Abstract Manager

The Carolina Crossroads project is a $2.08 billion multi-year state infrastructure design build project that involves renovation of 14 miles of I-20, I-26, and I-126, also known as "Malfunction Junction".

The project is part of South Carolina Department of Transportation’s (SCDOT) 10-Year Plan and it is broken into five phases, with the first two phases currently underway and the entire corridor is expected to be completed in 2029.

More than 134,000 vehicles travel through this area on a daily basis. After construction, the average commuter through the I-20/26/126 corridor will save 112 hours each year.

Phase 1 of the project consists of the re-design and construction of a new interchange for Colonial Life Boulevard at I-126, as well as improvements on I-26 and I-126. It includes several innovative and unique approaches, such as a semi-directional interchange concept that is safer and operationally more efficient.
Phase 2 will update the Broad River Road interchange at I-20 in order to create better traffic flow to the interstate as well as lengthen I-20 west bound’s access to I-26 westbound in order to minimize congestion from vehicles changing interstates.

An “off-alignment” construction scheme is being used to eliminate the closure of the existing ramps and minimize the number of traffic stages. With this area already being a highly congested region, maintenance of traffic during construction was also a focusing point of the JV’s approach.

Phase 3 consists of all work necessary to complete the design and reconstruction of new interchanges at I-20 with I-26, I-26 with I-126, St. Andrews Road (S-36) with I-26, and Bush River Road (S-273) with I-20 and associated interstate widening and ramp construction in Richland and Lexington Counties. Work will include design and construction of interstate widening, interchange ramps, collector-distributor roads,

crossing routes, frontage roads, side roads, highway bridges, riverine bridges, railroad bridges, retaining walls, noise barrier wall, and related roadway appurtenances.

ASTM 1094 Continuous Galvanized Rebar is being utilized as a substitute to ASTM A767 rebar in developing several innovative and unique approach designs not only due to its corrosion resistant properties, but also superior supply chain and logistics both in the field and at rebar fabrication facilities with utilization of longer bars (18+ meters) to design splices, allowing the project team to overcome technical challenges and meet very tight deadlines in this massive project.