Columbia, SC (WLTX) - One busy exit on a Midlands interstate may be gone soon, and some businesses are not happy about the idea.
Everyone knows that Malfunction Junction can be the source of headaches when it's time for rush-hour traffic.
While the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) has been working on the Carolina Crossroads project to help eliminate that problem, there's something else that might go away too.
According to the Carolina Crossroads website, SCDOT has narrowed their proposed changes down to two possible routes, both of which will eliminate the Bush River Road Exit from I-26.
Nikul Patel is the general manager of the Comfort Inn on Bush River Road exit. He's been here the last decade and now he's worried about his business.
"I've seen everything and the last thing we won't is for our exit to close off," he says. "Eighty percent of our revenue come from 26. As a...business and it would take a big hit for our business. Worst case scenario is we go downhill. Not just me but the community and the business owners as well."
If the plans were accepted, that would mean traffic to Bush River Road would have to take the Colonial Life Boulevard exit a mile down the interstate.
Patel said the change would impact the entire community.
"If they close our exit, it's going to be difficult for EMS and first responders to get on our exit. The time frame of responding a lot quicker, it's going to be a longer period of time from them coming through an alternative route," said Patel.
Patel said his business and others in the area are collecting a petition to help stop the exit from being eliminated. He says they've already received 500 signatures at his own business.
"We make our voices heard and it's going to make an impact and make DOT realize that this is going to impact the community. Let's do an alternative route," said Patel.
SCDOT is still asking for public input so you voice your opinion about the Carolina Crossroads project. You can find more information on the project how to give your voice here.