I-85 Widening Project in Upstate Reaches another Major Milestone

Six miles of new roadway set to open this weekend

SCDOT Officials announced a traffic shift on I-85 northbound between Spartanburg and Cowpens that will move traffic onto two brand new travel lanes and connect directly with the exit ramps at exits 80 and 83. This shift represents a major milestone in the interstate project opening up six miles of new roadway northbound between mile markers 80 and 86.

Secretary of Transportation Christy A. Hall, P.E. said, "I am pleased to announce another big step forward on the I-85 widening project. It is well known that this has been a challenging project and our team has worked hard to advance us to this point – we are not slowing down and we will deliver on this critical project. As a part of our Strategic 10-Year plan we have more than 100 miles of interstate roadway work underway. All of that construction means progress and prosperity for the people of South Carolina."

Overnight on Saturday, November 4, traffic will be shifted from the current travel configuration, moving the two northbound lanes onto the brand new road surface in the outside northbound lanes. This traffic was previously traveling northbound in the southbound lanes while work took place on the northbound side. Drivers in the area should slow down and stay alert for crews working along the roadway.

The majority of the I-85 Widening project is expected to be finished and open to traffic by the end of 2024.

B-roll footage is available for media use here: https://youtu.be/9Bz0umwqGIM