Interstate 26 improvements in Lexington and Calhoun Counties will cost taxpayers $55 million.

The SC Department of Transportation Commission approved the first 2 rural interstate projects as part of its 10-year plan to improve roads and bridges.

The commission on Feb. 20 approved:

• Preliminary phases of the I-26 Corridor Improvement Project from Old Sandy Run (Exit 125) to Burke Road (Exit 139).

Cost of preliminary engineering and right of way totals $55 million.

• Preliminary phases of the I-95 Corridor Improvement Project from the 6 lane section at the Georgia line to US 278 (Exit 8) in Jasper County.

Preliminary engineering and right of way will cost $31.6 million.

Both projects target rural sections of the interstates critical to the freight hauling in SC.

DOT will seek public comment for both projects next week.