AASHTO Journal - SCDOT Plans to Conduct I-85 Corridor Study in 2026

The South Carolina Department of Transportation recently noted that it plans to conduct a comprehensive, planning-level transportation study of the I-85 Corridor in 2026 – setting the stage for what the agency describes as “significant transportation infrastructure improvements” in the Anderson-Greenville-Spartanburg area.

[Above photo by SCDOT]

The I-85 Corridor study area is located along I-85 from US 29 (Exit 34) to SC 85 (Exit 69), covering 35 miles of interstate highway. The study will assess 18 interchanges as well as major intersecting roads that influence the operational efficiency of the interstate; an effort aimed at identifying a range of potential solutions for current and future mobility and safety issues in light of continued regional traffic volume growth.

[Editor’s note: In line with improving local roadways, the SCDOT recently unveiled a new tool designed to streamline roadside ditch maintenance.]

The agency also plans to partner with several regional planning organizations and other groups to conduct this study, including the Spartanburg Area Transportation Study, Greenville-Pickens Area Transportation Study, Appalachian Council of Governments, Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport, and the South Carolina Ports Authority.

“As upstate South Carolina continues to grow and prosper, SCDOT is committed to working alongside local and regional partners to ensure the I-85 corridor will support the success of this region well into the future,” noted Justin Powell, SCDOT’s secretary, in a statement.

“This study provides a unique opportunity to work collaboratively to identify transportation needs and develop strategies that can be prioritized and implemented,” he said.