Carolina Crossroads I-20/26/126 Corridor project receives key federal approval

SC Secretary of Transportation Christy Hall, front left, and Federal Highway Administration SC Division Administrator Emily Lawton, front right, sign the Final Environmental Impact Study (FEIS) on the Carolina Crossroads Project.  Behind them are  SCDOT and Federal Highway Administration officials involved with the project.

The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) have approved the combined Final Environmental Impact Statement and Record of Decision (FEIS/ROD) for the Carolina Crossroads I-20/26/126 Corridor Improvement Project.

Often called “Malfunction Junction,” 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. When complete, the Carolina Crossroads Project will improve local mobility, improve safety and system linkages in the corridor, reduce traffic congestion and accommodate future traffic needs. The project is expected to cost in excess of $1.5 billion and 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.

“The Carolina Crossroads Project is the number one interstate priority for South Carolina and a critical component in SCDOT’s ten-year strategic plan made possible by the passage of the 2017 roads bill,” said Secretary of Transportation Christy Hall.

The FEIS/ROD identifies the Selected Alternative to be constructed and mitigation to offset the potential impacts due to the project. It also incorporates feedback from public and agency sources gathered over the past four years. Based on the significant number of public comments opposing the Tram Road/Beatty Road overpass, it has been removed from consideration and is not included in the Selected Alternative.  With a Selected Alternative and issuance of the ROD, the next phase of project delivery can proceed which includes right of way acquisitions, permitting, and some utility relocations.

The FEIS/ROD is currently available on the project website at www.SCDOTCarolinaCrossroads.com/FEIS/

Hard copies of the FEIS are available for public review at the following locations:

• South Carolina Department of Transportation Headquarters at 955 Park Street, Columbia, SC 29201
• South Carolina Department of Transportation District 1 Office at 1400 Shop Road, Columbia, SC 29201
• Richland Library Operations Center at 130 Lancewood Road, Columbia, SC 29210
• Richland Library St. Andrews at 2916 Broad River Road, Columbia, SC 29210
• Irmo Branch Library at 6251 St. Andrews Road, Columbia, SC 29212
• Richland Library Ballentine at 1200 Dutch Fork Road, Irmo, SC 2906

For more information on the Carolina Crossroads project, visit www.SCDOTCarolinaCrossroads.com, email [email protected] or call the Project Hotline at 800-601-8715.