Traffic entering a busy Columbia-area interstate this week will be sent on a detour as work on the Carolina Crossroads project continues.

The ramp from Colonial Life Boulevard onto Interstate 126 will be closed for work beginning at 9 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 25, and will be closed overnight until 5 a.m. Thursday.

Drivers wanting to enter the interstate headed toward Columbia will be directed onto a detour down Bush River Road at Colonial Life Boulevard to Broad River Road and then down Greystone Boulevard to the next ramp onto I-126.

The S.C. Department of Transportation announced the closure Tuesday afternoon, but warned that weather conditions may cause the department to adjust the date or time, with the Columbia area expecting to see bad weather associated with Tropical Storm Helene in the coming days. The National Weather Service has warned that the Midlands could see heavy rain, strong winds and possible tornadoes Thursday into Friday.

The road closure will allow for work on an expanded interchange as part of the Carolina Crossroad Project . The five-phase construction project will upgrade the travel hub connecting I-20, I-26, and I-126, and is scheduled to be completed in 2029.

Drivers are asked to follow posted signs along the detour route and drive with caution as there my be delays. Updates will be posted to the project website and on the hotline number at 800-601-8715.

Map of Colonial Life Boulevard, West Columbia, SC