The U.S. Department of Transportation recently awarded the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) a $195 million grant for the $325 million Long Point Road Interchange Project.
The project will improve the I-526/Long Point Road interchange and I-526 mainline. The Long Point Road interchange connects I-526 with South Carolina Ports’ Wando Welch Terminal and is the only point-of-access.
Work includes dedicated flyover ramps, a multi-use path and noise walls.
When completed, the project will improve traffic flow by reducing conflicts between port-related and local traffic. It also will complete a freight route to intermodal rail facilities and other locations along the I-26 corridor.
“The new port access road will support the more efficient movement of freight to and from one of the busiest container terminals on the U.S. East Coast, allowing cargo to move more safely and efficiently,” Barbara Melvin, South Carolina Ports president and CEO, said. “Last-mile connectors such as this are critical to serving our customers and supporting our growth as the No. 8 U.S. container port. This new roadway will also separate cargo-carrying truck traffic from residential traffic, further benefiting surrounding communities.”
The project also received $65 million in state funds and $65 million from federal dollars already apportioned to South Carolina.