YORK COUNTY, S.C. — Now through May 24, drivers frequently traveling between Charlotte and Rock Hill on I-77 may want to consider a different route to avoid delays.

The South Carolina Department of Transportation says the I-77 Catawba River Bridge Project is currently scheduled to last from 9 p.m. Thursday, May 6 to 5 a.m. Monday, May 24. The closure is around the clock during that timeframe.

Officials say the project will have a significant impact on traffic due to the limited routes crossing over the Catawba River.

SCDOT says frequent travelers should consider alternate routes, allow extra travel time, explore telework options, or adjust work hours if possible while the project is underway. Some drivers on Friday, May 7, the first full day of the project, reported delays of over an hour.

For the project, SCDOT has closed the southbound bridge and diverted southbound traffic into the northbound lanes to accommodate two-way traffic over the bridge. There are two lanes of traffic for each direction.

A temporary concrete median has been installed to separate that traffic.

Additionally, the southbound on-ramp at Sutton Road (Exit 83) has been closed, as are the northbound on-ramps at Celanese and Cherry Roads (Exit 82).

Alternate routes and neighborhoods near those routes should expect increased traffic and delays throughout the duration of the project, especially during rush hour.

Work is currently scheduled to be completed and normal traffic flow restored prior to Memorial Day weekend.