COLUMBIA: Exciting Progress at Malfunction Junction as Holiday Season Approaches!
Hey there, Columbia! As we gear up for the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, there’s some exciting news on the roads. Remember the Malfunction Junction—that infamous bottleneck where Interstates 20 and 26 meet? Well, it’s finally getting the TLC it deserves! After more than a decade in the making, the Carolina Crossroads project is making serious strides, and we couldn’t be more thrilled!
Things Are Going Up!
Ever since this massive project began going vertical last spring and summer, it’s been all systems go. Whether you’ve hit the roads or just watched the construction from your car window, you can see change taking shape. The South Carolina Department of Transportation (DOT) has been busy reorganizing the project phases to ensure a quicker completion, and from what we hear, it’s paying off!
According to DOT spokesperson Hannah Robinson, they are “nearing completion” on the first two phases of the project. These phases include some much-needed improvements to Interstates 26 and 126, Colonial Boulevard, I-20, and Broad River Road. If you’ve noticed less traffic since this work began, you might just be witnessing the future of smooth sailing!
What’s Coming Up Next?
Mark your calendars because work on Phase 3B is set to kick off early next year, in 2025! This phase will focus on clearing land around the critical junction and relocating some utilities and frontage roads. It’s going to mean more traffic flow and better access, which is fantastic news for everyone commuting in our city.
In the meantime, crews have been hard at work! They’ve already completed three out of the four new ramps at the I-26/126 interchange at Colonial Life Boulevard. Remember those ramps you struggled with? Get ready for a smoother ride! While they’re at it, they’re also shutting down three of the I-26 ramps at Bush River Road, part of the necessary changes we’re anxiously awaiting.
Bridges and Bright Futures!
That’s not all! A brand new bridge making up part of the on-ramp from Broad River Road to I-20 westbound has just opened, and an additional bridge is already in the works. And guess what? A new bridge leading to Colonial Life Boulevard was completed just this past November 14th! Talk about holiday cheer!
It’s important to note that most of the construction has been taking place overnight and on weekends. So, if you’ve noticed lane closures or changes in traffic flow, make sure to check the project’s website for updates. Nobody likes getting caught in unexpected delays, right?
What Lies Ahead?
Looking ahead, more phases of the Carolina Crossroads project are scheduled to continue through 2029. This ambitious plan aims at transforming the I-20 and I-26 interchange and widening I-26 from Bush River Road to Broad River Road. Can you believe that the entire project is expected to cost around a whopping $1.7 billion? But in the long run, it’s worth every penny!
When it’s all said and done, experts predict that the upgrades will save drivers an average of 112 hours stuck in traffic each year. That’s a lot of time that could be spent with family and friends instead of in a car! It’s no wonder officials say these improvements are “critical to the state’s economic vitality” and will dramatically relieve the daily commute for thousands of South Carolinians.
Stay Tuned!
As we settle into the holiday season, keep an eye on that Malfunction Junction! Progress is real, and soon we’ll be cruising through this interchange like never before. Columbia, here’s to smoother travels and brighter days ahead—Happy Holidays!
