Final chutes on I-85 removed two weeks ahead of schedule

GAFFNEY, S.C. (FOX Carolina) - SCDOT removed the final concrete chutes on I-85 more than two weeks ahead of schedule, according to the department.

The I-85 widening project in Cherokee County has been in the process of removing chutes along the interstate between mile markers 81 and 91, with the first phase being completed back in September.

The project began in July after a fatal wreck led to pressure from Cherokee County officials to remove the chutes.

A crash in the construction 'chutes' on I-85 causes a backup.(SC Dept. of Transportation)

Cherokee County Coroner Dennis Fowler said, “Today is a safer day in Cherokee County. While there are numerous other distractions that remain in the construction zones, such as sudden lane changes, the biggest life threat has now been removed. It’s sad it took the loss of lives to get the attention of officials responsible for their placement initially.”

Fowler spoke out against the shoots after a crash killing three people last year, calling them “death traps.”

SCDOT warns people to continue to slow down and pay attention as work to widen the road continues.