News Summary
A new diverging diamond interchange has been partially opened at Broad River Road and I-20 in Columbia, SC, aiming to alleviate congestion in the area known as ‘Malfunction Junction.’ This innovative design allows for improved traffic flow and safety, significantly reducing potential crash points. Although operational, the final traffic patterns will be established after construction concludes. Local drivers express mixed feelings about the changes, while officials remain optimistic about the long-term benefits. The interchange is part of the larger $2.08 billion ‘Carolina Crossroads’ project aimed at enhancing regional traffic infrastructure.
Columbia, South Carolina – A new diverging diamond interchange is now partially open at the intersection of Broad River Road and I-20 as part of the South Carolina Department of Transportation’s (SCDOT) initiatives to alleviate congestion at the notorious area known as “Malfunction Junction.” This innovative design aims to enhance traffic flow and safety for the 237,000 vehicles that pass through the junction daily.
The diverging diamond interchange shifts traffic briefly to the opposite side of the roadway, which allows drivers to make left turns without having to cross oncoming traffic. This strategic approach is anticipated to reduce potential crash points by approximately 46% compared to traditional interchange designs. While new bridges connected to the interchange are already operational, the establishment of a permanent traffic pattern will be finalized upon completion of construction in the upcoming months.
Hannah Robinson, media relations manager for SCDOT, noted that the new layout is designed to facilitate easier turns and prevent congestion created by traffic light backups. As such, average commuters in the area are expected to save around 112 hours yearly once the entire Carolina Crossroads project is completed.
Despite the intended benefits, driver reactions to the new interchange have been mixed. Some individuals have voiced concerns that traffic has worsened since the redesign, while others have found the new layout confusing. One driver mentioned that they felt that the changes introduced “kinds of different ways,” indicating a struggle to adjust to the new system. Concerns have also emerged about night visibility, particularly regarding the concrete edges during turns, as well as the overall complexity of the interchange.
Robinson encouraged local drivers to adapt to the new flow and provide feedback on their experiences. She expressed optimism about the long-term advantages of the diverging diamond design, despite the early challenges some commuters face. This interchange marks the second of its kind in the Midlands region and the fourth statewide.
The diverging diamond interchange is part of the extensive $2.08 billion “Carolina Crossroads” project, aimed at reworking traffic patterns in this highly congested region. The ambitious project, which commenced in 2021, is set to continue through the end of the decade, with various elements expected to be completed by 2029. This undertaking will involve the construction of 132 new lane miles, the widening of 14 miles of interstate, the installation of 43 new bridges, and the reconstruction of seven interchanges.
The multimodal improvements associated with the Carolina Crossroads initiative are anticipated to have a significant positive impact on traffic infrastructure and commuter efficiency. With the prospect of substantial time savings and improved safety, local authorities are optimistic that the new interchange will ultimately lead to a smoother driving experience for the hundreds of thousands of vehicles navigating this pivotal area every day.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
New Bridge Opening at Broad River Road I-20 Interchange
Additional Resources
- WLTX
- Wikipedia: Diverging diamond interchange
- Post and Courier
- Google Search: Diverging diamond interchange
- ABC Columbia
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Traffic engineering
- The State
- Google News: Columbia South Carolina traffic
- Augusta Chronicle
