Senate Bill Marks $4 Billion for Roads

A bill that provides for roughly $4 billion worth of road and bridge construction in South Carolina is advancing to the Senate floor.

The Senate Finance Committee approved Wednesday a proposal that raises $2.2 billion through borrowing, freeing up other money for the Department of Transportation. Secretary Christy Hall says it allows $4 billion worth of work over the next decade.

Major interstate projects to be completed under the plan include widening part of Interstate 85 in Cherokee County and fixing the intersections of Interstates 20 and 26 north of Columbia, known as "malfunction junction."

Hall says the money allows for the replacement of 400 load-restricted and structurally deficient bridges statewide.

The borrowing would be funded with $200 million annually from vehicle sales taxes and Department of Motor Vehicles fees.