Next phases of South Carolina’s $2B infrastructure project announced

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The South Carolina Department of Transportation announced the next phases of construction on one of the largest infrastructure projects in the state’s history.

The department announced in October that the “Carolina Crossroads” project would be restructured to improve project delivery and advance the widening of Interstate 20 in the Midlands. The next phases of construction have been scheduled to escalate the interstate widening projects on I-20 and the improvements to the I-126 and I-26 interchange while utility coordination and project development continues in the main interchange area, according to a South Carolina Department of Transportation news release.

Drivers in the area can expect to see clearing work continue throughout the project corridor. This includes building demolitions and other clearing of the right of way. This work will allow SCDOT to expedite the utility work needed to begin work on the system-to-system interchange, the release stated.

The construction on I-20 west of Bush River Road to widen the interstate has been accelerated and is anticipated to begin construction in 2025. Concurrent with that project, an additional phase of construction work on the interchange of I-126 and I-26 is expected to go to construction in 2026. Both phases of work have been quickly moved forward to tie in with other widening and interchange improvement projects soon to be completed, the release said.

“Carolina Crossroads is one of the largest infrastructure projects in our state’s history, and we recognize the critical nature of this project not just for the Midlands, but for our state as a whole,” South Carolina Secretary of Transportation Christy A. Hall said in the release. “Our commitment to this important project has not wavered, and I feel confident that this new project structure is going to give us a better project at the end of the day.”

The Carolina Crossroads project is a $2.08 billion state infrastructure project that will provide a safer, more modern interchange design for the state’s top interstate “pinch point,” commonly known as “Malfunction Junction,” the release stated.

More than 134,000 vehicles travel through this area daily. After construction, the average commuter through the I-20/26/126 corridor will save 112 hours each year.

Travel demand models show that most segments within the I-26 corridor operate at an “unacceptable” level of service during peak travel periods. By 2040, the congestion on these roads is expected to increase, and the projected increase in traffic is likely to make congestion worse, according to the release.

SCDOT will host an open house meeting on Tuesday, April 9 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Dutch Square Center located at 421 Bush River Road in Columbia. Members from the project team will be on hand to answer questions.

Community members are encouraged to stay tuned to the project’s website for additional updates.