Traffic Trouble in Spartanburg: I-85 Widening Project on Hold

News Summary

The South Carolina Department of Transportation has postponed the I-85 widening project intended to alleviate traffic jams in Spartanburg. Locals like Devon Hunt face daily challenges with congestion, prompting discussions about alternative solutions and management strategies. As Spartanburg adapts to population growth and transportation needs, innovative solutions are being considered to address the persistent traffic issues on I-85.

Traffic Trouble in Spartanburg: I-85 Widening Project on Hold

In the bustling city of Spartanburg, locals are buzzing about the recent decision to postpone a major construction project aimed at easing the infamous traffic jams on Interstate 85. For daily commuters like Devon Hunt, who makes the trek to Mauldin several times a week for work, the road can often feel like an absolute nightmare during peak hours.

Early Commutes to Beat the Traffic

To avoid falling victim to the notorious afternoon rush hour headaches, Hunt has adapted to a new routine, starting his workday bright and early at 7 a.m. This strategy helps him dodge the heavy congestion that plagues the stretch of I-85 from the BMW plant all the way to Pelham Road. Unfortunately, for many others, the challenge of navigating this area on the highway is an all-too-frequent struggle.

Why the Project Was Postponed

The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) has determined that the proposed widening project, which would have added one lane in each direction between mile markers 40 and 69, needs to be put on hold. This comes as officials take a closer look at spending priorities in the face of changing transportation needs that have evolved over the past 18 years.

The state’s population has seen growth not just in the Upstate region but across various areas, making it crucial for transportation planning to adapt. With an annual budget of between $400-500 million dedicated to interstate projects, it seems the focus is shifting from merely adding lanes to more comprehensive traffic management strategies.

New Approaches to Traffic Management

Current focus areas include ongoing projects like widening sections of Interstate 26 and I-95, along with innovative strategies to improve interchanges. A redevelopment effort at the intersection of I-85 and I-385 in Greenville is among these new initiatives aimed at enhancing traffic flow without the significant impact of extensive lane widening.

Concerns from Local Leaders

Local leaders, including Manning Lynch, the chairman of Spartanburg County Council, have jumped into the conversation. Lynch pointed out that traffic around Greenville has become “almost 100 percent reliably bad.” While he expresses concerns over planning approaches by the SCDOT, there’s hesitance to say that simply adding lanes would actually alleviate the traffic blues. Instead, he floated the idea of expanding Highway 296 to four lanes as an alternative route connecting Spartanburg and Woodruff Road in Greenville.

Innovative Thoughts for Future Solutions

In a bid to think outside the box, Hunt also suggested a potential solution to the traffic issue. He believes that a high-speed railway connecting Charlotte and Atlanta could significantly reduce congestion on I-85, a fresh perspective in a world where widening highways might not be the only answer.

Recent Traffic Incidents

If that wasn’t enough, a bomb threat on I-85 in Greenville County added a layer of chaos as authorities shut down the highway for safety checks, thankfully concluding that no explosive devices were found.

The Road Ahead

As Spartanburg and its surrounding areas continue to grow and change, the challenges of traffic management remain at the forefront of community discussions. While immediate changes may be on hold, the conversations sparked by these traffic concerns may just signal the start of innovative solutions for a smoother ride.

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Additional Resources

• Fox Carolina: I-85 Hazmat Spill
• WYFF4: I-85 Hazmat Spill in Spartanburg County
• Greenville Online: SCDOT Shelves I-85 Widening Plan
• WSPA: All Lanes Closed on I-85 in Greenville County
• WYFF4: Spartanburg Deadly Hit-and-Run on I-85