The project consisted of the construction of a new interchange on Interstate 77 at mile marker 81 in Rock Hill, SC and a change order for extending the associated new roadway (Palmetto Parkway) between Mt. Gallant Road and Interstate 77.
The I-77 Exit 81 Interchange project was developed, designed, and constructed at a rapid pace to accommodate a major development negotiated between the Carolina Panthers, South Carolina Department of Commerce, South Carolina Department of Transportation, York County and the City of Rock Hill. Although the Carolina Panthers ultimately cancelled development of their planned facility, this project provides critically-needed additional interchange capacity in the heavily congested area along I-77 in Rock Hill. The new interchange provides traffic relief for the exceptionally heavy traffic at both the Cherry Road/Celanese Road interchange (exit 82) and the Dave Lyle Blvd interchange (exit 79). The improved traffic flow allows better access to commercial, retail, and residential properties as well as improved commuter traffic throughout the entire area. The project was completed on time, including the addition of an eleven-million-dollar change order to connect Palmetto Parkway to Mt. Gallant Road through the site that was cancelled by the Carolina Panthers.
The new interchange project included widening of I-77 for new ramps, a 214’ long by 127’ wide bridge over I-77, a 132’ long by 58’ wide bridge over the I-77 NB on-ramp, more than 47,000 square feet of MSE retaining walls, 17 overhead sign structures, and 4 signalized intersections. The additional work along Palmetto Parkway consisted of three-fourths of a mile of roadway between Mt. Gallant Road and Interstate 77, a twin CON/SPAN arch culvert system over a jurisdictional stream, an intersection with Mt. Gallant Road at the western end of the project.
