The South Carolina Department of Transportation was approved for $195 million in federal grant money from the U.S. Department of Transportation to help fund the Long Point Road Interchange project.
The interchange will be to improve the operations of the I-526/Long Point Road interchange and I-526 mainline to relieve conflicts between port-related and local traffic, according to the project’s website. The project will also include a multi-use path and noise walls.
The funding is the largest single grant awarded in SCDOT history, and the department has secured a total of $372 million in federal grants this year to “advance critical infrastructure projects in South Carolina,” the release said.
“This is a win-win for all,” Will Haynie, mayor of Mount Pleasant, said in the release. “SCDOT listened to our residents and produced a design that protects our local quality of life while maximizing the positive impacts on traffic. Their leadership is exemplary.”
The total project cost is $325 million so the grant will be accompanied by $65 million from federal dollars already provided for South Carolina and $65 million in state funds, the release said. The design phase of the project is in progress and construction is anticipated to begin in early 2026.
“I am very pleased with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s decision to award South Carolina $195 million to complete the Long Point Road interchange project,” U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-South Carolina, said in the release. “This project is a game-changer for Charleston County and the Port, and it is critical to ensuring safe travel and continued growth in the region. I am proud to have worked with Governor McMaster, the SCDOT, and Congressman Clyburn, a true champion of this project, to make it a reality. This is excellent news for our state.”
The funding was announced last week during th annual State of the Ports address.
Related: STATE OF SC PORTS: $195M announced for I-526 interchange project
Related: Got questions on the half-cent sales tax in Charleston County? Here’s a primer
The grant was also announced shortly after being approved during the South Carolina State of the Port speech by U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn, D-South Carolina, Justin Powell, secretary of the South Carolina Department of Transportation and state Sen. Larry Grooms, R-Bonneau, who is chair of the Senate Transportation Committee.
“Knowing the funding is now in place for this critical interchange project that will support both commerce from the Port and alleviate traffic congestion for citizens means we can continue to build South Carolina both now and for the future,” Grooms said. “This is a prime example of how local, state, and federal partners work together to make government work for the people of this great state.”
The post Record $195M federal grant to fund Lowcountry infrastructure project appeared first on Charleston Business.
