SCDOT begins the procurement process for the Carolina Crossroads I-20/26/126 Corridor Project
February 26, 2019
The South Carolina Department of Transportation has issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to solicit Statements of Qualifications (SOQs) from proposers interested in contracting to serve as the Design-Build Team for the design and construction of the Carolina Crossroads I-20/26/126 Corridor Improvement Project (Carolina Crossroads).
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. The Carolina Crossroads I-20/26/126 Corridor Improvement Project is the number one statewide interstate priority for South Carolina. When complete, the Carolina Crossroads Project will improve mobility and reduce traffic congestion in the corridor. The project is expected to cost between $1.4 and $1.6 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 release of this RFQ is a major milestone in the delivery of the Carolina Crossroads project and SCDOT’s ten-year strategic plan,” said Secretary of Transportation Christy Hall. “This is the first step in the design-build procurement process which will evaluate the qualifications and experience of proposers in delivering projects of similar size and complexity.”
Design-build is a project delivery method in which a single contract is awarded to provide both design and construction services. In this method of project delivery, contractors and consultant design firms form an integrated team and assume the responsibility for design and construction. Design-build allows designers and contractors to introduce innovative design/construction alternatives, utilize specialized construction techniques, and overlap design and construction activities, which can result in a more cost-effective and faster project delivery. The design is often broken into packages or segments, allowing right of way acquisitions and construction to begin on portions of the project while other elements are still being designed.
The RFQ can be viewed on SCDOT’s Design-Build website at www.scdot.org/business/carolina-crossroads.aspx.
Deadline for submission of SOQs is April 25, 2019. Submissions will be reviewed and the most qualified teams will then prepare and submit technical and cost proposals. These proposals will be evaluated to determine the team who offers the best combination of quality, innovation, and price to construct the project. A final selection will be announced in spring 2020 and construction is anticipated to begin in 2020.
For more information on the Carolina Crossroads project, visit [email protected] , email or call the Project Hotline at 800-601-8715.
