New Interstate Proposed to Link Michigan to South Carolina

A new interstate highway connecting Michigan and South Carolina is gaining traction, with a national association pushing for the completion of the I-73/I-74/I-75 Corridor. The proposed route would link the Midwest to the Southeast, providing a direct path for commerce and tourism.

The project, which has been under consideration for decades, is being championed by the National I-73/I-74/I-75 Corridor Association. This group is working to secure funding and support across the six states along the route: Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina.

The proposed highway would run from Michigan’s Upper Peninsula to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. While parts of the corridor already exist as other interstates or are being upgraded, significant sections still need to be built from the ground up.

Proponents of the project argue that a new north-south interstate would bring significant benefits. In addition to boosting economic development and tourism, it would also serve as a crucial hurricane evacuation route for coastal regions.

In South Carolina, progress has been slow due to a lack of dedicated funding, though state and local officials have expressed support. The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) has completed some preliminary work, including environmental studies and right-of-way acquisitions for a segment between I-95 and SC 22. However, construction has not yet begun on any of the three phases of the project in the state.

Despite the ongoing challenges, advocates remain optimistic that with continued federal and state support, the highway will one day become a reality.