MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (WCBD) – A project meant to alleviate traffic congestion between cargo trucks headed to the Wando Welch Terminal and local traffic is now fully funded, according to Mount Pleasant Mayor Will Haynie. U.S. Rep. James Clyburn (D-S.C.) announced at Wednesday's State of the Ports event that the I-526/Long Point Road interchange project was approved for $195 million in federal funding, Haynie wrote on X. This approval means the project is now fully funded A flyover is included in the plans, allowing trucks to get to the port without backing up the Long Point Rd intersection. Currently, the road is the only access point for the Wando Welch Terminal. Haynie announced he will meet with South Carolina Department of Transportation Secretary Justin Powell on Thursday to begin the process.According to SCDOT, construction for the project is set to begin in Summer 2026. At a public input meeting in September, nearby residents expressed concerns over potential noise pollution at the new exit. SCDOT changed the initial plan, rerouting the truck's exit point from I-526 and implementing sound walls to diminish noise. Officials received federal project approval in August. To learn more about the improvements, click here.