More time given for comment on ‘Malfunction Junction’ fix

Motorists have until Nov. 1 to comment on proposed improvements at the intersection of I-20, I-26 and I-126, state transportation officials said Wednesday.

The deadline for comments was extended two weeks due to problems associated with Hurricane Matthew, officials said.

Go to www.scdotcarolinacrossroads to view alternatives under consideration and to learn how to comment via mail, telephone or online.

Reducing congestion at an intersection many drivers call ‘Malfunction Junction” is a top goal of state officials. Up to 133,600 vehicles travel the intersection daily, studies say.

Repairs could cost as much as $1.5 billion and take up to seven years, officials predict. It’s one of the most complex road projects undertaken, officials say.

The highways were built in the 1960s. Improvements were made from 1976-97 as more neighborhoods and stores rose along the routes.

No one foresaw the number of vehicles traveling the roads as the Columbia area grew and I-26 became a lifeline between Lowcountry ports and the Upstate manufacturing hub.

This story was originally published October 19, 2016 at 4:28 PM with the headline "More time given for comment on ‘Malfunction Junction’ fix."