Columbia’s Malfunction Junction Set for Major Upgrades
Columbia, South Carolina, is buzzing with the exciting news that improvements to its notorious Malfunction Junction are finally taking shape! After what feels like an eternity of construction, Phase 1 of the highly anticipated Carolina Crossroads project is expected to wrap up by October 14. If you’ve been navigating this chaotic intersection between Interstate 26 and Interstate 126, you’ll be happy to hear that relief is just around the corner.
What to Expect from Phase 1
Project Director Brian Klauk of the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) recently shared some details about what Phase 1 includes. This phase has already made some big strides, such as extending the exit ramp from I-26 to Sunset Boulevard and creating a shiny new bridge at Colonial Life Boulevard. And let’s not forget the new connector roads that link Colonial Life to both I-26 and I-126. The latest connector is expected to finish up by Thursday this week.
One of the most exciting upgrades is the transformation of the Colonial Life exit ramps into what’s called a diverging diamond interchange. This clever design allows traffic to cross over at a traffic signal, making it easier to turn left without waiting forever in line. It’s all about improving traffic flow and making life a little easier for everyone.
What’s Next? More Improvements!
But wait, there’s more! As Phase 1 comes to a close, work on Phase 2 is already underway. This part focuses on improving connections between Broad River Road and I-20, which includes two brand new overpasses. Klauk noted, “Right now, there’s a hole where the old bridge used to be,” but soon there will be a new structure in its place, allowing traffic to flow more smoothly.
Looking Ahead to Phases 3 and Beyond
Once Phase 2 takes shape, Phase 3 will hit the ground running. This phase represents a significant portion of the overall budget for the $2 billion Crossroads project, and it will deal with upgrading the main interchange between I-20 and I-26. This improvement involves extending I-20 from Broad River Road to Sunset Boulevard and enhancing the 26/126 interchange down to St. Andrews Road.
Right now, utility relocations are already in progress, with some neighboring buildings to be demolished to make way for the changes. Just recently, a contract was signed to clear out 170 acres near the area, which is set to start by the end of this year. And for drivers who often face flooding concerns, I-20 will be widened and the existing Saluda River bridge will be replaced, accommodating potential floodwaters similar to those from the devastating 2015 flood.
Final Phases On the Horizon
As we look ahead, 2026 will kick off the final touches to the interchange at I-126, connecting to downtown Columbia while also widening I-26 to Broad River Road. And get this—improvements to the cloverleaf intersection between I-20 and I-26 are set for 2029, culminating in a grand finale for the Carolina Crossroads project.
The Bottom Line
At the end of the day, this project is all about making life easier for Columbia drivers. Klauk estimates that the average person will save around 122 hours a year that would otherwise be spent sitting in traffic. Residents will finally be able to zip around, deliver goods, and head to the beach or mountains without the constant headache of congestion.
So, while it may feel like construction has been a never-ending saga, the improvements being made promise to transform Malfunction Junction into a smoother and more efficient crossing, ultimately earning it a better reputation. Columbia is on its way to becoming a more navigable and driver-friendly city—let’s celebrate that!
