I-26 Widening Cypress Swamp

Project Overview

The South Carolina Department of Transportation’s I-26 Widening (Midlands Connection) project is a major infrastructure initiative to modernize a 16-mile stretch of Interstate 26 between Exit 85 (SC 202 – Little Mountain) and Exit 101 (Irmo). This corridor serves as a critical link between Columbia and Charleston, carrying over 60,000 vehicles daily with growing freight and commuter demands.

The project expands I-26 from four to six lanes over approximately 12 miles and from four to eight lanes over about four miles, improving safety, mobility, and capacity for future traffic growth.

Key roadway and interchange improvements include:

• Reconstruction of interchanges at Exit 97 (US 176 – Broad River Road), Exit 91 (S-48 – Columbia Avenue), and Exit 85 (SC 202).
• Conversion of the Exit 97 interchange to a diverging diamond configuration to improve traffic flow and reduce conflict points.
• Replacement of seven overpass bridges at Koon Road (S-58), Shady Grove Road (S-80), Mt. Vernon Church Road (S-234), Old Hilton Road (S-405), Peak Street (S-49), Peak Road (S-39), and Parr Road (S-167).
• Construction of two noise barriers near the Westcott Ridge and Arbor Springs subdivisions.
• Upgrades to the truck weigh-in-motion (WIM) station near MM 94 to streamline freight movement and enforcement.

UIG Scope of Work

United Infrastructure Group (UIG) serves as the bridge subcontractor to Banks Construction Company on this design-bid-build contract. UIG is responsible for:

• Replacement of the dual bridges on I-26 over Cypress Swamp (Stage 1 – 4 spans)
• Replacement of the SC 27 bridge (2 spans)
• Replacement of the S-32 bridge (2 spans)

All associated bridge demolition work was completed by United Demolition, a UIG affiliate specializing in structural and heavy civil demolition.

Project Highlights

• Client: South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT)
• Prime Contractor: Banks Construction Company
• Bridge Subcontractor: United Infrastructure Group
• Demolition Contractor: United Demolition
• Contract No.: 8847060
• Project Length: 16 miles
• County: Berkeley County, South Carolina
• Status: Under construction – Phase 2 anticipated Summer 2025
• Estimated Completion: November 2026

Project Significance

The I-26 Widening – Cypress Swamp segment is part of SCDOT’s long-term plan to expand and improve one of the state’s most heavily traveled freight and commuter corridors. Once complete, this project will significantly enhance connectivity, reduce congestion, and support regional economic growth across the Midlands and Lowcountry.

For more information, visit the official SCDOT project website:
www.scdotmidlandsconnection.com