SCDOT Giving Residents a Chance to Help Solve The ‘Malfunction Junction’ Problem

COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO)- The South Carolina Department of Transportation is giving you a chance to help solve the malfunction junction problem.

SCDOT along with other partners are going the extra mile to create a fix for the Carolina crossroads.

“We’ve identified two alternatives that improve traffic in the area and mobility but also have less of an impact on the environment,” Chad Long, Director of Environmental Service Office said.

The project team won’t sign off on a new design without the publics input.

“Public comment is very important part of the national environmental act process,” Long said. “It’s important to the success of this process.”

Residents were fueled with questions at the companys public information meeting on Tuesday.

“How long will it take and how is it going to affect me personally,” concerned driver, Mary Ann Gilbert asked.

That answer, about five to seven years of construction.  That answer raised a lot of concern for residents.

“I was really concerned about how the alternatives that were provided tonight (Tuesday) would divert traffic to broad river road, and how that would impact potential improvements to Broad River Road,” concerned driver, Latoisha Green said.

“I won’t be able to get through it,” concerned driver, Vicki Dodds said.

Luckily the project could be altered. Drivers can go to the SCDOT Carolina Crossroads website to see first hand how the project will benefit our roadways.

“They’re doing a good job,” Dodds said. “The engineer that we were talking with knew his stuff and made it as clear as anybody can at this point.”

“The smart boards that they’ve got are really helpful,” Gilbert said. “They were able to expand it and show it to you up close.It was good to actually see it and touch it and see which path you’ll most likely take.”

If you missed the public meeting, you can check out all the information on SCDOT’s website.