News Summary
The Town of Lexington seeks SCDOT approval for the ‘Sunset Split’ project, designed to alleviate congestion at a busy intersection. The project includes traffic separation and road relocations and is expected to enhance safety and traffic flow. With a budget of $36 million, construction may commence as early as January 2027. Community engagement efforts are underway, emphasizing public input in the planning process.
Lexington’s “Sunset Split” Project Awaits SCDOT Approval for Traffic Improvements
The Town of Lexington is poised to enhance one of its most congested intersections through the proposed “Sunset Split” project. Originally initiated in 2015, the project aims to reduce traffic congestion at the corner of Sunset Boulevard (U.S. Highway 378), Corley Mill Road, and Ginny Lane, an area that currently experiences around 50,000 vehicles daily. Plans are pending approval from the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT), with hopes that construction could start as early as January 2027.
The intersection under consideration has garnered significant attention due to its high collision rate, with 88 reported accidents from January 2022 through December 2024. This alarming statistic highlights the urgent need for infrastructural improvements in the area. The Sunset Split project proposes separating eastbound and westbound traffic on U.S. Highway 378, alongside relocating Corley Mill Road and Riverchase Way to improve traffic flow and safety.
Funding for the project is estimated at $36 million, including a $16 million allocation retracted from a previously planned conference center at Lake Murray, which faced cancellation after public opposition. The remaining budget will be sourced from Hospitality Tax Dollars and funds from the Corley Mill Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district.
SCDOT Review and Project Timeline
The project’s plans are currently under review by SCDOT, which is expected to provide vital approval. If granted, the design and plan development is predicted to take between 12 to 18 months. Following that timeline, construction could commence in January 2027 and last for 18 to 24 months, effectively addressing long-standing traffic issues faced by residents and commuters in the area.
Project Enhancements and Community Engagement
To facilitate better traffic management, the Sunset Split project will prioritize enhancing traffic signal efficiency, which aims to increase green light durations for vehicles traversing the intersection. The relocation of Corley Mill Road is expected to create new access points, offering further relief to traffic congestion. The overall objective is to develop a smoother traffic flow while prioritizing community safety.
The Town of Lexington is actively engaged with the public regarding the project’s developments. A new website detailing final project designs will launch on June 25, providing residents with more information on the plans. Additionally, a public input meeting is scheduled for July 10 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Town Hall, allowing community members an opportunity to voice their thoughts and concerns about the ongoing traffic issues and the proposed solutions.
Importance of the Sunset Split Project
If successful, the Sunset Split project will not only improve traffic conditions at a historically problematic intersection but will also act as a catalyst for broader community development in Lexington. The initiative addresses a significant issue that has persisted in the area for years, contributing to road safety and better accessibility for the town’s residents.
As the community awaits SCDOT’s approval, the Lexington administration continues to advocate for improved infrastructure to ensure a safer and more efficient travel experience for all road users in and around the bustling Sunset Boulevard corridor.
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HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Lexington DOT Sunset Split Approval
- The State: Local News Update
- WLTX: Town of Lexington Funding for Intersection
- WIS TV: $36 Million Lexington County Project
- ABC Columbia: Lexington Police Shoplifting Case
- Wikipedia: Lexington, South Carolina
- Google Search: Lexington Traffic Improvements
- Google Scholar: Traffic Congestion Solutions
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Traffic Engineering
- Google News: Lexington Sunset Split 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.
