Malfunction Junction redesign will save commuter hours. See the updated design
The South Carolina Department of Transportation will provide the public an update on the progress of its Carolina Crossroads — also known as Malfunction Junction — project, according to a news release.
Motorists in the Midlands who’ve historically been met with heavy traffic congestion and dangerous merging conditions have begun to see relief as the state department of transportation has begun the third phase of the project.
Members of the public are invited to attend a meeting on Feb. 17 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the DoubleTree hotel, located at 2100 Bush River Road, to learn how the project plans to further improve travel, according to a news release.
The meeting will provide community members with a chance to review design plans and learn about potential traffic impacts during construction of phase 3C, according to the release. Project team members will be available during the event to answer questions and discuss the project one-on-one with attendees, the release said.
The project, which features four phases in total, began in November 2021. Phase one, which created a new full access interchange at I-126 and Colonial Life Boulevard; removed the Bush River Road interchange at I-26; and lengthened the I-26 eastbound exit ramp to US 378/Sunset Boulevard is 99% complete, according to the department.
Phase two, which improved the Broad River Road interchange at I-20; removed the shared ramp with Garner Lane; and widened I-20 to prepare for additional improvements in later phases is nearly 90% complete.
Phase 3 was divided into five subphases. Three-A, which will relocate utilities near I-20 and I-26, is in pre-procurement. While phase 3B, which will clear the way for utility relocations, is 85% complete, according to the department.
Construction on phase 3C, the topic of the public meeting, is expected to begin this year and completed in 2029. The phase will replace I-20 bridges over Saluda River and CSX railroad and widen I-20 to accommodate future lane additions in later phases, according to the department.
The Malfunction Junction project is designed to help reduce congestion and help commuters save an estimated 112 hours annually that would otherwise be spent sitting in traffic, the department said on its website.
Phases 3D and 3E are in pre-procurement and, collectively, will replace and construct certain bridges over I-26 while widening portions of the highway.
Meanwhile, the fourth and final phase, will reconstruct the I-26/Harbison Boulevard interchange; widen I-26 east of Piney Grove Road to west of exit 101; and relocate frontage roads and utilities, according to the department. Construction in phase 4 is set to begin next year.
