Project Benefits
Reduces Congestion
Travel demand models show that most segments within the I-26 corridor operate at an unacceptable level of service during the morning and evening peak travel periods. By 2040, the congestion on these roads is expected to increase and the projected increase in traffic is likely to make congestion worse.
We believe our corridor should be an efficient access point to the rest of the state. Without the Carolina Crossroads Project, the average commuter through the area would sit in traffic for an extra 112 hours each year. We believe that is unacceptable. The Carolina Crossroads Project will help reduce congestion and give you back those extra hours – time you would rather spend with your family and loved ones.
Improves Safety
Multiple weaving movements at and near the I-20/I-26 interchange require abrupt driving maneuvers and long periods of congestion lead to higher crash rates. We believe in roadway design that prioritizes driver safety. Safety increases when we remove the need to cross three lanes of traffic in a half-mile distance to connect to the next interstate. We will have made a safer, more mobile Columbia when Carolina Crossroads is finished.
Modernizes Outdated Infrastructure
Located in the heart of South Carolina, the I-20, I-26 and I-126 interstate corridor is the crossroads of the state economy and serves as the major hub for the Midlands’ commuters, travelers and commerce. In addition to being a main route in and out of Columbia, I-26 is a thoroughfare for travelers headed to the coast and mountains for recreation and a major cargo route between Lowcountry ports and Upstate manufacturers.
- Replaces cloverleaf loops with a modern interchange to make it easier for drivers to change interstate highways.
- Adds traffic lanes in each direction of I-26 to accommodate more vehicles.
- Creates 12-foot inside shoulders for emergency vehicles.
- Creates longer, separated exits.
Accommodates Growth in Population and Employment
The Midlands region’s population is projected to grow an average of 70% with a corresponding increase in traffic between now and 2040. We believe in the growth of our community. The Carolina Crossroads Project will stimulate growth in the area. It will benefit the economy of the region by directly and indirectly creating over 1,300 jobs in the region throughout the duration of construction.
SCDOT is working hard to fix I-26
SCDOT is restructuring the Carolina Crossroads project to improve project delivery. Read More
Project Facts*
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132
New Lane Miles
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14
Widened Interstate Miles
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43
New Bridges
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7
Reconstructed Interchanges
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5
Project Phases
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9
Years of Construction
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2.08
Billion Dollar Investment
Project Highlights
- New Turbine (or other improved) I-20/26 Interchange replacing existing back-to-back loops with Directional and Collector-Distributor Ramps to separate exiting traffic from the main interstate
- I-26 Widening, including full-width inside shoulders
- Interchange improvements at Harbison Boulevard at I-26, Bush River Road at I-20, St. Andrews Road at I-26 and Broad River Road at I-20
- Relocation of the I-26 Bush River Road Interchange to a new Full Access Interchange at Colonial Life Boulevard at I-126
Frequently Asked Questions
Project Phasing FAQs
Click through the table below to find answers to all your Project Phasing questions.
The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) announced the restructuring to enhance project delivery and accelerate the widening of I-20.
There has been a revision to the previous phasing plan for Carolina Crossroads. In the new plan, Phase 3 has been divided into subphases - A, B, C, D, and E - and Phases 4 and 5 have been combined.
In February 2024, it was announced that upcoming phases of construction would advance the widening of I-20 and improvements to the I-126 and I-26 interchange.
Phases 3D and 3E are considered to be the main interchange area of the Carolina Crossroads Project. These phases mark the improvements to the I-20/I-26 interchange and the I-26/I-126 interchange.
For Phase 3B crews will be clearing and grubbing approximately 170 acres across the I-20/26 and I-26/126 system interchanges, St. Andrews Road at I-26, and Bush River Road at I-20. This work is necessary to prepare the area for upcoming utility relocations and involves removing trees and underbrush within the project area. This work does NOT include major construction on the cloverleaf, identified as Phase 3E.
Right of Way FAQs
Click through the table below to find answers to all your Right of Way questions.
Right of Way agents began contacting impacted property owners and residents in summer 2019. Outreach will continue through 2023. Property owners and residents will only be contacted by a ROW agent if their property is impacted. SCDOT has prioritized when properties need to be acquired based on the Project Phasing Plan and expected construction timelines. Learn more in our Highways & You document.
SCDOT and Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) policy says no one will be displaced by federally assisted projects until comparable replacement housing is made available. SCDOT’s experienced staff will assist property owners and residents who qualify for relocation with the required assistance. We will work with affected residents and property owners on a one-on-one basis. Learn more in our Highways & You document.
We review each case individually. Right of way agents will decide who is eligible to get relocation assistance and what they’re eligible for. They will also decide on reasonable expense amounts. Learn more about relocation assistance options in our Highways & You document.
The Relocation Assistance Program consists of relocation advisory services, relocation moving payments and relocation replacement housing payments or rent supplements. Learn more in our Highways & You document.
Yes, homeowners, renters, owners of manufactured homes, business owners, farm owners and nonprofit owners could potentially be eligible for relocation assistance. Learn more in our Highways & You document.
The South Carolina Department of Transportation’s Strategic Plan
The South Carolina Department of Transportation’s Strategic Plan
The Carolina Crossroads Project is part of South Carolina Department of Transportation’s (SCDOT) 10-Year Plan which was established in July 2017 when the state gas tax increase was enacted. The SCDOT’s 10-year Plan focuses on:
Improving the state’s roads and bridges.
Improving the safety of rural roads and resurfacing aging roadways that are most used.
Repairing or replacing structurally deficient bridges.
Improving key portions of our interstates.
Click on the link below to visit the SCDOT website and
learn more about the strategic plan.
Go to SCDOT Site