May 30, 2006
I-73 Preferred South Carolina Southern Route Announced Today
The preferred southern route for I-73 was announced today by the S.C. Department of Transportation and Federal Highway Administration at 11:30 a.m. at a press conference in Columbia.
“This is an exciting announcement and one we’ve been looking forward to for quite some time,” said Wayne Gray, Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce chairman. “The message the announcement imparts is that I-73 is important to South Carolina and great strides are being made so I-73 can become a reality.”
The route will extend from I-95 toward the east and around the southern sides of Latta and Mullins where it will connect with S.C. 917. It will then travel south around the north sides of Aynor and Cool Springs where it eventually connects to S.C. 22, which will save miles of new construction and a lot of money.
Although the route is not final, it was chosen because it has the least impact on wetlands, the lowest relative cost, the lowest farmland impact and a smaller impact on cultural resources.
Another important announcement made today by SCDOT is they are requesting proposals from the private sector on ways to fund the interstate.
“The request for proposals is an important step in keeping the momentum of the project going full steam ahead. It is crucial to see South Carolina businesses step up to the plate and work with the state on this project,” said Brad Dean, president and CEO of the chamber.
The proposed route also is a natural escape from the coast in the event of an impending hurricane.
