AROUND Cayce, West COLUMBIA & SPRINGDALE

Lots of rain in Lexington County has resulted in some issues on the Riverwalk in Cayce and West Columbia. Phase 1 of the Cayce Riverwalk was closed June 1 in anticipation of flooding. The river was expected to crest Friday.

The day before, portions of the West Columbia Riverwalk Park were closed until further notice due to flooding.

The area from the Gervais St. Bridge to the Moffatt St. entrance were closed. Once the flood waters subsided and the River-walk path was clear again, the city announced that the West Columbia Riverwalk Park was open to the public.

Speaking of Riverwalk, check out the animal sculpture art pieces carved with a chainsaw by Wade Geddings on the Cayce Riverwalk. The sculptures were commissioned by the Cayce Beautification Foundation after the 2015 flood. Wade used trees that had fallen due to the flood so that something good would come out of a terrible event.

Some of the art works are right off the path, while others are nestled in the woods in clear view of the path. The animals include a family of turtles, a salamander, two owls, a fox, a raccoon and a massive bear.

Be careful when you’re in your car. The S.C. Department of Transportation reported that an illegal, oversized vehicle (other sources report it was a dump truck) struck the US 1 bridge at mile marker 58 over the I-20 eastbound lanes on the afternoon of May 29.

SCDOT inspectors were on-site to analyze the damage. Traffic was detoured while the inspection took place. All lanes of I-20 were then re-opened by the SCDOT.