South Carolina Department of Transportation awarded a design-build contract to Blythe-Zachry JV, a joint venture of Blythe Construction Inc. and Zachry Construction Corporation.  The purpose of the project is to improve operational efficiency, to accommodate future traffic volumes, correct geometric deficiencies, and to improve existing pavement along the Interstate 85 (I85) corridor.  The project also includes replacement of the CSXT railroad bridge and correcting geometric deficiencies at several interchanges and overpasses as part of the overall reconstruction and widening of I85 from mile marker (MM) 77 to approximate MM98.

The 21-mile project consists of constructing new Portland cement concrete pavement (PCCP) median travel lanes and reconstruction of existing lanes. Crews will place approximately 500,000 cubic yards of new PCCP in both widening and reconstruction areas. The project also involves the replacement and/or construction of 8-total bridges; over 90,000 linear feet of concrete median barrier; and the construction of various retaining walls.