Important permit granted for Carolina Crossroads

Getting into and around Columbia by interstate highway should be safer and more mobile by the year 2029.  South Carolina DOT has announced approval of the last major, federal permit needed to improve and re-build 14 miles of I-20, I-26, and I-26 corridor.  The project is called Carolina Crossroads, but the interchanges are often referred to as “Malfunction Junction.”  DOT yesterday announced the U-S Army Corps of Engineers granted a 15-year permit for construction to take place in five phases, with numbers one and two to start in 2021.  The work is to deliver seven re-built interchanges, the replacement of cloverleaf loops, smooth flowing directional ramps, additional lanes in each direction on I-26, along with 12-foot inside shoulder for emergency vehicles and longer, separated exits.  Estimated total cost:  $1.6 billion.