The South Carolina Department of Transportation plans to conduct a comprehensive study of the Interstate 85 corridor in 2026.
The transportation study will prepare for significant infrastructure improvements in Greenville, Spartanburg and Anderson counties. According to SCDOT, the study will identify solutions for mobility and safety issues resulting from traffic volume growth in the Upstate.
The study area covers 35 miles of highway along Interstate 85, from U.S. Highway 29 (Exit 34) to S.C. Highway 85 (Exit 69). Eighteen interchanges will be studied along with major intersecting roads that impacts the interstate’s operational efficiency.
“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,” said Secretary of Transportation Justin Powell. “This study provides a unique opportunity to work collaboratively to identify transportation needs and develop strategies that can be prioritized and implemented.”
SCDOT plans to conduct the transportation study in partnership with the Spartanburg Area Transportation Study, Greenville-Pickens Area Transportation Study, Appalachian Council of Governments, Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport and the South Carolina Ports Authority.
Input from transportation stakeholders and community members will also be used for the study. SCDOT requests public comments on the action to amend the 2024-2033 Statewide Transportation Improvement Plan to add the Interstate 85 Corridor Study.
Public input will be accepted until Dec. 26. Community members can submit their comments online or by emailing SCDOTpubliccomment@scdot.org.
