Things at malfunction junction are going to get worse before they get better.

Construction on the Carolina Crossroads Project is scheduled to begin next year.

The 14-mile corridor where Interstates 20, 26 and 126 will require an estimat ed $1.6 billion to complete.

The project is funded by the state’s gas tax increase enacted in 2017.

The US Army Corps of Engineers granted to the South Carolina Department of Transportation the permit that will enable SCDOT to construct all phases of the Carolina Crossroads project.

The 15-year permit is the last major federal approval for the project’s construction, which will be done in 5 phases.

Construction of Phases 1 and 2 are scheduled to begin in 2021.

SCDOT expects the entire project to be completed in 2029.

Upon project completion, the corridor will have:

• 7 reconstructed interchanges, including the re placement of cloverleaf loops with smoothly flowing directional ramps.

• Additional lanes in each direction on I-26.

• 12-foot inside shoulders for emergency vehicles.

• Longer, separated exits.

The project will accommodate future population growth through 2040 projections.