In 2026, the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) will initiate a detailed transportation study of the Interstate 85 Corridor. This study aims to address mobility and safety issues due to increasing traffic in the Anderson-Greenville-Spartanburg area. SCDOT plans to collaborate with regional planning organizations and industry partners to analyze current and future traffic data, alongside public input.
Secretary of Transportation Justin Powell emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “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. This study provides a unique opportunity to work collaboratively to identify transportation needs and develop strategies that can be prioritized and implemented.”
The study covers a 35-mile stretch from US 29 (Exit 34) to SC 85 (Exit 69), including 18 interchanges. Key partners include the Spartanburg Area Transportation Study, Greenville-Pickens Area Transportation Study, Appalachian Council of Governments, GSP International Airport, and SC Ports Authority.
SCDOT is seeking public feedback on amending the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) for 2024-2033 to incorporate this study. Comments are open from December 5-26, 2025. Interested parties can submit their views online at scdot.org/projects/public-comment-notices or via mail addressed to Ginny Jones at SCDOT’s Office of Public Engagement.
Information from this article can be found here.
