CHAPIN, S.C. — Traffic is something that's becoming more familiar to folks in the northern parts of Lexington County as I-26 exit construction continues in the Midlands Connection project.
Progress is pushing through the exit corridors of 85, 91 and 97 along the stretch of I-26 from Little Mountain to Irmo.
According to SCDOT, Exit 85 is now finished and open with lengthened acceleration and deceleration lanes. Exit 91's new bridge is completed, and road widening and paving of the overpass are still underway.
SCDOT said Exit 97's bridge is partially open, with work continuing to widen and pave the overpass road, and Exit 101 had ramp work done that's now complete.
But with all this progress comes growing pains for locals.
"Heading west out of Columbia toward Chapin is sometimes bumper-to-bumper, and it's just terrible," Chapin resident Janet Moore said.
"I definitely feel like it's going to be worth the wait, just because of what I've seen up north toward 385," said Thomas Grimoskas, Irmo restaurant owner of Luzianna Purchase.
SCDOT said work should be done by around this time next year.