Lexington, SC, September 6, 2025
News Summary
Lexington drivers should prepare for a temporary lane shift on South Lake Drive for asphalt repairs on September 4, impacting high traffic areas. This comes after a tragic motorcycle accident took place recently. Additionally, the community anticipates the opening of a new Whataburger on February 6, which will feature exciting promotions for its first customers.
Lexington, S.C. – Drivers in Lexington should be aware of a temporary lane shift scheduled for Thursday, September 4, affecting the inbound lane of South Lake Drive near Innovation Place. This lane shift is necessary for asphalt repairs and will be implemented from 9 a.m. to noon. The Lexington Police Department is advising motorists to exercise caution and consider using alternative routes, as South Lake Drive experiences high traffic volume with approximately 24,000 vehicles traveling daily.
This advisory comes in light of a tragic incident on South Lake Drive over the weekend, during which a 33-year-old motorcycle rider, Aaron Smoak of Pelion, lost his life. Smoak was riding a 2005 Suzuki motorcycle when he crashed at around 1:05 a.m., going off the road and striking a curb. He was wearing a helmet at the time, and the incident is still under investigation by the South Carolina Highway Patrol. Local authorities emphasize that the recent fatality underscores the need for caution while traveling on this busy roadway.
Beyond these road updates, the community is excited about the upcoming opening of a new Whataburger location in Lexington. Set to debut on February 6 at 888 S. Lake Drive, the restaurant will open its doors at 9:30 a.m. This will be the third Whataburger in the Midlands area, following successful openings in Irmo and northeast Columbia. To celebrate the grand opening, the first two customers in both the drive-thru and dining room will receive free Whataburger for a year. Additionally, the next 100 customers will be rewarded with free honey butter chicken biscuits, and the following 200 customers will take home special Whataburger merchandise.
Once operational, the Lexington Whataburger will provide 24-hour service daily, with the exception of Christmas Day. The community has shown keen interest in this new restaurant, and with its strategic location on a well-traveled route, it is anticipated to attract a significant number of visitors.
As Lexington prepares for these changes, residents are reminded to stay informed about the ongoing road repairs and the new dining options coming to the area. The temporary adjustments to traffic patterns and the addition of Whataburger are significant developments that will likely impact daily life in Lexington.
FAQ
When will the lane shift on South Lake Drive occur?
The lane shift is scheduled for Thursday, September 4, from 9 a.m. to noon.
What is the reason for the lane shift?
The lane shift is necessary for asphalt repairs on the road.
When will Whataburger open in Lexington?
Whataburger is set to open on February 6 at 9:30 a.m.
What special promotions will be offered during the Whataburger opening?
The first two customers will receive free Whataburger for a year, the next 100 will get free honey butter chicken biscuits, and the following 200 will receive special Whataburger merchandise.
Will the Lexington Whataburger be open all day?
Yes, the Lexington Whataburger will operate 24 hours daily, except on Christmas Day.
Key Features of the Upcoming Changes and Events
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Lane Shift on South Lake Drive | Scheduled for September 4, 9 a.m. to noon for asphalt repairs. |
| Fatal Motorcycle Crash | Aaron Smoak, 33, died in a crash on South Lake Drive; investigation ongoing. |
| Whataburger Opening | New location opening on February 6 at 888 S. Lake Drive, starting at 9:30 a.m. |
| Promotional Offers | Free Whataburger for a year for first two customers, free biscuits for next 100, special merchandise for 200 after that. |
| Operational Hours | Open 24 hours daily, closed on Christmas Day. |
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Additional Resources
- WLTX: Road Maintenance Causes Lane Shift in Downtown Lexington
- ABC Columbia: Lane Shift on Inbound South Lake Drive
- The State: Local News Article
- WISTV: Coroner IDs Man Killed in Lexington County Motorcycle Crash
- WACH: Collision in Lexington Closes Lanes on South Lake Drive
- Wikipedia: Lexington, South Carolina
- Google Search: Lexington SC traffic updates
- Google Scholar: Traffic Management Lexington South Carolina
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Traffic
- Google News: Lexington SC news
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexington.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
