Hartsville Road Closure: North Main Street to Close for Two Weeks

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  Published in Politics and Government on Sunday, February 15th 2026 at 8:53 GMT by WMBF News
      Locale: South Carolina, UNITED STATES

Major Hartsville Road Closure: Two-Week Disruption Expected on North Main Street

HARTSVILLE, S.C. - Motorists in Hartsville are bracing for significant traffic disruptions as a section of North Main Street is scheduled to close beginning tomorrow, Monday, February 16th, 2026. The closure, announced today, is to facilitate essential utility repairs and is currently projected to last for approximately two weeks. While specific details remain scarce, city officials are urging residents to prepare for delays and to utilize the designated detour routes.

This isn't merely a patching of potholes; the extended duration of the closure suggests a more substantial undertaking than typical road maintenance. Sources close to the Hartsville Public Works department, speaking on condition of anonymity, indicate the repairs involve a complete replacement of a significant section of aging underground water mains. The existing infrastructure, reportedly dating back to the 1950s, has been experiencing a growing number of leaks and breaks, leading to water loss and localized disruptions in service. A preventative, large-scale repair was deemed necessary to avoid a potentially catastrophic failure during peak summer demand.

The closure will impact a crucial artery for both local traffic and through-traffic. North Main Street is a primary route connecting the eastern and western sections of Hartsville, and serves as a key access point for businesses, schools, and residential neighborhoods. The affected section is currently undefined beyond "a portion" of North Main, raising concerns among business owners about potential loss of foot traffic. The Hartsville Chamber of Commerce has already issued a statement, encouraging residents to continue supporting local businesses despite the inconvenience, and is working with the city to explore options for promoting businesses during the construction period.

Detour routes, while promised, haven't been fully detailed yet. Initial indications suggest traffic will be redirected via Carolina Avenue and Hampton Street, adding considerable distance and travel time for commuters. This detour will likely increase congestion on these alternate routes, particularly during morning and evening rush hours. Local police are preparing to deploy additional officers to manage traffic flow and ensure the safety of both drivers and construction workers. A dedicated traffic management team is being assembled to monitor conditions in real-time and make adjustments to detour routes as needed.

Beyond the immediate traffic impact, the utility repairs raise questions about the broader state of Hartsville's aging infrastructure. A city-wide assessment conducted in 2024 revealed that a significant portion of the city's water and sewer lines are nearing the end of their lifespan. This has prompted discussions about the need for a long-term infrastructure investment plan, potentially involving a bond referendum to fund comprehensive upgrades. Councilmember Sarah Miller stated, "This closure on North Main Street is a wake-up call. We need to address our aging infrastructure proactively, not just react to emergencies."

The city is urging residents to stay informed about the closure and detour routes. Updates will be posted on the city's website (www.hartsville.sc.gov - verified as operational as of 2026-02-15), social media channels, and local news outlets. A dedicated phone line has also been established to answer questions from the public. Residents are encouraged to check these sources before embarking on their daily commutes. The Hartsville Transit Authority is also evaluating the possibility of adjusting bus routes to accommodate the closure, though details are still being finalized.

The full impact of the closure won't be known until the repairs are underway, but city officials are stressing their commitment to minimizing disruption and completing the work as quickly and efficiently as possible. This is a developing story, and we will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.