News Summary
South Carolina has announced an $825 million project to widen Interstate 95, addressing severe traffic congestion. The expansion will add three lanes in each direction over a 10-mile stretch, focusing on improving flow near the Savannah River bridge. Set to begin in August 2025, the project reflects a larger commitment to upgrading state infrastructure, with additional funds for various highway enhancements throughout the region.
South Carolina has launched an ambitious $825 million project aimed at widening Interstate 95 (I-95), a critical move intended to ease significant traffic congestion in the region. As part of this endeavor, a 10-mile section of I-95 will be expanded to accommodate three lanes in each direction, with a primary focus on alleviating bottlenecks occurring at the Savannah River bridge near the Georgia state line. The project is set to begin in August 2025 and is expected to reach completion by 2030.
The groundbreaking ceremony for this large-scale project was held at the welcome center in Hardeeville, attended by various state officials including the Governor of South Carolina, Henry McMaster, and the Chair of the Georgia State Transportation Board, Ann Purcell. This widening of I-95 marks the largest contract in the history of the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT), reflecting significant investment in the state’s infrastructure.
The funding for the I-95 widening project is a collaborative effort, sourced from both federal and state budgets, along with additional contributions from Georgia for the reconstruction of the bridge. In tandem with the I-95 project, SCDOT is also progressing on a $2 billion initiative aimed at enhancing intersections at Interstates 20, 26, and 126 in Columbia. In addition, substantial expansions of Interstate 26—from Charleston to Columbia—are currently in planning stages, with ambitions to upgrade an extensive stretch of 70 miles of roadway. Furthermore, SCDOT has intentions to reconstruct the half loop of Interstate 526 around Charleston, which is projected to cost up to $7 billion.
Over the past decade, SCDOT has undertaken significant efforts to improve infrastructure in South Carolina, having repaved more than 25% of the state’s 41,000 miles of roads deemed to be in substandard condition. Additionally, many bridges constructed in the 1950s and 60s are approaching their intended lifespan, necessitating careful planning for future replacements. In response to a growing population—which has increased by 1.5 million people in the last 25 years—complaints regarding road conditions have shifted from concerns about potholes to traffic congestion, amplifying the need for robust highway projects.
In terms of infrastructure, South Carolina maintains the fourth largest state-controlled road network in the U.S., encompassing three times as many miles of roads as Florida. As part of SCDOT’s strategic development, the agency has witnessed a significant increase in budget allocation for highway construction, ballooning from $2.7 billion in 2017 to an expected $7 billion. This enhancement in funding has contributed to a notable improvement in SCDOT’s reputation and performance over the past eight years, facilitated by an increase through state gas taxes.
Despite the progress, the current leadership within SCDOT, including Secretary Justin Powell, faces ongoing challenges. There is a pressing need to not only maintain existing infrastructure but also to effectively address the demands brought on by a growing populace. Critics, particularly from the conservative Freedom Caucus, have raised concerns regarding the efficiency of spending and have suggested the need for employing artificial intelligence to reform regulatory processes within the agency. On this note, Secretary Powell has acknowledged the complexities associated with decentralizing road management, emphasizing the importance of securing adequate funding and resources for counties if roadway responsibilities were to shift towards them.
As South Carolina moves forward with this significant widening project and subsequent infrastructure developments, the initiative represents a crucial step towards enhancing road safety, reducing congestion, and supporting the state’s blueprints for economic growth.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- The Telegraph: South Carolina Celebrates Interstate Project
- Wikipedia: Interstate 95
- Live 5 News: Billions for Interstate Widening
- Google Search: South Carolina Interstate Widening
- LMT Online: South Carolina Trooper Dies
- Google News: South Carolina Trooper Died
- WJCL: South Carolina Trooper Dennis Ricks
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Highway
- Live 5 News: Groundbreaking for I-95 Expansion
- Google Scholar: Interstate Widening South Carolina
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
