The state of South Carolina is asking motorists to avoid getting on I-526 or I-26 east heading into Charleston on Tuesday, Sept. 11 in anticipation for the noon lane reversal away from the coast due to Hurricane Florence. 
South Carolina Highway Patrol Captain Travis Manley said officials will begin implementing lane reversal measures, including closing on-ramps, starting at 5 a.m.
“If you find yourself on I-526 tomorrow, you won’t have any access besides I-26 Westbound,” Manley said at a press conference Monday. “Tomorrow morning’s commute eastbound to Charleston will be non-existent.”
The closest exit once on I-26 Westbound will be exit I-77 in Ridgeville.
Additionally, the states of North Carolina and South Carolina announced a limited exemption so the transportation of vehicles bearing equipment and supplies for utility restoration and debris removal, and essentials such as food, water, medicine and medical supplies can happen by an CMV without limiting the hours of operation.
The limited exemption also means the Governor of a State may suspend certain requirements relating to registration, permitting, length, width, weight, load, and hours of service for commercial vehicles responding to an emergency if the Governor declares a state of emergency.
A copy of the exemption can be viewed here.
Local traffic in South Carolina will be monitored and diversions and detours will take place if traffic gets heavy.
Christy Hall, state secretary of transportation with SCDOT, said at a press conference Monday with Gov. Henry McMaster, that there will be 3,000 employees ready to deploy into coastal areas to help move evacuation traffic.
All rest areas and welcome centers will be open 24 hours, and tolls for the Hilton Head bridge will also be suspended.
A real-time list of closed exits can be found here.
