South Carolina's First Diverging Diamond Interchange Gold Hill Rd

Fort Mill is about to build a first for South Carolina right here on our streets.   The Diverging Diamond Interchange (Double-Crossover Interchange) is to be build at the intersection of Gold Hill Rd and Interstate 77 (the second busiest interchange in the region with about 35,000 daily commuters.

The Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI) is a relatively new type of interchange in the United States, with only a few operating country wide.  The strange part is that it has drivers driving on the left (wrong) side of the road between 2 designated stop signs.

This project will cost tax payers in the neighborhood of $12 Million.  Government officials are hoping to drastically reduce the congestion and accidents by offering a smoother entrance on and off interstate 77. 

York Co. and SCDOT have been pushing for the Diverging Diamond Interchange to become a reality for many of the states heavily  traveled and congested highway interchanges around the state due to rapid population growth int he next decade.
This new interchange has been built in many other states, and is said to be drastically cutting down on congestion. 

We think that this could be a great idea if it works.  There are a few other interchanges we would like to see this implemented once we figure out how to drive on the wrong side of the road over near Tega Kay.

 

This video is from NCDOT for an interchange near Raleigh.  SCODT has not at this time put out a video that we could find

Beertopia is Fort Mill's premier beer festival.  Put on by the folks over at Grapevine in Baxter Village (and now Riverwalk), this fun time for all that are over 21 is always the the Saturday before St. Patrick's Day.   Fort Mill collectively rallys around this event every year that brings over 150 beers from at least 50 different brewers.

People come from near and far to this fun event that is aimed at people that are over 21.  The event always has a good selection of food vendors, as well as live music for all to enjoy.  There are 2 levels of tickets available (VIP and General Admission), as well as designated driver ticket option.
Each Beertopian who holds either a Green VIP or General Admission ticket will receive a collectible Beertopia tasting glass.

Since the parking lot has limited space, all ticket sales will stop when the allotted number of tickets are sold. We recommend that you purchase your tickets early; Beertopia SOLD OUT the last six years.  The festivities are held in the parking lot behind Grapevine (Baxter Village location) is located just 5 miles south of Charlotte just off of I-77 exit 85 in Baxter Village.