Highway lane will close again as part of roadwork in Malfunction Junction area
Roadwork that began last month on a section of Interstate 26 in Columbia is expected to be completed overnight Wednesday, according to the South Carolina Department of Transportation. In order to finish the work, a westbound lane on I-26 will be closed in the area called Malfunction Junction, SCDOT said in a news release.
This is one of the latest steps in the Carolina Crossroads Project to improve the traffic flow at Malfunction Junction, where the interchanges of I-26, Interstate 20 and Interstate 126 are located.
The closure will begin Wednesday at 10 p.m., as SCDOT will work to complete the installation of new overhead signage, according to the release. Work was previously done on the sign back on Feb. 24 and 27.
The sign will be on a new bridge that goes over the Saluda River at Exit 108 on I-26, SCDOT said. The installation is expected to be completed and the lane reopened by 4 a.m. Thursday, according to the release.
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While the lane is closed, a detour will be set up that will allow drivers to access I-126.
Traffic will be diverted using I-26 westbound to I-20 westbound to I-26 eastbound, SCDOT said. Drivers will be directed to follow the detour onto I-126 eastbound and are encouraged to allow for additional travel time, according to the release.
Message boards, lane closure and detour signs will be placed along I-26 westbound to inform motorists of the detour and temporary traffic pattern, SCDOT said.
Anyone seeking more information about the closure and other updates, can go to the project webpage, or call 800-601-8715.
“Carolina Crossroads is one of the largest construction ventures in South Carolina’s history, followed by the Ravenel Bridge, and will alleviate the most congested portion of the Midlands’ interstate system,” SCDOT said.
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This story was originally published March 5, 2025 at 1:52 PM.
