AIKEN — Gov. Henry McMaster has signed an emergency executive order to expedite the replacement of an Interstate 20 overpass bridge that collapsed June 14. 

The governor issued executive order number 2025-22 on June 16 that calls for an emergency repair of the S-105, Old Vaucluse Road bridge which spanned Interstate 20, but collapsed after a tanker hit it following an accident.

McMaster said due to the existing and anticipated circumstances and conditions referenced and described in relation to the tanker's collision with the bridge he constituted an emergency for purposes of 23 U.S.C. § 125 and 23 C.F.R. Part 668.

The order said the matter represents an ongoing concern to main traffic on the roadway.

The order said based on accordance with 23 U.S.C. § 125, the United States Department of Transportation, through the Federal Highway Administration, can administer an emergency relief program to assist states with the repair or reconstruction of federal-aid highways that have suffered serious damage due to certain extraordinary conditions, such as natural disasters or catastrophic failures from an external cause.

The order said the state's emergency relief funding must be made and approved by the FHWA Division Administrator and, absent a presidential major-disaster declaration. It should also include documentation that reflects that the governor of the affected state has determined and declared, with the concurrence of the Secretary of Transportation, that the circumstances constitute an emergency. 

In the order, McMaster has authorized and directed the South Carolina Department of Transportation to initiate and undertake any and all actions or activities that they deem necessary to provide immediate replacement of the I-20 Overpass Bridge and to ensure the safety and well-being of the traveling public.

McMaster also authorized and directed SCDOT to apply for federal approval from the FHWA Division to ER funds or other FHWA assistance available to the State of South Carolina in connection with the emergency declared herein, the order said.

The bridge collapsed after a tanker fire that was caused by a two-vehicle accident. The fire and collapse caused the interstate to be closed and drivers had to use detours. 

SCDOT demolished the bridge, repaved the road and was able to reopen it to traffic June 15. 

SCDOT said an emergency contractor has to be contacted on replacing the bridge.