Groundbreaking begins on I-95 widening

State and local officials gathered on August 21st to break ground on the Interstate 95 Widening and Improvements Project in Jasper County, marking the start of the largest project in the South Carolina Department of Transportation’s history.

The effort, developed in partnership with the Georgia Department of Transportation, will expand 70 miles of I-95 between the Georgia state line and I-26 in Orangeburg County. Improvements include the addition of lanes, new bridges, and redesigned interchanges to keep up with growth in the region. A new bridge over the Savannah River will also improve the connection between South Carolina and Georgia.

Gov. Henry McMaster said the project will support safety and economic development across the state.

“People and businesses want to come to South Carolina, and we need the roads to support our momentum,” McMaster said. “Interstates like I-95 are essential to both daily life and long-term economic strength.”

Transportation Secretary Justin Powell said beginning construction on the first 10 miles in Jasper County represents a milestone for the agency.

“We are excited to begin work on this project alongside our partners at GDOT to make this area of I-95 a better entryway to our great state,” Powell said.

For residents, the improvements are expected to ease congestion, reduce delays, and make travel safer for daily commuters and long-distance drivers alike. Officials also point to potential benefits for local businesses, with better highway access helping to attract employers and tourists to the Lowcountry.

Future phases will include significant changes to Exit 3 near Hardeeville and Exit 8 at U.S. 278. Exit 3 will be upgraded to handle increasing residential and industrial growth in the area, with new ramp designs aimed at reducing traffic backups. Exit 8, one of the busiest interchanges in the county, will be modernized to improve safety and traffic flow for drivers heading to Hilton Head Island and Bluffton. Both interchanges will be rebuilt to meet current federal design standards and better serve the region’s long-term growth.

The I-95 Widening and Improvements Project is scheduled for completion by 2030.

More information is available at scdoti95widening.com.