If you’ve been hoping that the I-26 widening project happens sooner than later, this news is for you. Gov. McMaster has announced a proposal which would accelerate existing plans to widen key portions of the interstate between Charleston + Columbia.

How much is this investment?

The $360 million of funding would be from SC’s share of the American Rescue Plan Act, which will speed up the project by at least 6 years — bringing faster relief to people on the road and businesses.

With this proposal by the governor, a large portion of the project would go to contract over the next 3-4 years, including road work set to start next year.

The project has previously been determined by SCDOT to be a high priority due to the state’s growth + increased traffic on I-26, which was built more than 60 years ago.

In the last decade, statewide traffic has increased by nearly 30% on I-26 between Columbia and Charleston — carrying more than 22 million vehicles per year.

Poll

/**/