New I-20 exit could ease traffic at busy Lexington interchange. Here's what to know

South Carolina lawmakers will soon decide whether to fund the next phase of a new Interstate 20 interchange at Calks Ferry Road in Lexington County. Supporters say it could reroute up to 40% of the traffic currently clogging the nearby Longs Pond Road exit.

FULL STORY: Crowded Lexington road could see less traffic with this new interstate exit

Here are key takeaways:

• The proposed 2026-27 state budget includes $1 million, sponsored by Rep. Paula Calhoon, R-Lexington, to fund an environmental study and infrastructure relocation for the new interchange.
• Exit 51 at Longs Pond Road is heavily congested due to the Michelin plant, a U.S. Foods center, Mid-Carolina Electric Co-op, a recycling center and nearby residential growth.
• Planners are presenting three design options: a partial cloverleaf, a stoplight-managed setup or a roundabout configuration. All would widen Calks Ferry Road to four lanes with a new bridge over I-20.
• The project still needs millions more from Lexington County, SCDOT and the Federal Highway Administration. Officials estimate completion is five to six years away.
• The public can submit input at CalksFerryInterchange.com ahead of another community meeting planned for later this year.

The summary points above were compiled with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists. The full story in the link at top was reported, written and edited entirely by journalists.