Improvements begin in the ‘choke point for traffic’ on I-95. Here’s what to know
Smoother travel is on the horizon for frequenters of Interstate 95 as the South Carolina Department of Transportation, in partnership with the Georgia Department of Transportation, begins long-awaited improvements to one of the state’s busiest rural highway corridors.
This project, given the green light in June, will widen and improve I-95 from the Savannah River to U.S. 278, resulting in improvements spanning 10 miles of the interstate. With all major construction on interstate highways, there is always a risk of intermittent delays in the 24-hour traffic cycle.
The project officially launched Aug. 14 with Gov. Henry McMaster present at the ceremonial ground breaking.
These updates will aim to improve travel by widening the local corridor, which was described as the “choke point for traffic heading between New York and Miami” by SCDOT Secretary of Transportation Justin Powell.
However, with a project of this scale, drivers can expect major disruptions, as the five-year construction plan will bring closures, delays and detours that are likely to cause daily driving inconveniences starting at the end of August.
The 10-mile span, which, according to 2024 data from the SCDOT, hosts roughly 64,600 travelers each day, is home to 14 bridges and two existing interchanges that will see upgrades over the next few years.
Here are five things to know about the improvement project and the impact it will bring for traffic and road closures for drivers across this stretch of interstate.
1. 10 miles of widening from Georgia to Hardeeville
The improvement project focuses on a 10-mile stretch of I-95, beginning at the Savannah River and continuing north to just past U.S. 278 (Exit 8) in South Carolina.
The interstate will be widened from four lanes to six, expanding into the existing median.
2. Major interchange and bridge upgrades
The project includes upgrades to 14 bridges and two existing interchanges, which include Exit 5 (U.S. 17) and Exit 8 (U.S. 278). Additionally, this project will include the construction of a new bridge over the Savannah River.
Larger aspects of this project that will impact travelers and residents through this corridor include:
- Exit 5 will see a new connection from Frontage Road to U.S. 17 and ramp modifications.
- Exit 8 will be redesigned into a six-lane interchange, complete with two new bridges over I-95, that will be located on either side of the existing bridges at this exit. This upgrade will also include a relocated entrance to Medical Center Drive.
- The bridge over S.C. 46 will see the addition of sound barriers.
Additionally, a new interchange at Exit 3, Purrysburg Road, is being planned separately by the Town of Hardeeville.
3. Expect closures, but mostly at night
Powell states that to minimize closures and disruptions during the day, “a majority of the work will happen at night with lane closures expected during these hours as the project progresses.” He states that while these closures will be disruptive, the SCDOT will aim to keep four lanes of traffic open during peak daytime travel hours.
Hannah Robinson, spokesperson for the SCDOT, states that the department will communicate updates via its website and social media, although a detailed timeline for closures has not yet been released.
4. Cost, timeline and funding
The total cost of the project is estimated at $825 million, with $728.8 million dedicated to construction, the SCDOT states.
Funding is being provided through federal and state rural interstate funds, as well as support from the Georgia Department of Transportation.
Construction is divided into three different areas: I-95 mainline, Exit 8 and Exit 5.
While a final schedule for each of these projects is not yet available, this entire corridor project is expected to be completed by 2030, according to Robinson.
5. Why it’s needed
As development continues to boom across the Beaufort and Jasper County areas, the SCDOT states it has implemented these enhancements to accommodate the growing population and to improve the interchanges and bridges to fit modern standards.
According to SCDOT’s 2021 I-95 Feasibility Report, this corridor ranks among the worst rural interstates for freight mobility.
Dubbed as the department’s largest ever contract, this improvement project aims to reduce traffic congestion and delays, particularly around Exits 5 and 8, and to better accommodate increasing transportation demands in the Savannah, Jasper and Beaufort areas.
For the most up to date information on this project regarding closures, progress and future plans for I-95, visit the SCDOT’s “Fix the Drive I-95” webpage.
This story was originally published August 14, 2025 at 1:12 PM.
