Short introductionI’m thrilled to sit down with Luca Calarailli, a renowned expert in construction with a deep background in design and architecture. With a passion for integrating technology and innovation into infrastructure projects, Luca brings a unique perspective to the field. Today, we’re diving into the details of a massive $825 million I-95 Improvements project spanning South Carolina and Georgia, where Luca shares insights on its goals, challenges, and broader impact on transportation and freight mobility.
Can you walk us through the key objectives of the I-95 Improvements project that began in August?
Absolutely, Marie. The primary focus of this project is to alleviate traffic congestion along a critical 10-mile stretch of I-95 at the Georgia-South Carolina border. We’re widening the highway, upgrading interchanges, and bringing bridges up to modern standards. Beyond just easing current bottlenecks, the project is designed to handle future growth in traffic volume, ensuring smoother travel for both residents and visitors along this vital corridor between New York and Miami.
What makes this project such a significant milestone, especially as the South Carolina DOT’s largest contract to date?
It’s a tremendous honor to be involved in a project of this scale, with a construction cost of over $728 million. This isn’t just about size—it’s about the impact. For us, it strengthens our partnership with the South Carolina DOT and showcases our capability to tackle complex infrastructure challenges. Compared to other U.S. projects we’ve handled, this one stands out due to its cross-state collaboration and the sheer importance of I-95 as a national artery.
Can you tell us more about the new bridge being built over the Savannah River as part of this initiative?
Certainly. The new bridge is a cornerstone of this project. Constructing it over the Savannah River comes with challenges like navigating environmental regulations and ensuring minimal disruption to the ecosystem. But the payoff is huge—it will enhance safety with modern design standards and improve travel efficiency by reducing delays that drivers currently face due to outdated infrastructure in this area.
Why is the I-95 corridor considered one of the worst for freight mobility among rural interstates?
This particular stretch has been a notorious pain point for freight companies due to heavy congestion and outdated road designs that aren’t suited for the volume of trucks passing through. Drivers often face long delays, which ripple into supply chain inefficiencies. The narrow lanes and bottlenecks exacerbate wear and tear on vehicles, and safety is a constant concern. It’s a critical issue for an interstate that’s a backbone for east coast freight movement.
How do you see these highway improvements benefiting freight mobility in the long term?
Over the long haul, these upgrades will be transformative. Widening the highway and modernizing interchanges will allow for smoother, faster transit of goods. We’re reducing bottlenecks, which means fewer delays and lower costs for freight operators. Enhanced safety features will also cut down on accidents, protecting drivers and cargo alike. Ultimately, this will strengthen the corridor’s role as a reliable link in the national supply chain.
South Carolina’s Secretary of Transportation called this area a ‘choke point’ for traffic between New York and Miami. What factors contribute to this reputation?
He’s spot on. This section of I-95 is a perfect storm of high traffic volume, outdated infrastructure, and geographic constraints near the state border. It’s a critical junction for travelers heading up and down the east coast, and the current setup just can’t handle the load. You see peak congestion during holiday seasons or summer travel spikes, turning a short drive into a frustrating crawl for both locals and tourists.
How is the collaboration between South Carolina and Georgia DOTs shaping up for this cross-border project?
Working across state lines always adds a layer of complexity, but the partnership here has been solid. Both DOTs are aligned on the vision to improve this corridor. South Carolina is leveraging federal and state interstate funds, while Georgia contributes resources and planning support. Coordination challenges do pop up, like aligning timelines or regulations, but regular communication and joint oversight have kept things on track so far.
Drawing from your past experience in South Carolina, such as the Greenville Spartanburg Airport project, how does that background inform your approach to the I-95 project?
Our prior work in South Carolina, like the airport rehabilitation, gave us valuable insight into local conditions, stakeholder expectations, and regulatory nuances. That experience helps us anticipate challenges on I-95, whether it’s managing community impact or navigating permitting processes. It also built trust with local authorities, which is crucial for a project of this magnitude where collaboration is key to meeting deadlines and goals.
What’s your forecast for the future of interstate infrastructure projects like this one in the United States?
I’m optimistic but realistic. The demand for modernized interstates like I-95 is only going to grow as populations increase and freight needs expand. We’ll see more public-private partnerships and cross-state initiatives to tackle funding and scale challenges. Technology will play a bigger role—think smart highways or data-driven traffic management. But the core issue will remain securing sustainable funding and political will to prioritize these long-term investments over short-term fixes.
