York County Plans to Redirect Road Funds Amid Rising Construction Costs
York County, South Carolina, is taking action to alleviate traffic congestion by proposing to shift funds from a high-traffic area to one that is deemed more critical. Specifically, officials are asking the South Carolina Transportation Infrastructure Bank to transfer funds earmarked for the Carowinds Boulevard interchange on Interstate 77 to the Exit 82 interchange, where Cherry and Celanese roads intersect with the interstate.
Who is Involved?
The initiative is led by York County Council chairwoman Christi Cox, who emphasizes the necessity of this funding shift for the development of Exit 82, a location identified as a growing safety concern due to the convergence of several major roads.
What is the Proposal?
The county desires to move approximately $64 million from the Carowinds Boulevard project to expedite improvements at Exit 82. With an average of over 170,000 vehicle trips daily at Carowinds Boulevard—making it the busiest traffic spot in South Carolina—the proposal reflects a growing recognition that current conditions can lead to hazardous situations for drivers.
Where is the Focus?
While the Carowinds Boulevard interchange is essential for its high traffic volume, the Exit 82 location is of increasing concern for safety. The average vehicle traffic at Exit 82 is significantly less than Carowinds Boulevard, yet road experts warn that unless action is taken, safety risks will continue to rise.
When Will Changes Occur?
York County has been in discussions regarding the funding switch for over two years, with applications made in 2016 and 2019 for upgrades at various interchanges including Exit 82. Construction work at Exit 85 is ongoing, while the timeline for Carowinds remains uncertain as new configurations are still under planning. If the funding is approved for Exit 82, this project may see progress sooner, given its critical nature.
Why the Change is Necessary?
Road construction costs have surged by significant margins since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, attributing to the financial challenges faced even by well-planned projects. Material costs, worker wage increases, and inflation pressures have driven project costs upward, delaying many essential roadworks throughout the state. This has prompted local officials to divert available funds to tackle urgent projects like Exit 82, which are at risk of extensive delays without additional financial resources.
Current estimates suggest that extensive upgrades could range in costs significantly, with some estimates for Exit 85 falling between $90 million and $200 million depending on final traffic configurations. Meanwhile, the forecasts for the Exit 82 interchange have yet to crystallize, although similar trends in cost increases are anticipated.
Next Steps
As part of this process, the York County transportation planning group has solicited support from key regional policy makers to enhance their case before the state infrastructure bank. The policy committee comprising local leaders has voiced its endorsement for the funding transfer and seeks to expedite the improvements needed at Exit 82.
With numerous road projects across the state facing similar funding shortages, the decision to reroute funds stands as a pivotal move for York County to address ongoing traffic and safety concerns. As the clock continues to tick for these much-needed interventions, local officials are hopeful for an affirmative response from the South Carolina Transportation Infrastructure Bank.
