One of the Upstate’s most highly anticipated projects is one major step closer to completion. Yesterday, the 85/385 Gateway Project announced “the completion of the 85/385 Gateway interchange configuration,” meaning all routes are officially open. Big news if you’re one of the ~200,000 vehicles that travel the intersection daily.
The Gateway Project is a transformation of the intersection of Interstates 85 and 385 in Greenville County – intended to reduce traffic congestion, improve safety, increase the interchange capacity + provide a financial boost to the local economy.
Let’s take a look at the project scope by the numbers:
- 2 . Two bridges will be rehabilitated/widened (Garlington Rd. overpass bridges).
- 3 . A portion of I-385 will be widened to three lanes.
- 4 . I-85 will be widened to four lanes (from the interchange northbound to Pelham Rd.).
- 10 . Ten new bridge structures will be constructed.
- 350,000 . The new infrastructure is designed to handle 350,000 vehicles per day in the future.
- ~$250M . The project is estimated to cost ~$250 million (70% of which is funded by the Federal Highway Administration).
Some other aspects of the Gateway Project include replacing tight loop ramps with flyovers + rehabilitating a section of I-85 north and south of the interchange. Work on Chrome Dr., Roper Mountain Rd. + Woodruff Rd. are also included on the list of improvements (read the full project scope here ).
Project plan overview of construction area including proposed design solution | Photo from 85385gateway.com
So, what’s left? Here’s a rundown of the remaining tasks to be completed:
- Final layer of asphalt
- Pavement markings and raised pavement markers
- Bridge painting
- Concrete grinding for smoothness
- Overhead and ground mounted signs
- Fencing
- Digital message signs and traffic cameras
- Grassing
- Woodruff Rd. widening
- Roper Mountain Rd. final alignment
- Other items as determined by on-going inspections
While all routes are open + there will be no more traffic shifts – drivers may continue to see some nighttime lane closures as work continues.
Construction on the system began in Feb. 2016 and final completion is slotted for 2020 . We’ll keep you updated as the project progresses, but in the meantime, you can stay up-to-date by following the project’s official Twitter account , Facebook page , or by subscribing to the mailing list .
Pro tip: If you are traveling through the Gateway Project using your GPS, some systems have not updated to the new routes – so pay close attention to physical street signs.
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