News Summary
A new interchange on Calks Ferry Road in Lexington County is under study to address severe traffic congestion. Local residents have received notices concerning survey work on their properties as part of this effort. The interchange will improve traffic flow particularly around congested intersections, with support from local council members and funding aimed at easing commutes for the growing population in the area. However, community opinions vary on the proposed location.
Lexington County, South Carolina – A proposed new interchange on Calks Ferry Road is being studied to alleviate significant traffic congestion in Lexington County. Local property owners, including resident CarolAnn Bailey-Lloyd, have received notices about surveyors potentially working on their properties as part of the interchange study. This new exit is designed to improve traffic flow along Calks Ferry Road near Interstate 20, targeting particularly congested intersections such as Longs Pond Road and Two Notch Road.
The traffic situation has become increasingly problematic, especially along Highway One west of Lexington. Brent Hyatt, Lexington County’s Director of Public Works, confirmed that the traffic study aims to alleviate congestion in the area. The county has acquired a legislative earmark to fund the study, which will involve delineating wetlands and marking streams as part of the assessment process.
The study, while urgent, is still in its initial stages. It is important to note that federal funding must be secured before any construction on the proposed interchange can begin. The South Carolina Eminent Domain Procedure Act allows county representatives to access private properties during the study; however, this does not guarantee that any properties will be seized.
Citizen reactions to the proposed interchange have been mixed. Some residents, such as Jayne Seboe, acknowledge the necessity of the new exit but are concerned about possible implications related to property acquisition. There are differing opinions within the community regarding the ideal location for the interchange, with some favoring the proposed site while others suggest alternative locations.
The Lexington County Council has taken a significant step forward by voting unanimously to approve an engineering contract to initiate the project. This contract, valued at $995,000, will cover traffic studies, design work, and the preparation of an Interchange Justification Report, which is mandated by the Federal Highway Administration.
This interchange project has been in the making for eight years. The motivation behind it is a sharp increase in population in the Red Bank area, which has witnessed an influx of approximately 2,500 residents over the last decade. The daily traffic count on Interstate 20 from Longs Pond Road to S.C. 6 averaged 48,400 vehicles in 2023, highlighting the urgency of addressing the congestion issue.
Support for the interchange is evident among local residents who view it as a necessary improvement for their commutes, particularly regarding heavy traffic associated with schools. Community feedback has been directed towards finding more efficient travel routes.
While there is no definitive timeline for the project’s completion, proponents are optimistic about making substantial progress within the next 10 years. Councilman Darrell Hudson has voiced strong support for the initiative, recognizing the community’s interest in reducing traffic in downtown areas and providing alternative routes for residents.
The steps taken thus far demonstrate the county’s commitment to improving transportation infrastructure and enhancing the quality of life for residents in Lexington County.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Lexington County Proposes New I-20 Exit to Alleviate Traffic
New Interstate Exit Planned in Lexington County
Additional Resources
- WLTX: Proposed Lexington County Interchange Concerns Nearby Residents
- Lexington Chronicle: Calks Ferry Interchange Proposal
- The State: New Interchange Proposal in Lexington County
- WLTX: Proposed I-20 Exit in Lexington County
- Google Search: Lexington County Interchange
Author: STAFF HERE Chapin
CHAPIN STAFF WRITER The CHAPIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREchapin.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chapin, Lexington 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 the Chapin Christmas Parade, Fourth of July Celebration, and the Chapin Fall Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chapin Chamber of Commerce and the Lexington School District One, plus leading businesses in retail and recreation that power the local economy such as Lake Murray Tourism and the Chapin Visitor Information. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaiken.com, HEREbeaufort.com, HEREchapin.com, HEREcharleston.com, HEREclinton.com, HEREcolumbia.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, HEREgreenwood.com, HEREgreenville.com, HEREhiltonhead.com, HEREirmo.com, HEREmyrtlebeach.com, HEREnewberry.com, HERErockhill.com, HEREspartanburg.com, HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
