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New Interstate Exit Planned for Lexington County

Illustration of a busy interstate highway with construction signs representing new exit plans.

News Summary

Lexington County is set to improve traffic flow with a new exit off Interstate 20 at Calks Ferry Road. Following the county council’s unanimous approval of an engineering contract, project planning will move forward. With $995,000 allocated for the engineering phase and $1 million secured from state legislators, the plan aims to accommodate the region’s rapid growth and alleviate congestion from increasing vehicle counts. Construction will commence after completing necessary traffic analyses and federal requirements, promising a more efficient commute for local residents.

Exciting News for Lexington County: A New Interstate Exit on the Horizon!

Hey there, Lexington County! Are you ready for some exciting updates about your daily commute? Big changes are coming down the pipeline, as county officials gear up to tackle traffic flow on a busy stretch of Interstate 20. That’s right, Lexington County is moving forward with plans to add a new exit off of Interstate 20 at Calks Ferry Road, which is located just past the bustling Red Bank area. This is a big deal for everyone who uses this stretch of highway!

County Council Approves Engineering Contract

On March 11, the county council gave the green light by unanimously approving an engineering contract, allowing the project to pick up speed. It’s not every day you hear unanimous decisions in local government, so you know this development is a priority for our community! The county has earmarked a whopping $995,000 for engineering consulting, which will cover everything from a detailed traffic study to creating the essential design plans needed for the interchange.

What Comes Next?

Before the hammers and hard hats can get to work on construction, there’s still a bit of groundwork that needs to be laid. The county must complete a thorough traffic analysis and an Interchange Justification Report for the Federal Highway Administration. These steps are crucial for ensuring that the plans are solid and meet federal requirements, so while it might take some time, it’s all part of ensuring the project is a success for our community.

Funding Secured Thanks to State Legislators

Money talks, and in this case, our state legislators stepped up by allocating $1 million for the project in last fiscal year’s budget. This funding is going to play a key part in making sure that the proposed interchange addition becomes a reality. It’s great to see local leaders working hand-in-hand to support the needs of our growing community.

A Community on the Rise

Why is this interchange addition so essential? Well, the area just outside of Red Bank has been buzzing with growth! In the last decade alone, approximately 2,500 new residents have moved to this part of Lexington County. With more people comes the need for improved infrastructure, and it seems like county officials are catching on!

Traffic Stats That Can’t Be Ignored

While specific daily traffic counts at the proposed exit site are still under wraps, it’s worth noting that Interstate 20 was reported to have an average of 48,400 vehicles per day in 2023, between the Longs Pond Road exit and S.C. 6, according to data from the state Department of Transportation. That’s a lot of cars! With so many vehicles on the road, adding another exit is a smart move that could ease congestion and enhance safety.

Looking Ahead

As Brent Hyatt, the director of public works in Lexington, indicated, this project is just the first step towards establishing an interchange on Calks Ferry Road. County council member Darrell Hudson shared that this is a plan that’s been in the works for an impressive eight years. With local officials committed to the project and necessary funding in place, we can all look forward to better traffic flow and a smoother commute in the near future.

So, Lexington County residents, keep an eye out for updates and be excited about the future of your daily drive! This new interchange is bound to make life a whole lot easier for everyone hitting the road.