Residents in Lexington County are discussing a proposed new interchange along Interstate 20 at Calks Ferry Road. This project is designed to reduce traffic congestion and make daily commutes more efficient. During a public meeting held on Thursday night, transportation officials introduced three potential designs for the interchange.
One of the options involves a partial cloverleaf design with a single loop-shaped ramp. Another design would include two stoplights that feed directly into the interchange. The third option suggests the use of two roundabouts. All three designs also involve widening Calks Ferry Road to four lanes.
The project, which is estimated to cost between $85 million and $125 million, aims to give drivers an alternative route to access I-20 without having to travel through congested areas such as downtown or Longs Pond Road. According to project manager Berry Still, this change could provide a much-needed relief for local commuters.
“Giving them another option to get onto I-20 and not have to go downtown or not have to go to Longs Pond Road or other ways that are currently over congested,” Still explained.
Residents who live near Calks Ferry Road have reported that traffic congestion can add up to 30 minutes to their commute when trying to reach the interstate via Longs Pond Road. Many believe the new interchange could significantly reduce these delays.
“If they can get this done as quickly as possible, that would alleviate a lot of headaches for a lot of people right now, especially for the ones trying to get on I-20,” said resident David Helps.
However, not all feedback has been positive. Some neighbors have raised concerns about the expansion of the road to four lanes, suggesting it could lead to more dangerous driving conditions. One resident expressed worry that the four-lane road would encourage reckless behavior.
“I think the interchange would be fine, but I think the four-lane on Calks Ferry would be a big mistake because it’s very dangerous now. People fly down it like a racetrack,” the resident said. “I think since our other roads are in such horrible condition, they should take that money and improve what we already have.”
Among those who attended the meeting, simpler interchange designs were more popular. Some residents favored the partial cloverleaf option with a stop-and-loop ramp, citing its straightforward layout.
“It’s straightforward. In rush hour traffic, you just need stoplights or stop signs in a forward way to go,” said Lexington resident Sharon Sloan. “We do not need roundabouts and lane changing; we need a straightforward method.”
Public comments on the project will be accepted through May 8. Residents can find a link to the project survey at [this link].
