FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Currently the project is funded only through the preliminary engineering stage. Preliminary engineering cost for conceptual design and Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) approval is approximately $1 Million. This portion of the project is funded with a South Carolina Legislative Earmark approved in FY 2024-2025. If Lexington County receives approval to move forward with the preferred alternative, the total cost, including final design engineering, right-of-way acquisition, and construction will be based on the preferred alternative developed within this initial concept evaluation. Total cost estimates, depending on the preferred alternative, range from $85 Million to $125 Million. The project is seeking funding from numerous potential sources including Lexington County, SCDOT, Central Midlands Council of Governments, Federal Earmarks, and South Carolina Legislative Earmarks, and the South Carolina Infrastructure Bank.

Yes, more than likely, additional right-of-way will be required for the project. We are currently in the early stages of developing various alternatives for the project. During project development, these alternatives will be evaluated, and right-of-way impacts will be evaluated. During final design of the selected preferred alternative, right-of-way impacts will be fine-tuned to be reduced and mitigated.

At this time, it is too early to determine if the project will require any residential or business displacements.

Typically, access will be maintained for all properties that currently have access, but there may be temporary closures and detours.

Yes, the existing, closed truck stop will be removed during construction of this project.

You can stay updated on the project via Facebook, X, and sign up for emails using the links here. If you have questions regarding the project, email the project team at info@CalksFerryInterchange.com, or send your question here. Bookmark our website at CalksFerryInterchange.com to check for updates!

While Interstate 20 and Calks Ferry Road are both maintained by SCDOT, Lexington County is managing the initial conceptual plans for FHWA Approval of the project.

A noise analysis will be conducted for the entire corridor in accordance with the SCDOT Traffic Noise Abatement Policy, which implements the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Noise Standards (23 CFR Part 772). Study findings will be shared with the public, and noise abatement measures will be installed when warranted in accordance with SCDOT and FHWA criteria. For additional information on SCDOT Highway Traffic Noise, click here.

Traffic analyses are being conducted as part of the study to evaluate how a new interchange may affect nearby roadways and intersections, including the intersections along Calks Ferry Road at Two Notch Road and Sherwood Drive. The study also considers anticipated future growth including planned residential and commercial development in the area. The results of these analyses will help determine whether operational or capacity improvements are needed to maintain safe and efficient traffic flow. If improvements are recommended at these intersections as part of the study, they will be incorporated into the project recommendations. In addition, local bicycle and pedestrian plans will be reviewed and accommodations along the corridor will be considered as part of the study to improve safety and connectivity for all users.

The posted speed limit in the vicinity of the proposed interchange is currently 45 mph, and the design speed for all three interchange design concepts is also 45 mph. Traffic calming measures and other speed management strategies will be evaluated during the design phase to help promote safe operations for all roadway users. The final posted speed limit is determined by SCDOT based on engineering studies, roadway characteristics, and operating conditions. As traffic patterns and roadway conditions change over time, SCDOT may evaluate and adjust speed limits in the future if warranted. In the meantime, persistent speeding concerns should be reported to local law enforcement, which may increase patrols or deploy speed enforcement measures in areas where speeding is a concern.

If additional right-of-way is needed for the project, affected property owners will be contacted directly and provided information about the acquisition process. Right-of-way acquisition typically includes property appraisals, review of potential impacts, negotiations with property owners, and compensation in accordance with federal and state requirements. No property is acquired without direct communication with the owner, and property owners will have opportunities to ask questions and discuss the process with project representatives. To help explain the process in more detail, a right-of-way informational video is available here.

Both the proposed Calks Ferry Road interchange and improvements to Longs Pond Road are important transportation priorities for Lexington County, but they address different needs within the broader transportation network. The Calks Ferry Road project is evaluating a new interchange on I-20 to improve regional access and accommodate growth in a rapidly developing area, while Longs Pond Road improvements focus on enhancing the existing roadway corridor. In addition, Lexington County is currently evaluating improvements to the Longs Pond Road/I-20 interchange as a separate project to improve capacity, enhance safety, and address existing congestion issues. Together, these projects are intended to create a more connected transportation system, improve traffic flow, reduce congestion, and enhance safety for residents and travelers throughout the area.

The existing Old Charleston Road overpass was evaluated as a potential interchange location and compared with the Calks Ferry Road location based on existing zoning, projected traffic volumes, traffic modeling results, and as a secondary benefit - the reduction of traffic congestion at Longs Pond Rd (Exit 51). The traffic analysis indicated that a new interchange at Old Charleston Road would attract significantly less traffic than a new interchange at Calks Ferry Road, with the projection of no traffic along two ramps, resulting in a smaller reduction in congestion at Exit 51. Considering the existing and planned land use patterns, forecasted traffic volumes, and overall transportation benefits, the Calks Ferry Road interchange was determined to be the better location. Therefore, the Old Charleston Road location was eliminated from further consideration.

Growth in this area is managed through Lexington County's planning, zoning, and development review processes. The proposed interchange is intended to address transportation needs associated with growth that is already occurring and is anticipated in the future. The County's 2022 Comprehensive Plan identifies the Calks Ferry Road corridor as an Intensive Development Area, where future residential, commercial, and employment growth is expected. To help manage this growth, County Council has adopted development-related ordinance changes, including reduced residential densities, revised open space requirements, and new development standards. County staff continue to coordinate transportation planning and development review efforts to ensure future growth is supported by appropriate infrastructure and that new development addresses its transportation impacts.