April 7 Roadtrip to Augusta, GA

Left Raleigh on Saturday Afternoon to head to Augusta, GA.

Route: I-440, I-40, I-95, Future I-295, I-95, US 78, SC 781, US 278, SC/GA 28, I-520 (GA/SC), I-20, GA 28

Accomplishments: With traveling through Barnwell County in South Carolina, I have completed the Palmetto State. Future I-295 clinched (until they extend it, whenever that will be), SC 781 clinched, I-520 in GA clinched also I-520 in SC clinched (again until they extended it, whenever that will be.) New mileage on US 78, US 278, SC/GA 28.

Notes:

There is a lot of work going on at where the US 70 Clayton Bypass meets I-40. More than I expected. The interchange will be a high speed trumpet.

Future I-295 does not have any exit numbers. And is a rather quiet freeway.

There is still a lot of work to be done at the I-95 and I-74 interchange south of Lumberton. Bridge beams are just now being set into place for the bridge that will carry the travel lanes of I-74 over I-95. They are currently only over the southbound lanes of I-95.

US 301/601 is detoured through Bamberg. I am not sure what is going on but the entire route of US 301/601 through town has been torn up and is just red clay and sand right now.

In both Bamberg and Williston, an abandoned rail line that parallels US 78 through town has been converted to a walkway. Williston is a little more elaborate with replica gas lamps along the trail.

I was surprised to see a brief Business US 78 through Blackville.

US 78 is pretty much a quite and rural route. The small towns aren't much of a delay and as you approach Aiken the terrain becomes more rolling.

Where US 278 meets SC 125 and SC 28 is a little bit confusing. The aging grade separated intersection is not well signed.

At least for now, South Carolina is using Georgia's I-520 mileage for exits. US 1 in North Augusta is Exit 17.

On I-520 West the signage for Exit 16 (GA 28) follows the South Carolina template (even within Georgia) vs. the traditional Georgia style.

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