The contract, which is the 2nd-largest Design-Build project in SCDOT history, carries a total contract value of $439 million and involves widening a total of 21 miles along the interstate. To stay on schedule, Blythe’s engineer team has set forth several ambitious goals for the year.
Starting in spring of 2019, crews will work toward completing Section One, which includes the first three miles of rehabilitation work. They will also focus on installing the concrete median separating northbound and southbound traffic between mile markers 82 and 92. This is necessary to prepare for the first major traffic shift by autumn of this year.
This project utilizes a Design-Build contract that requires Blythe, along with JV partner Zachry Construction, to design, obtain permits, acquire right-of-way, coordinate utility relocation, and construct the 21 miles of interstate; all under the oversight of SCDOT and FHWA. The Project’s scope involves adding a travel lane in both directions and interchange reconstruction for exits at mile markers 83, 87, 95, and 96. In addition, the contractor will provide rehabilitation of the existing ramps for exits at mile markers 78, 80, 90 and 92. Finally, there will be the construction of a new CSX railroad bridge crossing the interstate near mile maker 81. The work being performed on these roads and bridges will help alleviate traffic congestion throughout this entire corridor.
