South Carolina’s highway system is on the verge of a monumental shift as officials push forward on some of the largest projects in the state’s history. Continued population increases, freight traffic increasing, and aging infrastructure impacting existing corridors are all pressing existing roads more than ever.

Recognizing this necessity, SCDOT (South Carolina Department of Transportation) is committing billions of dollars to widening interstates and modernizing vital corridors.

Many of the projects are still in early stages, such as a $825 million I-95 expansion project, the largest ever undertaken, which will include widening I-95 and replacing the old Savannah River bridges at the Georgia border, according to Live5 News. 

Officials state that this is the single largest contract that  SCDOT has ever done, and it is closely connected with Georgia.   The "corridor shows the strength of southeast Georgia with thousands of commuters and millions of tons of goods being shipped across the world from the ports by way of I-95", as WT0C reports. 

As state leaders celebrated the success of interstate expansions, the state’s investment in highway modernization will ultimately reach over $7 billion.

Part of the $2 billion overhaul of the Columbia-area “Manufacturing Junction” includes the interchange at I-20/I-26/I-126 and continuing work on the expansion of I-26 from Charleston to Columbia. 

The Island Packet report says these projects are essential for managing both population growth and port activity growth. 

A Herald Review News article notes South Carolina’s population has grown more than 1.5 million people over the last 25 years, putting strain on those roads constructed decades ago with a much lesser population. Transportation leaders explain that the state’s investment in public safety and economic vitality is too important, and without more capacity, both are at risk.

Arise News reports that the state has expansion plans for I-26 and I-85, as well as the expensive renovation of I-125 in Charleston, which alone may be a $7 billion expense. These improvements reflect a common trend throughout the country, making major investments in infrastructure. 

As previous reports have highlighted, projects like the $1.6 billion Columbus water treatment plant and the Charleston Harbor improvements demonstrate how states are committing to major projects to remain relevant in the expectations of the 21st century. 

With billions of dollars already committed and more to come, South Carolina’s highways are about to undergo their largest improvements in decades to not only support the growth of the state but also modernize the backbone of the state’s transportation system.