is prioritizing the safety of the community and ensuring that all necessary steps are taken to restore the bridge or replace it with a safer alternative.
Additional Local News
While the bridge collapse has drawn attention, other stories are also making headlines in the region. A local man is accused of killing his father, according to deputies. An Upstate day care employee has been arrested and charged with cruelty to children. Additionally, an Upstate man has pleaded guilty to possessing child sexual abuse material and assaulting an infant.
On a more positive note, legendary rock musician Ozzy Osbourne passed away at the age of 76. Meanwhile, a man has been charged in connection with a fatal hit-and-run in the Upstate area. Another individual, dubbed the “storage unit bandit,” has been arrested following a series of thefts.
For those interested in staying updated with local news and weather, there are resources available to access the latest information from the Greenville area.
