COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) will permanently close the I-26 on-ramps at Bush River Road starting October 1 at 9 p.m. Drivers will use the newly constructed Colonial Life Boulevard at I-126 to access I-26 eastbound and westbound.
SCDOT officials say this permanent traffic change marks a significant milestone for the Carolina Crossroads Project. This is Step 2 of the three-step process to permanently change access to Bush River Road, to and from I-26, and make an important improvement to safety and congestion on I-26.
On Wednesday, September 18, Step 1 was completed, and the off-ramp from I-26 eastbound to Bush River Road was permanently closed. During Step 2 of the process, the on-ramps to I-26 from Bush River Road will be permanently closed, and drivers will use the new Colonial Life Boulevard on-ramps to access I-26 from Bush River Road.
Drivers should be aware of these traffic shifts and can plan their routes ahead of time by using SCDOT's 511 SC app or by visiting 511sc.org.
Access to I-26 eastbound toward Charleston from Bush River Road
Drivers traveling from Bush River Road to I-26 eastbound toward Charleston will drive to Colonial Life Boulevard and follow the signs at the interchange to connect to the I-26 flyover to Charleston.
Access to I-26 westbound toward Spartanburg from Bush River Road
Drivers traveling from Bush River Road to I-26 westbound toward Spartanburg will drive to Colonial Life Boulevard and follow the signs at the interchange to access the ramp to I-26 west.
Step 3 of this process will be the closure of the off-ramp from I-26 westbound to Bush River Road and will tentatively take place early next year.
This permanent traffic change will significantly affect how drivers navigate the area. Drivers are advised to exercise caution and follow all traffic signage as SCDOT continues to enhance the safety and accessibility of the Carolina Crossroads corridor. All dates are subject to change based on weather conditions.
Visit the project webpage (https://www.scdotcarolinacrossroads.com) for additional project information and updates or contact us on our project hotline at 800-601-8715.
