News Summary
The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) is implementing temporary traffic changes in Columbia, particularly around Malfunction Junction, as part of the Carolina Crossroads Project. Starting Tuesday at 9 p.m., the off-ramp of Interstate 126 westbound to Colonial Life Boulevard will be closed, reopening at 7 a.m. Wednesday. Another lane closure on Interstate 26 will affect traffic beginning Tuesday at 10 p.m. These changes aim to improve traffic flow and safety in the area as significant upgrades and construction continue.
Columbia Traffic Alert: Temporary Changes Due to Construction!
Hey there, folks of Columbia! If you’re planning on hitting the roads soon, especially around the infamous Malfunction Junction, you’ll want to pay attention to some temporary traffic changes coming your way! The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) is ramping up work on the major Carolina Crossroads Project, aimed at improving traffic flow and safety in our lovely city.
What’s Happening?
Starting from 9 p.m. on Tuesday, the well-traveled off-ramp from Interstate 126 westbound to Colonial Life Boulevard will be temporarily closed. But don’t worry, this closure won’t last forever! It’s expected to reopen at 7 a.m. on Wednesday. Just when you think you’re in the clear, though, the ramp will close again overnight on Thursday from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. for some more construction work. Talk about a rollercoaster ride!
Detour Details
If you’re one of those drivers needing access to Colonial Life Boulevard during these closures, a detour is planned just for you. You’ll be diverted at Greystone Boulevard, then take a left on Broad River Road before finally reaching your destination at Bush River Road. Easy peasy, right? It’s always wise to keep a lookout for signage and remember to slow down as you navigate through the work zone!
More Closures Ahead
But wait, there’s more! Another lane closure is on the horizon. Starting at 10 p.m. on Tuesday, one westbound lane of Interstate 26 at the Saluda River bridge (Exit 108) will also be closed, it will reopen by 4 a.m. on Wednesday. This closure is to allow for the installation of new overhead signage. During this time, traffic will be detoured from I-26 westbound to I-20 westbound, before looping back to I-26 eastbound to rejoin I-126.
The Bigger Picture
You might be wondering why all this construction is happening in the first place. Well, the Carolina Crossroads Project is a massive $2.1 billion initiative designed to tackle congestion and improve safety at what’s known as a major interstate choke point in South Carolina. Scheduled upgrades to the area will not only replace outdated cloverleaf interchanges with modern designs but also introduce the state’s first turbine-style interchange and enhance capacity throughout I-26. It’s like giving our roadways a well-deserved facelift!
With populations in the Midlands projected to increase by 70% by 2040, these changes are essential to keep our traffic moving smoothly. Construction began in 2022, and we’re already seeing improvements in Phase 1, which includes areas around I-126 and I-20. The completion of this initial phase is expected by late this year, while Phase 2 is already in motion, featuring new bridges and interchanges designed to enhance traffic flow.
Prepare for Changes!
SCDOT is making a commitment to reduce the average 112 hours of traffic congestion that drivers face annually in this corridor. With over 40 new bridges and numerous service road interchanges planned, we can finally say goodbye to endless road rage!
If you want to stay updated with real-time information about the construction and any changes you need to know, make sure to check out the project’s dedicated website or hotline. Be smart, stay safe, and pay attention while driving!
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Additional Resources
- ABC Columbia: SCDOT to Conduct Nighttime Detour
- ENR: South Carolina Untangles Its Malfunction Junction
- Roads & Bridges: Drivers Urged to Stay Alert
- Wikipedia: Carolina Crossroads Project
- Google Search: Carolina Crossroads Project
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexington.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
