The South Carolina Department of Transportation recently awarded a contract for the first phase of the $1.7 billion Carolina Crossroads project in the Columbia region to Archer-United.
Pending the secretary of transportation’s final contractual approval, Archer-United will finalize the design and other pre-construction activities.
The phase, valued at $210 million, will reconfigure the Colonial Life Boulevard interchange of I-126 and make improvements along I-26 towards US 378 to improve traffic flow.
The project in its entirety is intended to modernize the interchange design of the Malfunction Junction in the Midlands region, improving safety.
“The upgrade and modernization of the intersection of I-20, I-26, and I-126 is critical to our economic vitality and will enhance the daily commute for thousands of South Carolinians,” Secretary of Transportation Christy A. Hall said. “The team of Archer-United has an excellent track record of delivering good, quality projects on time and on budget, and I look forward to the improvements beginning on this critical project for the State of South Carolina.”
More than 134,000 vehicles travel the motorway daily. More than 112 hours of congestion are reported each year at the interchange.
Construction is expected to begin this spring and be completed by the end of 2024.