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Palmetto Commerce Interchange

Construction is estimated to begin in September 2020 and to be completed in late 2022.

Project Status: Future Project

The preliminary design process started on October 29, 2013, and is currently underway. During this phase of the project, engineers, surveyors, scientists and other specialists are gathering data, conducting surveys and analyzing project information. This will enable the project team to evaluate alternative traffic measures, assess potential improvement opportunities and identify project impacts for permitting. Information collected will include: traffic data, location of roadway features, area topography, existing structures and utilities, environmental resources, wetlands, and storm drainage features. The surveys will also facilitate roadway design and future construction plans. The project team is currently assessing the design alternatives that were presented and discussed at the Public Meeting in 2014. Our goal is to complete that assessment in 2017 and hold a public hearing to present the preferred alternative.

Project Description

The Palmetto Commerce Interchange Project was initiated by Charleston County to provide an improved quality of life for citizens through better traffic operations and to enhance the economic development competitiveness for business in the Charleston region.

The Project will ultimately construct a new interchange on I-26 between US 78 (University Boulevard) and Ashley Phosphate Road, which will provide a new westerly connection to Palmetto Commerce Parkway, Weber Boulevard and Northside Drive. The purpose of the Project is to provide a connection from I-26 to a new network of roads between Ladson Road and Ashley Phosphate Road in order to relieve major traffic congestion along these heavily congested roads and along this busy segment of I-26.

The Project will build a new I-26 interchange and approximately 0.5-miles of a new four-lane road, which will provide motorists with additional route options within the currently congested area. In addition to alternative travel routes, the Project provides access for future development upon approximately 1,000 acres of adjacent property. When complete, the Interchange is expected to improve safety and serve as a direct route for workers who are traveling to various facilities in and nearby Palmetto Commerce Park.