MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (WCSC) – A Lowcountry road project is getting a major boost from federal funding with a multimillion-dollar grant from the United States Department of Transportation.
The South Carolina Department of Transportation received $195 million to fund the Long Point Road Interchange Project, a venture that is set to improve several aspects of the I-526 and Long Point Road interchange.
“This is a win-win for all,” Mount Pleasant Mayor Will Haynie said. “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.”
Officials say the project will bring dedicated “flyover ramps” for traffic to and from the ports. These high-level roads will free up roadways and improve the flow of localized traffic.
“When you think about the number of containers moving through South Carolina, about three-quarters of them come through that Wando Welch Terminal,” South Carolina Transportation Secretary Justin Powell said. “So you’re talking about thousands of trucks moving in and out of that port annually, moving millions of containers. So the more that we can help speed that up, how we can improve the traffic for that just gives the state an even bigger competitive edge economically.”
South Carolina Ports President and CEO Barbara Melvin remarked on the importance of this and the impact it will have on not only the ports but the surrounding areas.
“The new port access road will support the more efficient movement of freight to and from one of the busiest container terminals on the U.S. East Coast, allowing cargo to move more safely and efficiently. Last-mile connectors such as this are critical to serving our customers and supporting our growth,” Melvin said. “This new roadway will also separate cargo-carrying truck traffic from residential traffic, further benefiting surrounding communities.”
Additionally, this project is set to provide some relief and benefits to the surrounding community with noise walls and a multi-use path.
“The Long Point Road Interchange Project is an investment in both our economy and the quality of life of our people that will reduce congestion, improve safety, and enhance access to the Port,” Gov. Henry McMaster said. “Thanks to the support of our congressional delegation, South Carolina continues to secure transformative investments in our infrastructure, ensuring our economy remains strong and competitive for years to come.”
The project’s total cost comes to $325 million. With $65 million in federal dollars already designated for South Carolina and another $65 million in state funds, the grant will fully fund the remainder of the project.
Construction is expected to begin in 2026. More details on the project are available here.
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