News Summary
The Carolina Crossroads Project has reached a milestone with the opening of a new bridge on Broad River Road at the I-20 interchange. Effective Friday morning, drivers will have access to both the new and existing bridges. This transition is part of converting the interchange into a diverging diamond style, aimed at improving safety and traffic flow. SCDOT will have staff on-site to assist during the transition, while a nighttime lane closure is scheduled for signage installation on March 5.
Columbia, South Carolina — The Carolina Crossroads Project has reached a significant milestone this week with the upcoming opening of a new bridge on Broad River Road at the I-20 interchange. The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) announced that the new bridge will open to traffic at 7 a.m. on Friday. Drivers will notice both the new Broad River Road bridge and the existing bridge operating simultaneously.
This traffic shift is part of the effort to convert the Broad River Road at I-20 interchange into a diverging diamond interchange style. This innovative design allows for temporary lane switching to eliminate direct crossings, reducing conflicts between vehicles entering the interstate. The primary goal is to enhance safety and improve traffic flow by decreasing the number of vehicles crossing in front of one another.
To ensure a smooth transition, law enforcement, flaggers, and temporary construction signs will be present at the interchange to guide drivers through the work zone. Drivers are encouraged to slow down, exercise caution, and stay alert to posted signs and instructions during this time.
In addition to the new bridge opening, SCDOT has provided a video demonstration that illustrates how the completed diverging diamond interchange will function effectively when completed.
Nighttime Lane Closure Scheduled
In another development, SCDOT has scheduled a nighttime lane closure for the new bridge over the Saluda River on March 5, from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. the following morning. This lane closure is necessary for the installation of new signage and will require traffic detours through I-26 westbound to I-20 westbound, before directing vehicles to I-26 eastbound during this period.
Key Project Details
The Carolina Crossroads project is a monumental road reconstruction initiative that carries a price tag exceeding $2 billion and is anticipated to extend beyond 2030. SCDOT has already completed Phases 1 and 2 of the project, with Phase 3B scheduled to commence in early 2025. The recently completed Phase 1 introduced new ramps at the I-26/126 interchange while older ramps at Bush River Road were closed. In Phase 2, the newly constructed Broad River Road bridge connecting to I-20 westbound was opened.
Looking ahead, Phase 3B will focus on land clearing, utility relocations, and the construction of new frontage roads aimed at further relieving congestion and enhancing traffic efficiency.
Legal Challenges
This landmark infrastructure project continues to reshape the transportation landscape in Columbia and surrounding areas, providing both immediate traffic improvements and long-term benefits for local commuters.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Winter Weather Advisory Issued for Columbia, South Carolina
Two Arrested in Lexington County Drug Investigation
South Carolina Named Fastest-Growing State in the U.S.
Tragic Hit-and-Run Claims Life of University Student
Calks Ferry Road Bridge Closure Planned in Lexington County
Na’cho Margarita Opens New Location in Lexington
Highway 391 Reopens After Water Main Rupture in Newberry County
West Columbia Man Arrested After Fatal Crash
Illinois Man Arrested for Bomb Threat on I-85
Columbia Prepares for Winter Weather Advisory
Additional Resources
- WLTX News: Carolina Crossroads Project Update
- ABC Columbia: Nighttime Detour for Saluda River Bridge
- The State: Carolina Crossroads Construction Progress
- Engineering News-Record: South Carolina’s Malfunction Junction
- Wikipedia: Carolina Crossroads Project
Author: STAFF HERE NEWBERRY
The NEWBERRY STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewberry.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Newberry, Newberry County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Newberry Opera House performances, Newberry Arts Fest, and the Newberry County Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Newberry County Chamber of Commerce and the Newberry Museum, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and agriculture that power the local economy such as Amick Farms and Newberry Mills. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
