SCDOT celebrates groundbreaking of improvements to busy interchange

BOWMAN, SC (WOLO) — Governor Henry McMaster and state lawmakers have set aside hundreds of millions of dollars towards improving South Carolina’s roads.

Tuesday afternoon, the governor was present at the groundbreaking of a project aimed at improving one of the state’s busiest interchanges.

“This 240 million dollar project that will come to life over the next several months is part of a 5 billion dollar plan to widen more than 100 miles of I-26 in South Carolina,” said Christy Hall, South Carolina secretary of transportation. “As you know, this particular interchange is a pinch point in our state for the movement of freight.”

However, with around 50,000 vehicles traveling this interchange each day and a large percentage of commercial trucks, it has become known as a dangerous interchange. SCDOT reports more than 300 wrecks at the interchange in the past 4 years.

“Completing this project will be a complete modernization of the interchange behind us,” Hall said. “It is original to when the interstate was built in the last 50s and early 60s.”

To improve safety and flow of traffic, the project will include reconstruction of ramps as well as the creation of flyover acceleration lanes. 

“All of this makes better living for South Carolinians and makes sure that our economy continues to grow,” said Sen. Vernon Stephens, a Democrat from Bowman.

The governor gave the order to begin the work which will take around three and half years to complete. 

The project also involves the replacement of the bridge over I-26. 

“This isn’t cheap. We’re talking almost a quarter of a billion dollars, but this is a critical interchange,” said Sen. Larry Grooms, a Republican from Berkeley County. “It’s critical to the economy and the quality of life to the people who live in South Carolina. We’re doing the right thing. I wish we had done it 10 years ago, but we’re doing it today.”

While Secretary of Transportation Christy Hall is retiring, the 10-year-plan to improve roads in the Palmetto State will continue.

“Projects along I-26 and I-95 are strategically important to connecting South Carolina to the world. Positioning South Carolina for continued prosperity will be a focus for us in the coming years,” said Justin Powell, SCDOT chief operation officer.

SCDOT hopes to have the interchange project completed before the end of 2027.