SCDOT breaks ground on new I-77 interchange in Blythewood

BLYTHEWOOD – On Monday, Feb. 3, at 3 p.m., the South Carolina Department of Transportation and Scout Motors representatives along with local and state officials, held a groundbreaking ceremony Monday for the new Scout Motors Drive Interchange in Blythewood. The new interchange will be Exit 26 and will be located between Exit 24 (Highway 21) and Exit 27 (Blythewood Road).

The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) proposes to construct a new Interchange on I-77 to serve the future Scout Motors Manufacturing facility and to provide access for future economic development in Blythewood, according to Secretary of the S.C. Department of Transportation Justin Powell, a featured speaker at the groundbreaking on Monday.

The purpose of the interchange is to serve the future Scout Motors Manufacturing facility and provide access for future economic development in Blythewood, Powell said.

 The project includes a connector road from the proposed Exit 26 to US 21. Portions of US 21 are proposed to be realigned to create a grade separated crossing for a new Norfolk Southern Railroad spur line that will serve the Scout facility.

A new railroad bridge over I-77 is proposed to provide rail access to the west side of I-77. In addition, widening of northbound I-77 from south of the proposed interchange to Blythewood Road as well as improvements along Community Road are planned. In addition to the SCDOT transportation improvements, Richland County has planned improvements along Community Road and Blythewood Road.