The S.C. Department of Transportation outlined a $1.5 billion plan to widen and improve Interstate-26 -were in parts of Lexington County.

Link to SCDOT Project information

The widening of I-26, from Exit 85 to Exit 101, was the topic of discussion at a meeting at Chapin High School, Tuesday night.

The SCDOT plan includes widening I-26 (in some cases up-to eight lanes) with upgrades to exit ramps and replacement of overpass bridges. The work is planned for a 16-mile portion of the interstate in Lexington, Richland, and Newberry counties.

More than 71,000 people-a-day travel on I-26 outside of Chapin. The widening is part of an effort to alleviate congestion and facilitate traffic flow.

Chapin Mayor Skip Wilson said the Columbia Avenue Widening Project is still on for Chapin. Lexington County, through the Central Midlands Council of Governments, is overseeing that upgrade. The SCDOT plan to widen I-26 will be financed by Federal Highways funds. Interchange bridge-widening is also part of the plan.

Based on latest constriction schedule, work would begin on the roads project in late 2018.

In addition to easing congestion, SCDOT said the widening will make the road safer.