Construction underway at the Carolina Crossroads project, marking the beginning of a major highway overhaul in Columbia, SC.
Columbia, SC is set to undergo a significant $2 billion project known as the Carolina Crossroads. This project aims to transform a 14-mile stretch of highway to alleviate traffic congestion at one of the state’s busiest intersections, often referred to as ‘Malfunction Junction’. While clearing out 170 acres starts now, major construction will ramp up closer to 2030. With plans for advanced interchange designs and improved road capacity, the project anticipates a massive population increase by 2040, making it essential for future growth and traffic management.
Columbia, South Carolina is buzzing with excitement as the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) kicks off a monumental $2 billion reconstruction project dubbed the Carolina Crossroads. It’s a 14-mile makeover that promises to ease the traffic woes around one of the busiest intersections in the state, aptly nicknamed ‘Malfunction Junction’ by locals.
The initial phase of this extensive project is already underway, focusing on clearing a massive 170 acres of trees and vegetation along I-26. The area targeted lies between Bush River and Beatty roads, setting the stage for what will be a game changer for the local roadways. But don’t worry—while there might be some overnight lane closures for safety, no road closures will affect commuters just yet.
Why the rush to fix this notorious junction? Well, let’s talk numbers! This corridor sees a staggering 134,000 vehicles daily. That’s a lot of cars on the road! It’s also tied to an alarming annual average of 112 hours of traffic delays per driver. It’s clear that this project isn’t just nice to have—it’s absolutely essential!
While the bulk of major reconstruction won’t kick off until 2030, the first two phases are slated for completion by Spring 2025, with some sections possibly finishing even earlier. By January 2025, all travel lanes and ramps at the I-26 and I-126 interchange near Colonial Life Boulevard will be in their final locations. Exciting developments also include several new bridges, such as an eastbound bridge on Broad River Road and a new westbound ramp from Broad River Road to I-20, which are already open for use!
Stay tuned because there’s a new exit ramp from I-20 West to I-26 West set to open on January 9, 2025. Mark your calendars, though—this means the existing I-20 West exit ramp will be permanently closed. As phases progress, travelers can also look forward to modernized interchange designs, with new turbine-style interchanges taking the place of traditional cloverleaf designs. Improved capacity is part of the plan, with I-26 getting at least four lanes across eight miles and exits widened to ease the flow of traffic.
Why the urgency? Columbia is looking ahead, anticipating a 70% population surge in the Midlands region by 2040. To accommodate this rapid growth, the Carolina Crossroads project is crucial. A joint venture of Archer Western and United Infrastructure Group is handling the first two phases, totaling around $350 million.
Every major project has its hurdles, and labor shortages have been a challenge for the Carolina Crossroads team. But they are proactively addressing this by hiring additional craft and trade recruiters to keep the project on track. Meanwhile, environmental considerations are also a top priority, particularly concerning the protection of the nearby Saluda River, with mitigation strategies for wetlands impacted by construction.
The SCDOT is committed to transparency and is holding periodic public information meetings to keep residents updated on the progress of the project. So, if you’re a Columbia local, there’s no excuse for being in the dark about what’s coming!
If you often find yourself navigating the chaos of Malfunction Junction, relief is on the way! The Carolina Crossroads Project promises to make your daily commute smoother and safer in the years to come. So buckle up, Columbia! Change is coming, and it’s looking brighter than ever!
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