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Carolina Crossroads

Carolina Crossroads

Resource Library

Handouts and Presentations

Frequently Asked Questions

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Carolina Crossroads is a major South Carolina Department of Transportation project aimed at improving safety throughout the I-20, I-26, and I-126 corridor. This includes the I-20/I-26 interchange that is commonly known as “malfunction junction.”

This corridor, originally constructed in the 1950s, has undergone various improvements over the years. However, it no longer meets the demands of modern traffic. The Carolina Crossroads project aims to enhance mobility, alleviate congestion, and improve safety for both commuters and freight transportation.

Construction began in November 2021 and is expected to be substantially complete in the mid-2030s.

As the project design advances, specific properties have been identified for right-of-way acquisition across all construction phases. Ongoing design refinements may necessitate additional right-of-way acquisitions.

The project includes new bridges, interchanges, additional lanes, improved ramps, and better traffic flow. As of spring 2025, subphases 3A, 3D, and 3E, and phases 4 and 5 are in the early design stage.

“Malfunction Junction” is the nickname given to the main interchange area of the Carolina Crossroads Project located at the I-20/I-26 and the I-26/I-126 junction. Improvements in this area are included in Phases 3D and 3E.

Three noise walls will be constructed as a part of this project. These are Barrier S which runs along I-20 eastbound between Broad River Road and the Broad River, Barrier R1 which runs along I-20 westbound between Broad River Road and the Broad River, and Barrier O which runs along I-20 eastbound just south of the Saluda River. More information about noise studies for the project can be found in Chapter 3 of the FEIS and in Appendix J.

Archive

Project Development Process
Noise Analysis Process
Right-of-Way Process

August 23, 2018: Draft EIS & Recommended Preferred Alternative Public Hearing

September 29, 2017: Reasonable Alternatives Public Information Meeting

October 4, 2016: Alternatives Public Information Meeting

September 10, 2015: Community Kickoff Meeting

May 12, 2015: Public Input Meeting

Chapter Breakdown

Existing Conditions and Environmental Consequences (Chapter 3)

Appendices