If you've driven through the I-26 I-95 interchange, situated on the border between Dorchester and Orangeburg counties, you've probably noticed significant construction happening. That's because SCDOT is hard at work on a major improvement project to bring this outdated interchange up to modern standards.
So, what's happening?
Construction kicked off in January 2024, and over the next three and a half years, crews will completely transform how traffic moves through this busy intersection.
The goal? Smoother, safer and more efficient travel.
Right now, the current interchange design causes delays and congestion, but with the new ramp alignments and improved traffic flow, getting from one interstate to the other will be much easier.
Why it matters.
49,700 vehicles travel through on I-26 daily, and 51,400 vehicles on I-95 daily. Truck traffic through the interchange is expected to rise to 28% in the next 25 years.
That's a lot of vehicles, and this project will help keep traffic moving while reducing safety concerns.
So what's next?
If you are driving through the area, expect to see cranes, heavy equipment and plenty of progress.
Right now, crews are working on constructing the new bridge on I-95 over I-26 and crews are preparing the Whetsell Road overpass for demolition. As part of this project this bridge will be relocated to make room for the new high speed flyovers.
We're currently in phase one of this three phase project. With everything on track to wrap up by summer 2027.
This is all part of SCDOT’s bigger plan to improve the I-26 corridor from Charleston to Columbia. So stay tuned as we follow the transformation.