South Carolina: The Carolina Crossroads Project

An Infamous Web is Being Untangled 

Challenge: The I-20/26/126 Corridor in Columbia, S.C., which is often referred to as “malfunction junction” by locals, was initially developed in the 1950s and 1960s. And while improvements were made in the 70’s and 80’s, the highway system does not meet the area’s current traffic demands.  What is described as an “infamous web of highways” experiences heavy congestion due to weaving cars, interchange spacing, and above average accident rates. And with the regional population projected to increase an average of 70 percent between now and 2040, the problem isn’t getting better anytime soon.  

Solution: With help from the federal infrastructure investment law, the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) launched the Carolina Crossroads Project – a $2.08 billion state infrastructure project that will provide a safer, more modern interchange design for the state’s top interstate “pinch point.” It’s the largest undertaking in the South Carolina transportation industry and is being divided into five phases. After construction, the average commuter through the I-20/26/126 corridor will save 112 hours (about 4 and a half days) each year. The upgrade and modernization of the corridor is critical to the state’s economic vitality and will enhance the daily commute for thousands of South Carolinians.  

What they’re saying: “This project is going to benefit – not only the folks we know that are traveling across the region from state to state, but also the folks right here at home that use this interstate system to get around. to get to work, to get their kids to school, to get access to healthcare. It’s really important to us. And that’s why we are investing a significant amount of resources into this critical project.” – Kelly Moore, director of public engagement for SCDOT (WIS 10TV News, 04/09/2024) 

Photo Credit: Carolina Crossroads Facebook Page