AARoads Forum

Regional Boards => Southeast => Topic started by: Grzrd on September 07, 2017, 10:30:51 AM

Title: I-77 Extension in S.C.
Post by: Grzrd on September 07, 2017, 10:30:51 AM
U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham is making noises about extending I-77 (http://www.chronicle-independent.com/archives/48204/):

Quote
Camden City Councilwoman Joanna Craig asked Graham about Amtrak, which the senator agreed needs to be better managed. However, he also said he would like to see I-77 extended past Columbia and I-73 -- which currently only exists in North Carolina -- completed to Myrtle Beach.
"Having more (interstate) arteries is better for rural counties,"  Graham said.

I assumed he meant in the general direction toward the I-16/I-95 interchange. However, in remarks to the South Carolina I-77 Alliance (http://www.onlinechester.com/content/graham-mcmaster-talk-about-scs-strengths-i-77-alliance-summit), a booster group currently composed of representatives from Chester, Fairfield, Richland and York Counties, that he wanted to see I-77 go to Atlanta (doesn't I-20 serve the Columbia-Atlanta connection?):

Quote
"The last thing is infrastructure: our roads and our bridges are falling apart. This I-77 Alliance was generated by a vision long ago to build a new interstate highway. It stops in Columbia. My goal is to get it all the way to Atlanta, to have Atlanta and Charlotte connected. Can you imagine the economic development opportunity if we just keep building this interstate?"  he said.
Graham told the members of the Alliance, "Thank you for having the vision that you're all in it together. The combined efforts of the South Carolina I-77 Alliance will pay great dividends over time to all of your businesses,"  he said.

At any rate, with a strong booster group supporting an extension of some sort, steady progress should be made. Has anyone seen a map of the "vision" or have any other information regarding this?
Title: Re: I-77 Extension in S.C.
Post by: LM117 on September 07, 2017, 11:20:57 AM
I-20 already connects Columbia and Atlanta and I-85 connects Atlanta and Charlotte. Graham doesn't know what the hell he's talking about. He caught a bad case of POTUS-itis.
Title: Re: I-77 Extension in S.C.
Post by: triplemultiplex on September 07, 2017, 04:22:49 PM
Brain-dead ideas from the geographically illiterate aside, I don't see enough benefit in extending I-77 very far in any direction without pissing away billions of dollars that don't exist on a redundant facility for basically no one.

The one plausible idea I can spitball is to loop it back to I-20 west of Columbia by blasting through loads of subdivisions.  Very much a local project.
Title: Re: I-77 Extension in S.C.
Post by: The Ghostbuster on September 07, 2017, 04:51:57 PM
Interstate 77 will go to Port Huron, MI before it goes any further from Columbia IMHO.
Title: Re: I-77 Extension in S.C.
Post by: WashuOtaku on September 08, 2017, 06:39:19 PM
I could see I-77 following US 321 from Cayce to Hardeeville, but it would really serve no real purpose as it wouldn't shave off that much time away from I-26/I-95.  Alternative would be to go towards Statesboro, GA along US 301, but that even makes less sense.
Title: Re: I-77 Extension in S.C.
Post by: ARMOURERERIC on September 08, 2017, 09:36:43 PM
Looking at an SC map, I think a Camden to Rockingham.interstate will get them the best bang for the buck.
Title: Re: I-77 Extension in S.C.
Post by: sparker on September 09, 2017, 02:25:42 AM
A few years ago I had read some rumblings about an Interstate along US 1 between Augusta, GA and Jacksonville, FL (although for the life of me I can't see this being of any particular value); possibly this might be what Graham and company are talking about, obviously requiring a lengthy multiplex along I-20. 

That being said, if climate warming is going to repeatedly produce Atlantic/Gulf storms of the magnitude of Harvey and Irma, an additional efficient way out of Florida (especially one that doesn't funnel everyone into Atlanta!) may be appropriate; whether something Interstate-grade would make a difference would, of course, be fodder for debate!
Title: Re: I-77 Extension in S.C.
Post by: adventurernumber1 on September 09, 2017, 03:24:10 AM
I-77 going to Atlanta, of course, that is if you want a ridiculous and useless concurrency with I-20 all the way there.  :rolleyes:

But anyway, onto the real subject, an I-77 extension does sound intriguing to me, but at this time I personally have not decided on my opinion on just how to conduct that. Simply extending it to connect to I-20 and forming a full loop around Columbia could work quite well, as someone else said.

I think energy, at least for now, should be focused on widening I-95 and I-26 in South Carolina (which, as someone said, is not that much longer of a route than a theoretical extended I-77), and in Georgia, an interstate connecting Columbus, Macon, and Augusta, and a possible I-22 extension that would include connecting Columbus, Albany, and Brunswick.
Title: Re: I-77 Extension in S.C.
Post by: LM117 on September 09, 2017, 03:30:20 AM
Quote from: ARMOURERERIC on September 08, 2017, 09:36:43 PM
Looking at an SC map, I think a Camden to Rockingham.interstate will get them the best bang for the buck.

An extension of I-87 from Raleigh along US-1 would make the most sense in this case. NCDOT has already attempted (and failed) to get US-1 designated as an interstate between Raleigh and Sanford. I wouldn't put it past them to try again. However, I think there's no chance of SC going along with it. US-1 in SC is a different animal than  in NC.
Title: Re: I-77 Extension in S.C.
Post by: roadman65 on September 09, 2017, 03:48:23 AM
Quote from: adventurernumber1 on September 09, 2017, 03:24:10 AM
I-77 going to Atlanta, of course, that is if you want a ridiculous and useless concurrency with I-20 all the way there.  :rolleyes:

But anyway, onto the real subject, an I-77 extension does sound intriguing to me, but at this time I personally have not decided on my opinion on just how to conduct that. Simply extending it to connect to I-20 and forming a full loop around Columbia could work quite well, as someone else said.

I think energy, at least for now, should be focused on widening I-95 and I-26 in South Carolina (which, as someone said, is not that much longer of a route than a theoretical extended I-77), and in Georgia, an interstate connecting Columbus, Macon, and Augusta, and a possible I-22 extension that would include connecting Columbus, Albany, and Brunswick.
I-14 is planned to connect Columbus, Macon, and Augusta.
Title: Re: I-77 Extension in S.C.
Post by: plain on September 09, 2017, 06:52:42 AM
The ONLY interstate South Carolina needs is whatever will connect Myrtle Beach to I-95. Anything outside of that is just a waste of time & $$.
Title: Re: I-77 Extension in S.C.
Post by: LM117 on September 09, 2017, 12:50:19 PM
Quote from: plain on September 09, 2017, 06:52:42 AM
The ONLY interstate South Carolina needs is whatever will connect Myrtle Beach to I-95.

That would be I-73.
Title: Re: I-77 Extension in S.C.
Post by: The Nature Boy on September 11, 2017, 08:31:33 PM
I think it's hilarious that Lindsey Graham apparently forgets that Gaffney/Spartanburg/Greenville exist and that I-85 runs through there as a connector to Charlotte and Atlanta.
Title: Re: I-77 Extension in S.C.
Post by: roadman65 on September 11, 2017, 09:00:08 PM
I think efforts should be made to concentrate on getting I-73 done as NC has a lot of it done and SC only has a short distance in their state to do it to make it whole from at least Greensboro down to the beach.

Plus get US 1 upgraded from Rockingham to Raleigh as that seems to be important regionally.  All the years I traveled that part I noticed that it had some traffic and compared to US 1 between Camden, SC and Rockingham, NC the traffic counts are way higher on this stretch.  It seems like Rockingham is a turning point along the US highway as it goes from very desolate with few cars to some light traffic. 

I know it can't be through traffic as it would imply that Charlotte to Raleigh use both US 74 and US 1, which would be better served by I-85 and I-40 to accomplish that.   Being that Southern Pines and Sanford and all the areas in between have some population as you see businesses and subdivisions on a frequent basis as there is hardly any agricultural areas due to NC's vast Pine Barrens it has to be regional commerce and commuting between points along its linear line.

Part of it is freeway and with plans to bypass Rockingham on US 1 it could all tie in.   The interstate could end at I-74 there (or even I-73 if SC ever gets to it) and be part of the system connecting the east-west routes together.  I-87 southward would be this and even brought up by other users.
Title: Re: I-77 Extension in S.C.
Post by: VTGoose on September 15, 2017, 04:53:59 PM
Quote from: WashuOtaku on September 08, 2017, 06:39:19 PM
I could see I-77 following US 321 from Cayce to Hardeeville, but it would really serve no real purpose as it wouldn't shave off that much time away from I-26/I-95.  Alternative would be to go towards Statesboro, GA along US 301, but that even makes less sense.

This would be more of a Georgia project, but extending I-77 south from Columbia to I-75 in Florida would open up a large section of central Georgia and provide an alternate for north-south traffic to and from the Gulf Coast of Florida as opposed to I-4 or I-10 to get from I-95 (after running down I-26 from I-77).

Bruce in Blacksburg
Title: Re: I-77 Extension in S.C.
Post by: D-Dey65 on September 15, 2017, 05:05:20 PM
Quote from: VTGoose on September 15, 2017, 04:53:59 PM
Quote from: WashuOtaku on September 08, 2017, 06:39:19 PM
I could see I-77 following US 321 from Cayce to Hardeeville, but it would really serve no real purpose as it wouldn't shave off that much time away from I-26/I-95.  Alternative would be to go towards Statesboro, GA along US 301, but that even makes less sense.

This would be more of a Georgia project, but extending I-77 south from Columbia to I-75 in Florida would open up a large section of central Georgia and provide an alternate for north-south traffic to and from the Gulf Coast of Florida as opposed to I-4 or I-10 to get from I-95 (after running down I-26 from I-77).

Bruce in Blacksburg

So why hasn't anyone considered WashuOtaku's idea as a possible alternate route to Savannah?


Title: Re: I-77 Extension in S.C.
Post by: Revive 755 on September 15, 2017, 09:25:32 PM
Quote from: LM117 on September 09, 2017, 03:30:20 AM
An extension of I-87 from Raleigh along US-1 would make the most sense in this case. NCDOT has already attempted (and failed) to get US-1 designated as an interstate between Raleigh and Sanford. I wouldn't put it past them to try again.

I thought they tried the FHWA-AASHTO route last time?  Certainly wouldn't be surprising if they tried the Congressional route the second time and had more success.
Title: Re: I-77 Extension in S.C.
Post by: wriddle082 on September 16, 2017, 11:36:14 AM
Widen/improve US 321 to Hardeeville.  Widen I-26 b/w Columbia area and I-95, and I-95 from Hardeeville to I-26.

And vote Lindsey Graham out of office!!!

DISCLAIMER: Any potential I-77 South extension could potentially run through my house, and there are MANY other higher priorities that SCDOT needs to focus on, such as the above.
Title: Re: I-77 Extension in S.C.
Post by: 21stCenturyRoad on September 16, 2017, 05:06:42 PM
Another great way to extend I-77 is by extending it down to Savannah, as it gives cities like Cleveland, Charlotte and Columbia a direct connection to/from I-95.
Title: Re: I-77 Extension in S.C.
Post by: jwolfer on September 16, 2017, 09:55:01 PM
Quote from: 21stCenturyRoad on September 16, 2017, 05:06:42 PM
Another great way to extend I-77 is by extending it down to Savannah, as it gives cities like Cleveland, Charlotte and Columbia a direct connection to/from I-95.
How is this any real difference than using 77-26 to 95.  It would make more sense to improve i26 east of Columbia to at least i95 and upgrade the 26/95 merger

LGMS428

Title: Re: I-77 Extension in S.C.
Post by: sparker on September 17, 2017, 12:17:25 AM
Quote from: jwolfer on September 16, 2017, 09:55:01 PM
Quote from: 21stCenturyRoad on September 16, 2017, 05:06:42 PM
Another great way to extend I-77 is by extending it down to Savannah, as it gives cities like Cleveland, Charlotte and Columbia a direct connection to/from I-95.
How is this any real difference than using 77-26 to 95.  It would make more sense to improve i26 east of Columbia to at least i95 and upgrade the 26/95 merger

LGMS428



Fully agree with this analysis.  The I-26/I-95 interchange (full cloverleaf) was designed and built before I-77 was extended south of Charlotte down to Columbia; the NB>WB and EB>SB ramps are seeing a lot more use in the last few decades than their design standards can accommodate; an interchange rebuild is definitely in order -- or at least a flyover and a widened direct ramp in the directions cited above.  6-laning I-95 from the GA state line to at least I-26 and I-26 from there to I-77 and/or I-20 would also be appropriate -- although SC seems to have ongoing problems identifying funds for projects of this sort (not to mention new-terrain corridors -- cough, cough.....I-73).  Still, upgrading the present 26/95 interchange would be much more feasible -- and reasonable -- than dragging a I-77 extension down US 321 toward Savannah! 
Title: Re: I-77 Extension in S.C.
Post by: ARMOURERERIC on September 17, 2017, 10:11:46 AM
I had mentioned in another post that local radio news mentions a SC STIP that widens 185 miles of SC interstates to 6 lanes over the next 10 years.  I can't find details thought.
Title: Re: I-77 Extension in S.C.
Post by: Mapmikey on September 17, 2017, 10:55:22 AM
Quote from: ARMOURERERIC on September 17, 2017, 10:11:46 AM
I had mentioned in another post that local radio news mentions a SC STIP that widens 185 miles of SC interstates to 6 lanes over the next 10 years.  I can't find details thought.

Closest thing I could find...widenings don't add up to 185 miles though...

http://206.74.144.42/ESTIP/downloads/System%20Upgrade%20-%20Interstate.html?_=1505659725638
Title: Re: I-77 Extension in S.C.
Post by: hbelkins on September 17, 2017, 02:16:59 PM
Graham is an idiot. He and John McCain deserve each other.
Title: Re: I-77 Extension in S.C.
Post by: Henry on September 18, 2017, 09:39:19 AM
My guess is, he's duplicating I-20 from Columbia to Atlanta. That's like extending I-83 from Baltimore to Washington when you already have I-95 for the same purpose. But in any situation, he's a moron for that.
Title: Re: I-77 Extension in S.C.
Post by: The Ghostbuster on September 18, 2017, 05:09:24 PM
The way I see it, the only place an Interstate 77 extension will be built is in Fictional Highways. Maybe Senator Graham should should send his proposal there.
Title: Re: I-77 Extension in S.C.
Post by: sparker on September 19, 2017, 02:22:23 AM
Quote from: The Ghostbuster on September 18, 2017, 05:09:24 PM
The way I see it, the only place an Interstate 77 extension will be built is in Fictional Highways. Maybe Senator Graham should should send his proposal there.

I realize this comment was meant facetiously -- but I don't think any legislators -- federal or state -- are aware that this forum exists (unless CPZ, Ms. Deane, or even HB have somehow spread the word through their official contacts).  Thus, I would expect Sen. Graham to opine here immediately after spotting a pig streaking through the air in Southwest colors!
Title: Re: I-77 Extension in S.C.
Post by: brownpelican on September 21, 2017, 11:49:00 AM
The I-77 ideas are downright ridiculous.
Title: Re: I-77 Extension in S.C.
Post by: The Ghostbuster on September 21, 2017, 04:29:01 PM
Extending Interstate 77 is a pipe dream. Columbia, SC is as far south as the Interstate will ever go.
Title: Re: I-77 Extension in S.C.
Post by: sparker on September 21, 2017, 04:52:10 PM
Quote from: The Ghostbuster on September 21, 2017, 04:29:01 PM
Extending Interstate 77 is a pipe dream. Columbia, SC is as far south as the Interstate will ever go.

Columbia, SC is as far south as the Interstate will ever need to go!

Ever so slight FTFY.
Title: Re: I-77 Extension in S.C.
Post by: hotdogPi on September 21, 2017, 04:57:00 PM
Quote from: sparker on September 21, 2017, 04:52:10 PM
Quote from: The Ghostbuster on September 21, 2017, 04:29:01 PM
Extending Interstate 77 is a pipe dream. Columbia, SC is as far south as the Interstate will ever go.

Columbia, SC is as far south as the Interstate will ever need to go!

Ever so slight FTFY.

The southernmost point is in Cayce.
Title: Re: I-77 Extension in S.C.
Post by: sparker on September 21, 2017, 05:07:54 PM
Quote from: 1 on September 21, 2017, 04:57:00 PM
Quote from: sparker on September 21, 2017, 04:52:10 PM
Quote from: The Ghostbuster on September 21, 2017, 04:29:01 PM
Extending Interstate 77 is a pipe dream. Columbia, SC is as far south as the Interstate will ever go.

Columbia, SC is as far south as the Interstate will ever need to go!

Ever so slight FTFY.

The southernmost point is in Cayce.

OK, fine.......metro/greater Columbia, SC is as far south as the Interstate will need to go!  Whew! 
Title: Re: I-77 Extension in S.C.
Post by: Buffaboy on July 01, 2019, 06:11:13 PM
Logically, it should continue southward to Savannah
Title: Re: I-77 Extension in S.C.
Post by: kevinb1994 on July 01, 2019, 06:56:30 PM
Quote from: Buffaboy on July 01, 2019, 06:11:13 PM
Logically, it should continue southward to Savannah
Nah, it should extend into Florida with a connection with I-75 at Gainesville. Possibly via the multi-state 121 corridor.
Title: Re: I-77 Extension in S.C.
Post by: wriddle082 on July 01, 2019, 07:17:03 PM
End this damn thread please.  NIMBY!!!!!

Billy, loyal roadgeek from Pine Ridge, SC who doesn't ask for much, just no unnecessary interstate with the potential to literally run through my back yard!
Title: Re: I-77 Extension in S.C.
Post by: froggie on July 01, 2019, 07:19:55 PM
^ I'm taking a snapshot of this...😊📸
Title: Re: I-77 Extension in S.C.
Post by: wriddle082 on July 01, 2019, 07:23:43 PM
Quote from: froggie on July 01, 2019, 07:19:55 PM
^ I'm taking a snapshot of this...😊📸

CHEEEEEEEESSSSSSEEEEEE!!!!!!!!😁😁😁
Title: Re: I-77 Extension in S.C.
Post by: amroad17 on July 01, 2019, 11:01:41 PM
The way traffic was on I-95 and I-26 on June 8 and June 15, maybe an extension of I-77 roughly along the US 321 corridor to Hardeeville, SC wouldn't be such a bad idea.  I-77 could interchange I-95 between mm 11 and mm 12.  It could alleviate some of the traffic between Savannah and Columbia.
Title: Re: I-77 Extension in S.C.
Post by: sparker on July 01, 2019, 11:21:58 PM
Quote from: amroad17 on July 01, 2019, 11:01:41 PM
The way traffic was on I-95 and I-26 on June 8 and June 15, maybe an extension of I-77 roughly along the US 321 corridor to Hardeeville, SC wouldn't be such a bad idea.  I-77 could interchange I-95 between mm 11 and mm 12.  It could alleviate some of the traffic between Savannah and Columbia.

Just 6-lane I-95 from Savannah to I-26 and I-26 from there to Columbia -- and install a NB 95>WB 26 flyover at that interchange (and 2-lane the opposite direct ramp).  Cost a lot less (little if any ROW to purchase and new towns to bypass on US 321) and will accomplish roughly the same. 
Title: Re: I-77 Extension in S.C.
Post by: wriddle082 on July 01, 2019, 11:47:53 PM
Quote from: sparker on July 01, 2019, 11:21:58 PM
Quote from: amroad17 on July 01, 2019, 11:01:41 PM
The way traffic was on I-95 and I-26 on June 8 and June 15, maybe an extension of I-77 roughly along the US 321 corridor to Hardeeville, SC wouldn't be such a bad idea.  I-77 could interchange I-95 between mm 11 and mm 12.  It could alleviate some of the traffic between Savannah and Columbia.

Just 6-lane I-95 from Savannah to I-26 and I-26 from there to Columbia -- and install a NB 95>WB 26 flyover at that interchange (and 2-lane the opposite direct ramp).  Cost a lot less (little if any ROW to purchase and new towns to bypass on US 321) and will accomplish roughly the same. 

Yes, what he said, and also work on making improvements to US 321.  The needs of the 321 corridor do not necessarily scream "interstate"  since there is a perfectly good route from Columbia to Savannah that just needs to be improved a bit.

Instead, build an interstate (or improved 4-lane highway) along the US 1 corridor from I-20 at Camden up into NC so there is a better, more direct route from the Columbia area to the Triangle that avoids I-95.
Title: Re: I-77 Extension in S.C.
Post by: amroad17 on July 01, 2019, 11:55:52 PM
^ That would help immensely with the added benefit of cost savings.  I just inserted a possible, albeit fictional, corridor to ponder, if money was available for it (which we know isn't available).  However, will SC ever 6-lane these routes?
Title: Re: I-77 Extension in S.C.
Post by: sparker on July 02, 2019, 12:17:17 AM
Quote from: wriddle082 on July 01, 2019, 11:47:53 PM
.............build an interstate (or improved 4-lane highway) along the US 1 corridor from I-20 at Camden up into NC so there is a better, more direct route from the Columbia area to the Triangle that avoids I-95.

Actually, not a bad idea for a I-95 (or even I-85 for that matter) relief route -- particularly if continued up US 1 to Raleigh.  Since I absolutely despise the I-87 designation for Raleigh-Norfolk, I wouldn't consider it here as an extension of that corridor; probably (and please excuse the detour into Fictional) something like I-28 or I-32.  And who would have thought back before 1995 that Rockingham would have been the focus of so much regional corridor activity! 

Title: Re: I-77 Extension in S.C.
Post by: VTGoose on July 02, 2019, 09:40:13 AM
Quote from: kevinb1994 on July 01, 2019, 06:56:30 PM
Quote from: Buffaboy on July 01, 2019, 06:11:13 PM
Logically, it should continue southward to Savannah
Nah, it should extend into Florida with a connection with I-75 at Gainesville. Possibly via the multi-state 121 corridor.

This is the route that makes sense and serves multiple purposes. Traffic to and from Florida's west coast and I-75 would have a direct connection instead of the I-26/I-95/U.S. 301 or I-4 jog. It would also provide an alternative for traffic to get around Atlanta.
Title: Re: I-77 Extension in S.C.
Post by: wdcrft63 on July 02, 2019, 05:30:58 PM
Quote from: sparker on July 02, 2019, 12:17:17 AM
Quote from: wriddle082 on July 01, 2019, 11:47:53 PM
.............build an interstate (or improved 4-lane highway) along the US 1 corridor from I-20 at Camden up into NC so there is a better, more direct route from the Columbia area to the Triangle that avoids I-95.

Actually, not a bad idea for a I-95 (or even I-85 for that matter) relief route -- particularly if continued up US 1 to Raleigh.  Since I absolutely despise the I-87 designation for Raleigh-Norfolk, I wouldn't consider it here as an extension of that corridor; probably (and please excuse the detour into Fictional) something like I-28 or I-32.  And who would have thought back before 1995 that Rockingham would have been the focus of so much regional corridor activity!
NCDOT plans several improvements along US 1, but as a 4-lane divided highway, not as an interstate.
Title: Re: I-77 Extension in S.C.
Post by: kevinb1994 on July 02, 2019, 08:52:40 PM
Quote from: wdcrft63 on July 02, 2019, 05:30:58 PM
Quote from: sparker on July 02, 2019, 12:17:17 AM
Quote from: wriddle082 on July 01, 2019, 11:47:53 PM
.............build an interstate (or improved 4-lane highway) along the US 1 corridor from I-20 at Camden up into NC so there is a better, more direct route from the Columbia area to the Triangle that avoids I-95.
Actually, not a bad idea for a I-95 (or even I-85 for that matter) relief route -- particularly if continued up US 1 to Raleigh.  Since I absolutely despise the I-87 designation for Raleigh-Norfolk, I wouldn't consider it here as an extension of that corridor; probably (and please excuse the detour into Fictional) something like I-28 or I-32.  And who would have thought back before 1995 that Rockingham would have been the focus of so much regional corridor activity!
NCDOT plans several improvements along US 1, but as a 4-lane divided highway, not as an interstate.
Those interim improvements should help, at least somewhat.
Title: Re: I-77 Extension in S.C.
Post by: kevinb1994 on July 02, 2019, 08:54:48 PM
Quote from: VTGoose on July 02, 2019, 09:40:13 AM
Quote from: kevinb1994 on July 01, 2019, 06:56:30 PM
Quote from: Buffaboy on July 01, 2019, 06:11:13 PM
Logically, it should continue southward to Savannah
Nah, it should extend into Florida with a connection with I-75 at Gainesville. Possibly via the multi-state 121 corridor.
This is the route that makes sense and serves multiple purposes. Traffic to and from Florida's west coast and I-75 would have a direct connection instead of the I-26/I-95/U.S. 301 or I-4 jog. It would also provide an alternative for traffic to get around Atlanta.
Yes, and it would connect with the pipe dream of a I-22 extension in either Folkston or Hoboken.
Title: Re: I-77 Extension in S.C.
Post by: tolbs17 on July 28, 2019, 01:46:32 AM
It should be extended to Charleston, right? Because that's all I can see where it can go.
Title: Re: I-77 Extension in S.C.
Post by: sparker on August 06, 2019, 12:30:21 PM
Quote from: mrhappy1261 on July 28, 2019, 01:46:32 AM
It should be extended to Charleston, right? Because that's all I can see where it can go.

That would involve a largely useless multiplex with I-26 to do this.  Considering SC's having problems coming up with $$ for their backlog of projects that actually accomplish something, spending money on a deployment of superfluous signage here would be, to coin a phrase, phenomenally pointless!   Worry about I-73 and the SC 31 extension to the state line, not slapping I-77 signs down onto existing alignments.   
Title: Re: I-77 Extension in S.C.
Post by: Beltway on August 06, 2019, 03:52:41 PM
How would this improve things over having a properly widened SC I-95 and I-26?
Title: Re: I-77 Extension in S.C.
Post by: VTGoose on August 08, 2019, 09:01:51 AM
Quote from: Beltway on August 06, 2019, 03:52:41 PM
How would this improve things over having a properly widened SC I-95 and I-26?

If it goes straight south (more or less) to Valdosta, it would provide an alternate route to I-95 and I-26 for traffic headed to I-75 and the west coast of Florida.
Title: Re: I-77 Extension in S.C.
Post by: RoadPelican on August 08, 2019, 12:38:44 PM
I would upgrade the US 321 corridor to a 4 or 6 lane interstate from Columbia to I-95 (Hardeeville) and then upgrade US 17 from Hardeeville to Savannah.  This would be a great route to get cargo from the Savannah Port to Columbia and farther north to the Charlotte Metro area.  Right now, there is no direct way to get from Savannah to Charlotte unless you want to travel on mostly 2 lane backroads.
Title: Re: I-77 Extension in S.C.
Post by: Beltway on August 08, 2019, 01:02:43 PM
Quote from: VTGoose on August 08, 2019, 09:01:51 AM
Quote from: Beltway on August 06, 2019, 03:52:41 PM
How would this improve things over having a properly widened SC I-95 and I-26?
If it goes straight south (more or less) to Valdosta, it would provide an alternate route to I-95 and I-26 for traffic headed to I-75 and the west coast of Florida.
A fairly direct route would probably overlap I-20 between Columbia and Augusta, and then on new alignment between Augusta and Valdosta.
Title: Re: I-77 Extension in S.C.
Post by: sturmde on August 09, 2019, 02:13:23 PM
Quote from: RoadPelican on August 08, 2019, 12:38:44 PM
I would upgrade the US 321 corridor to a 4 or 6 lane interstate from Columbia to I-95 (Hardeeville) and then upgrade US 17 from Hardeeville to Savannah.  This would be a great route to get cargo from the Savannah Port to Columbia and farther north to the Charlotte Metro area.  Right now, there is no direct way to get from Savannah to Charlotte unless you want to travel on mostly 2 lane backroads.

Frankly, I-77 to I-26 to I-95 to US 17 works just fine, and is the fastest of all routes, via Google:
3 h 54 min (253 miles)
via I-77 S and I-95 S
Fastest route, the usual traffic
Title: Re: I-77 Extension in S.C.
Post by: Finrod on August 16, 2019, 02:00:12 PM
Quote from: Beltway on August 08, 2019, 01:02:43 PM
Quote from: VTGoose on August 08, 2019, 09:01:51 AM
Quote from: Beltway on August 06, 2019, 03:52:41 PM
How would this improve things over having a properly widened SC I-95 and I-26?
If it goes straight south (more or less) to Valdosta, it would provide an alternate route to I-95 and I-26 for traffic headed to I-75 and the west coast of Florida.
A fairly direct route would probably overlap I-20 between Columbia and Augusta, and then on new alignment between Augusta and Valdosta.
If you could get Georgia interested in building an expressway from Augusta to Valdosta (which honestly I don't see happening), it could be tied in at the south end to Florida's extension of the Suncoast Parkway, which they want to extend north to the border with Georgia.  Then you could have I-77 going all the way to Tampa.
Title: Re: I-77 Extension in S.C.
Post by: tolbs17 on August 19, 2019, 03:16:37 PM
I'm pretty sure some of these posts of this thread are more "fictional" than southeast but it's fine. Anyway. I would extend I-77 to Charleston (if it's ever possible to do so, which i'm pretty sure it's doubtful).

Make a freeway from Spartanburg to Augusta isn't a bad idea... and have it go to Savannah. That's where I think I-77 should go.
Title: Re: I-77 Extension in S.C.
Post by: VTGoose on August 19, 2019, 03:54:16 PM
Quote from: mrhappy1261 on August 19, 2019, 03:16:37 PM
I'm pretty sure some of these posts of this thread are more "fictional" than southeast but it's fine. Anyway. I would extend I-77 to Charleston (if it's ever possible to do so, which i'm pretty sure it's doubtful).

Make a freeway from Spartanburg to Augusta isn't a bad idea... and have it go to Savannah. That's where I think I-77 should go.

Why? None of that makes sense -- I-26 already goes to Charleston and I-16 goes to Savannah. The idea is to provide another N/S route and alternative to I-95 and with the right routing, provide an easier way to reach the west coast of Florida/I-75. Overlay I-77 on I-20 to Augusta, then head south to Valdosta roughly parallel to U.S. 221, and the goal is accomplished. This would also open up a large section of Georgia with better transportation.
Title: Re: I-77 Extension in S.C.
Post by: tolbs17 on August 19, 2019, 04:53:10 PM
Quote from: VTGoose on August 19, 2019, 03:54:16 PM
Quote from: mrhappy1261 on August 19, 2019, 03:16:37 PM
I'm pretty sure some of these posts of this thread are more "fictional" than southeast but it's fine. Anyway. I would extend I-77 to Charleston (if it's ever possible to do so, which i'm pretty sure it's doubtful).

Make a freeway from Spartanburg to Augusta isn't a bad idea... and have it go to Savannah. That's where I think I-77 should go.

Why? None of that makes sense -- I-26 already goes to Charleston and I-16 goes to Savannah. The idea is to provide another N/S route and alternative to I-95 and with the right routing, provide an easier way to reach the west coast of Florida/I-75. Overlay I-77 on I-20 to Augusta, then head south to Valdosta roughly parallel to U.S. 221, and the goal is accomplished. This would also open up a large section of Georgia with better transportation.
So we can fix this grid up. Even though your plans that you want to run I-77 on I-20 (which is east of I-85), it's not really a bad idea to have I-77 run that way! The major problem is I-85 is out of grid. I doubt it would be renumbered. Your plans would be a nice bypass of Atlanta. It's better to build more highways than widen existing ones.
Title: Re: I-77 Extension in S.C.
Post by: NE2 on August 19, 2019, 08:25:28 PM
Someone had the job of moving this to fictional poo and failed.
Title: Re: I-77 Extension in S.C.
Post by: AcE_Wolf_287 on March 08, 2020, 09:42:05 AM
Honesty, they Should Just Flip US 21-US 321 South of Columbia and extend US 21 in Florida and into Tampa, then Extend I-77 along US 21 to Savannah and End at I-95 or Somewhere Else
Title: Re: I-77 Extension in S.C.
Post by: kevinb1994 on March 08, 2020, 11:31:38 AM
Quote from: AcE_Wolf_287 on March 08, 2020, 09:42:05 AM
Honesty, they Should Just Flip US 21-US 321 South of Columbia and extend US 21 in Florida and into Tampa, then Extend I-77 along US 21 to Savannah and End at I-95 or Somewhere Else
That was part of the original 1925 plan. US 21 would've ended here in JAX opposite of its northern terminus in Cleveland.