THE MIDLANDS CONNECTION PROJECT
Improving I-26 from Little Mountain to Irmo
The South Carolina Department of Transportation is moving into the construction phase of the Midlands Connection Project. The Midlands Connection Project will improve a 16-mile segment of the Interstate 26 roadway system that stretches from Exit 85 in Little Mountain to Exit 101 in Irmo.
Roadway Widening
The project will include two sections of roadway widening. It will widen approximately twelve miles of I-26 from four lanes to six lanes from just west of Exit 85 to just west of Exit 97. The project will also widen approximately four miles of I-26 from four lanes to eight lanes from Exit 97 to Exit 101.
Overpass Bridge Replacement
The project will replace seven overpass bridges in the project study area along the Interstate 26 travel corridor. The seven overpass bridges that will be replaced are located at: Parr Road; Holy Trinity Church Road; Peak Street; Old Hilton Road; Mt. Vernon Church Road; Shady Grove Road; and Koon Road. The overpass bridge replacements will be updated based on current state and federal design standards and will improve driver mobility and safety.
Interchange Improvements
The Midlands Connection Project will modify three interchanges along Interstate 26 at Exit 85, Exit 91, and Exit 97. Interchange improvements will be updated based on current state and federal design standards and will reduce congestion, improve mobility and enhance driver safety.
Weigh Station Enhancements
The truck weigh station located near mile marker 94 will also be improved. This weigh station will become a weigh-in-motion station that will be able to more efficiently measure a vehicle’s weight as it drives over a measuring site.
Noise Barriers
During the environmental analysis, a detailed traffic noise analysis was conducted along the project corridor and adjacent areas. This noise analysis indicated that it would be feasible and reasonable to construct two noise reducing barriers. Two noise barriers will be constructed near the Westcott Ridge neighborhood and the Arbor Springs neighborhood to help reduce highway traffic noise.
