I-95 Improvements
South Carolina: Savannah River to US 278
improve capacity + mobility + operations
The purpose of the I-95 Improvements (formerly I-95 Widening) project is to improve capacity, mobility, and operations along the 10-mile corridor of I-95 from one mile into Georgia at the Savannah River to approximately mile marker 9 (just north of US 278) and to address operational deficiencies for interchanges and bridges within the corridor. The project team will evaluate options in this corridor to reduce traffic delays and congestion through 2050.
Where is this project?
The project study area spans a 10-mile corridor of I-95, starting on I-95 one mile past the Georgia state line continuing to approximately mile marker 9 (just north of US 278). This study area includes 14 bridges, two existing interchanges (Exits 5 and 8), and a new proposed interchange at Exit 3 that is being completed as a separate project by the Town of Hardeeville.
Why is this project needed?
Our region continues to grow—more people and more jobs. While today’s traffic can seem heavy at times, traffic on this portion of I-95 is expected to intensify over the next couple of decades. In 2050, this portion of I-95 is anticipated to experience heavy traffic congestion, including Exits 5 and 8.
According to the I-95 Feasibility Report completed by SCDOT in 2021, this corridor ranks among the worst of the rural interstates in freight mobility.
The Town of Hardeeville is planning a new interchange at Purrysburg Road (mile marker 3) to support local commercial, industrial, distribution, and residential developments. The I-95 Widening Project will be designed to accommodate any additional growth as a result of this new interchange and the surrounding developments.
What is the project development process?
SCDOT will follow the standard development process for a "Non-programmatic" Categorical Exclusion (NPCE). This process begins with early efforts to identify the purpose and need of a project, followed by the collection of data used to understand that need, understand concerns, and identify potential improvements.
As the project understanding increases, various conceptual alternatives are developed and presented to the public for their input. Based on the public feedback received, and further analysis of the data, a preferred alternative is identified.