SCDOT announces construction phasing for Carolina Crossroads I-20/26/126 Corridor Improvement Project
October 29, 2019
The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) is advancing the Carolina Crossroads I-20/26/126 Corridor Improvement Project by using a phased construction approach to provide the best value to the state of South Carolina.
The Carolina Crossroads I-20/26/126 Corridor Improvement Project will be constructed in five separate phases based on the Selected Alternative presented in the Final Environmental Impact Statement and Record of Decision in spring 2019.
Procurement of contractors for Phases 1 and 2 of construction will begin in spring and summer of 2020, respectively. Construction of Carolina Crossroads is expected to begin in 2021 at Colonial Life Boulevard at I-126 Interchange and Broad River Road at I-20 Interchange. The five phases of construction are:
Phase 1 – Colonial Life Boulevard at I-126 Interchange
Phase 2 – Broad River Road at I-20 Interchange
Phase 3 – System Interchanges at I-20/26 and I-26/126 including St. Andrews Road at I-26 and Bush River Road at I-20 Interchanges
Phase 4 – Harbison Boulevard at I-26 Interchange and Frontage Road Relocation
Phase 5 – I-26 Widening West of St. Andrews Road
SCDOT originally advertised Carolina Crossroads as a single project and only received one proposal, which may not have resulted in a competitively priced project. The new plan divides the project into five phases, which supports competitive contractor procurement and provides the best value to the state of South Carolina. Individual phases are being timed strategically to maximize incremental operational improvements in the corridor. Construction of the entire corridor is expected to be completed over the next 8-10 years.
Right of way agents are currently contacting individuals with property impacts along the project corridor and will continue through 2022. SCDOT has prioritized the acquisition of impacted properties based on the Project Phasing Plan and anticipated construction timelines. Individuals with property impacts will be directly contacted by a right of way agent. The Project Phasing Plan can be found at www.scdotcarolinacrossroads.com/phasing.
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 Midlands’ commuters, travelers, and commerce. “The Carolina Crossroads I-20/26/126 Corridor Improvement Project is the number one statewide interstate priority for South Carolina. When complete, this critical project will improve local mobility, improve safety and system linkages in the corridor, reduce traffic congestion and accommodate future traffic needs” says Secretary of Transportation Christy Hall. The project consists of 14 interstate miles, 12 interchanges, and spans on I-20 from west of the Saluda River crossing to the Broad River; I-26 from Broad River Road to US 378; and I-126 from I-26 to east of Colonial Life Boulevard.
Please visit the project website to receive additional information and updates at www.SCDOTCarolinaCrossroads.com. Additional comments and questions can be sent to the project email at [email protected] or submitted through the project hotline at 1-800-601-8715.
