Traffic Conditions on I-95 in South Carolina: What You Need to Know

The wait is finally over for drivers who regularly traverse the busy I-95 highway in South Carolina, as plans are underway to widen and improve the road. The much-needed upgrade will not only ease congestion but also boost the state's economy.

According to State Sen. Tom Davis, a significant portion of the project's funding comes from $453.5 million in federal COVID aid, which was designated for roadwork by the Legislature. The widening project is expected to take around two years to complete and will involve environmental mitigation, permitting, bidding, and construction.

The good news is that the highway department has already completed the planning phase, which includes a checklist of tasks to ensure a smooth process. This phase covers everything from environmental assessments to engineering designs and right-of-way acquisition.

The project's scope involves widening I-95 from Georgia to Exit 8 in Beaufort/Hilton Head, with the entire corridor expected to be expanded to three lanes in each direction. This will greatly benefit drivers traveling between Charleston and Columbia, who have long been plagued by congested roads.

In addition to the corridor expansion, the first 33 miles of I-95 entering South Carolina from both directions are set to become six lanes total by 2030 - two years earlier than initially expected. This is a significant milestone in the state's efforts to improve its highway infrastructure and alleviate traffic woes.

State Sen. Davis emphasizes the importance of patience during this time, acknowledging that there will be slowdowns along the way. However, he assures drivers that the end result will be well worth the temporary inconvenience. 'I-95 is going to be widened, it is going to be improved, it is going to be something that we're proud here in South Carolina for once,' he says.

The widening project is set to begin in December and is expected to take around two years to complete. With a whopping $600 million approved by legislators, the highway department can finally start making progress on this long-overdue project.

In summary, the traffic conditions on I-95 in South Carolina are about to get a significant boost with the widening of the highway. While there may be temporary slowdowns along the way, the end result will be a safer and more efficient driving experience for all. As State Sen. Davis puts it, 'patience is the watchword' here, and it's clear that the state is committed to delivering a top-notch highway infrastructure project.

Traffic conditions i 95 south carolina