I-95

[tnbill]

we have to make a rip south in a few weeks. as we have not been on I-95 in south Carolina in a few years was wanting to know what its condition is in between the Georgia line and I-26. the last time we drove it it was pretty bad and hoping the state has spent some money on it by now.

TIA

 

[dduelin]

I last went that way in October 2023. I-95 is in terrible shape and remains just two travel lanes in each direction.

If you recall South Carolina lawmakers stood on principal and refused their share of 47 billion in federal highway money in 2009/2010 that was otherwise provided in the 2009 ARRA and have since showed how well they can maintain their share of the Interstate Highway System on their own dime. I-26 in SC is also a wreck.

 

[jfheilman]

I don't remember the start date but yesterday I did see a news article or message about the SC DOT (or whatever group that handles the road repairs) are going to start working on the I-95/I-26 interchange. That would mean really bad traffic in that area.

They have been working on I-26 between MM 85 and MM 101 for several years (supposed to finish this year ). All lanes are affected. They are building new roadways and there are no areas to pull off in the event of an issue (well they have set up two or three areas but you have to be there to use them (if you know what I mean)).

I know you asked specifically about I-95. I did travel I-95 several months ago but it was south from Richmond, VA. I WILL NEVER US I-95 AGAIN. The traffic was almost bumper to bumper and very poor drivers and almost had an accident due to someone stopping suddenly. I would never take I-95 if there was an alternative. And there are alternatives. Most of the US highways are in good shape. Not so for the SC roadways (use to be some of the best roads in the south but....).

I use the link below to scope out I-26 before I take it anywhere in the area in which I live. Don't know how good it is for I-95

511 South Carolina

 

[RobbieAG]

I haven't been on 95 in SC recently, but 77 from Charlotte to Columbia is fine. 85 from Charlotte to the Georgia border is good too.

 

[Larry Fine]

Stay in the mountains as far south as you can.

 

[Skunkape]

They have fixed some of it in the last few year, however it's still not good. Also, traffic around 95 and 26 can sometimes be horrendous.

 

[tnbill]

I am thinking of 321 from Columbia to 95 but not sure which way i want to get there, 26 to Columbia or 321 - gastoina - 85 - 485 - 77 . Google maps shows 77 now goes to 321 .

thanks so far for the info on road conditions and as I thought 95 has only gotten worse from 3 years ago.

 

[Ron]

It looks like a lot of 321 is 2 lane. How far south are you going? If you're going south to I-95, I would take I-20 and I-26 around Columbia. Get back on 321 and go to I-95 just north of Savannah at Hardeeville.

 

[Skunkape]

Looks like a good plan. However I would take 321 from Gastonia down past Charlotte and possibly get on 77 around Rock Hill or through Chester and get on 77 off of 97. Personally I would go the Chester route. We pulled our camper that route last year without any issues. I avoid big cities like the plague.

 

[tnbill]

Years ago i tried 321 to colombia but from gastoina south was to time consuming with all the small communitys . I have not been on 321 south of Columbia but it does not look like its as bad with the small communities. I don’t mind it being 2 lane as long as you can make time on it. We just got back from a trip to witchata so use to 2 lane.

 

[dduelin]

There are many ways to cross South Carolina and yes, those smaller roads encounter small towns but if I have the time it's the way I go. If you take 321 consider going left at Swansea on 178 to Orangeburg then take 601 on down to Tarboro, Hardeeville, back on 95. Depending on where you are ultimately going "south" you can get off 26 at Newberry and get on 391 to 178 then to Fairview Crossroads. Pick up 113 to 39 Blackville, Barnwell, to Allendale. From Allendale pick 301 down into FL or get back on 321 there to Tarboro, Hardeeville. Or forget South Carolina and get into Georgia more to the west and come down through Dillard, Toccoa, Commerce, Danielsville, Powellton, Louisville, Summertown, Metter to I-16. I have a route along that way that avoids towns of any size. It's about as fast as 95/26/40 from my home in North Florida to Blairsville, GA or to Waynesville, NC Decide at Metter if 95 will serve to destination or pick up 301.

 

[oilspot]

US17 runs somewhat parallel to I95 for a fair chunk of that piece from I26 to GA state line. I often use that road for motoring to stay off I95. I enjoy it the majority of the ride. There are a few choke points and slow towns; but overall it is better than I95 unless you want to go fast and weave around the semi-trucks. SC may add another lane up to I26 someday, but I'm not holding my breath - since all road construction seems to be a slow roll. You can also cruise US17 through GA too. I don't know the status of the ferry near JAX. Our "spring trip" last year had to go through downtown JAX because the ferry wasn't running.

 

[tnbill]

Did my trip. Took 77 S to 26. 601 at orangeburg to 321 to 95 was not a bad way but there was construction on 321 with some single lane spots. Decided to try 95 all the way to 26 back home. South Carolina was quite a bit better than 3 years ago. 26 from hendersonville to 40 was still under construction but made it ok . Thanks for the suggestions.