Getting Answers: Hwy 187

ANDERSON, S.C. (FOX Carolina) - From accidents, to traffic lights, to patchy pavement, drivers tell us Highway 187 needs attention.

We have received multiple submissions from viewers asking when crews will fix this rough road.

Brooke wrote in, “The bridge has multiple potholes, some very deep and the traffic is becoming so much because of the influx of people. Traffic will back up down the off ramp to the interstate because of the steady heavy flow of cars down 187. The exit is becoming a mess. With it being the most popular exit to Lake Hartwell,you’d think the county would take more interest in improving the roads and area.”

Adrian also wrote in, “Pot-holes galore! The city keeps filling them in, but they quickly come loose. Then, a lot of time goes by before they return to fill them in again. One of my tires on my car was damaged thanks to a huge one I hit when it was dark.”

Brandi Guernsey owns Foobar’d Bar and Grill on Highway 187. The restaurant is just off Interstate 85 at Exit 14.

“Probably about thirty times a day at least, we hear brakes screeching, horns honking,” Guernsey said, “I had a father when we first opened that came in and said that his daughter almost died on the other side of the bridge. We’ve had near-accidents on this side of the bridge. I really think lights need to be on both sides getting on the ramps.”

Between 2017 and 2021, South Carolina Highway Patrol reported 51 accidents at the ramp.

“We look out and people are almost hitting somebody turning into the gas station trying to get off the highway,” Guernsey said.

Running 30 miles through Anderson County, drivers said potholes cover most of the highway.

“All the way down the road is pretty bad,” Guernsey said.

More than 23,000 cars travel the highway each day. Guernsey said the road needs to catchup with the growing area.

“Obvioulsy they need to do a lot more road maintenance that they have not been doing. It’s long overdue,” Guernsey said.

The South Carolina Department of Transportation has added Highway 187 to the 2023 Pavement Improvement Program.

Crews are also making safety improvements by installing center line rumble strips.

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