The Carolina Crossroads Project

“Malfunction Junction” is getting a makeover. This endeavor, dubbed the Carolina Crossroads Project, will reconfigure 14 miles of the I-20/26/126 corridor, including the area commonly called “Malfunction Junction”. This project was born from our vision – to rebuild a corridor that places priority on your time and safety and creates enduring change for the Midlands.

The Carolina Crossroads Project reached a key project milestone in Spring of 2019 with the approval of the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) and Record of Decision (ROD). The FEIS/ROD incorporates years of public/agency feedback and identifies the Selected Alternative to be constructed. SCDOT is advancing the Carolina Crossroads I-20/26/126 Corridor Improvement Project utilizing a phased project approach. The project will be divided into five separate phases of construction based on the Selected Alternative.

WHY CAROLINA CROSSROADS?

MODERNIZE OUTDATED INFRASTRUCTURE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.

We believe in new infrastructure that meets the needs of our community and adheres to national standards. Upon project completion, the corridor will have seven reconstructed interchanges, including the replacement of cloverleaf loops with smoothly flowing directional ramps; additional lanes in each direction on I-26; 12-foot inside shoulders for emergency vehicles; and longer, separated exits.

ACCOMODATE GROWTH IN POPULATION AND EMPLOYMENT

Population in the region is projected to increase an average of 70 percent between now and 2040 and employment is expected to increase by over 11 percent (Central Midlands Council of Governments, CMCOG, 2012). These factors will increase travel demand.

We believe in the growth of our community. The Carolina Crossroads Project will benefit the economy of the region by stimulating growth in the area and creating employment opportunities. This project will directly and indirectly create over 1,300 jobs in the region throughout the duration of project construction.

REDUCE 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 exacerbate this congestion issue.

We believe our corridor should serve as an efficient access point to the rest of the state. Without construction, the average commuter through the I-20/26/126 corridor would sit in traffic for 112 hours each year. We believe that is unacceptable. The Carolina Crossroads Project will help alleviate congestion in the corridor and give you back those extra hours – time you would rather spend with your family and loved ones.

IMPROVE SAFETY

High crash rates are attributed to extended periods of congestion throughout the corridor and abrupt driving maneuvers due to the multiple weaving movements at and adjacent to the I-20/26 system-to-system interchange.

We believe in roadway design that prioritizes driver safety by eliminating the need to weave across three lanes of traffic over a half-mile distance to connect to the next interstate. Upon project completion, we will have created a safer, more mobile Columbia.