On December 5, 2025, a 20 inch cast iron distribution waterline failed near the intersection of Hwy. 221 (Chesnee Hwy.) and Elm Street. 

With the logistics of the repair, including extensive repairs to the roadway, as well as the overall size of the repair and concerns for safety, a detour will be utilized beginning on January 5, 2025, until it is both safe and feasible to open some lanes to traffic. It is expected that the detour will not last the entirety of the project. The full project is projected to last 14 days, dependent on weather conditions.

The following southbound (for traffic traveling into Spartanburg) and northbound (for traffic traveling out of Spartanburg) detours will be utilized:

• Hwy. 221 Southbound Detour (Traveling into Spartanburg)

Head south on US-221 S

Turn right to merge onto I-85 S toward Greenville

Use the right 2 lanes to take exit 77 for I-85BL toward Freeway Loop/Spartanburg

Continue onto I-85 BL S

Take exit 5A for I-585 S/US-176 E/Pine Street toward Downtown

Merge onto I-585 S/US-176 E

• Hwy. 221 Northbound Detour (Leaving Spartanburg)

Head northwest on I-585 N

Take the I-85 BUS Loop N exit toward Charlotte

Merge onto I-85 BL N

Use any lane to merge onto I-85 N toward Charlotte

Take exit 78 for US 221 N toward Chesnee

Use any lane to turn left onto US-221 N/Chesnee Hwy