SC to start major construction for ‘malfunction junction’ fix by Columbia soon. What to know

Major construction is set to start this summer to untangle a mess of interstates northwest of downtown Columbia known by many drivers as “malfunction junction.”

The South Carolina Department of Transportation has already begun preliminary work on the first two phases of the major, $2.08 billion project called Carolina Crossroads, which includes the intersection of I-20, 26 and 126. Called the largest infrastructure construction project in state history, the full five-phase undertaking is expected to last until 2029.

“Carolina Crossroads is a significant project in the fixing of malfunction junction,” said Brian Klauk, Carolina Crossroads project manager.

Klauk said the project would radically change how motorists move through the intersection by alleviating congestion.

“It will save motorists around 100 hours a year,” Klauk said of the project.

Klauk said while major construction is on schedule to begin this summer, as of Wednesday, he did not have a definitive start date. He said final environmental approvals for the work were still being sought. Once those are in hand, the major work can begin.

Klauk said motorists could expect some traffic delays during the day as more workers show up.

“For Phases 1 and 2, there will be up to 200 workers on site at any given time,” Klauk said. “And Phase 3 will be even bigger than Phases 1 and 2 put together.”

Phase 3, set to start in 2024, will include the major overhaul of the ‘malfunction junction’ intersection.

Klauk noted that all lanes would remain open during rush hour traffic and throughout the day. There could be some lane closures occasionally on nights and weekends.

“We’re working hard to minimize disruption to the traveling public,” Klauk said.

Klauk encouraged all drivers to be extra mindful of speed limits in construction zones as work ramps up. Also, SCDOT plans to provide regular updates about traffic and the project construction for the public, from traffic signs to social media posts.

“We will make sure this is not a surprise,” Klauk said.

To get real time traffic information, download the 511 South Carolina Traffic app from the Apple Store or Google Play.

Here are the key goals of the first three phases of the project.

Phase 1

• Estimated completion: 2024
  
  

• Create a new full access interchange at Colonial Life Boulevard to replace the Bush River Road interchange at I-26. This change will improve traffic flow and safety by removing an adverse weave on I-26 westbound between I-20 and I-126.
  
  

• Lengthen the I-26 eastbound exit ramp to US 378 / Sunset Boulevard to accommodate the large number of vehicles that exit here in the afternoon and prevent stopped vehicles on the interstate shoulders.
  
  

Phase 2

• Estimated completion: 2025
  
  

• Improve the Broad River Road interchange at I-20 to make it easier to get on and off the interstate.
  
  

• Remove the shared ramp with Garner Lane Road to eliminate possible wrong-way driving out eastbound entrance ramp to I-20.
  
  

• Improve I-20 westbound’s access to I-26 westbound to minimize congestion from vehicles changing interstates.
  
  

Phase 3

• Estimated completion: 2028
  
  

• Replace all existing I-26 and I-20 loop ramps with fully directional ramps to make it safer and easier to change interstates.
  
  

• Construct barrier-separated ramps that allow through traffic to travel unimpeded by exiting and entering traffic.
  
  

• Reconstruct the St. Andrews Road interchange to make it easier to access I-26.
  
  

• Reconstruct the Bush River Road interchange to make it easier to access I-20.