Top Infrastructure Projects in the Greenville-Spartanburg Upstate

The I-85 corridor between Greenville and Spartanburg is the backbone of the Upstate economy. BMW, Michelin, and hundreds of suppliers depend on it daily. And SCDOT knows it needs work. The state is planning a comprehensive corridor study in 2026 that will set the stage for major capacity improvements — and some construction is already underway.

Here’s the full picture of what’s happening with Upstate infrastructure.

I-85 widening projects

The big widening project between exits 40 and 69 — the heart of the Greenville–Spartanburg corridor — was originally scheduled for 2026 but got pushed to 2030. Other interstate projects took priority. That’s frustrating for businesses dealing with congestion today, but it also means the 2026 corridor study will lay the groundwork for a comprehensive solution rather than piecemeal fixes.

The active project between Spartanburg and Gaffney (mile markers 77-98) is widening I-85 from four to six lanes through Cherokee County. That’s 21 miles of expanded capacity near where First Solar is building its $330 million, 600-job manufacturing plant. The widening will directly support the growing industrial base in that submarket.

Inland Port Greer expansion: $55 million

SC Ports completed a $55 million expansion of Inland Port Greer in 2025, increasing cargo capacity by 50% and adding 9,000 feet of rail. This is one of the most significant infrastructure investments for the Upstate manufacturing community.

Inland Port Greer connects the Upstate to the Port of Charleston via Norfolk Southern rail, giving manufacturers and distributors a direct intermodal connection without trucking containers 200+ miles to the coast. Before the expansion, the port was reaching capacity limits. Now, with 50% more throughput, companies like Isuzu ($280M plant), GE Vernova ($200M expansion), and dozens of BMW suppliers can move goods more efficiently.

For the Greenville industrial market, Inland Port Greer is a competitive advantage that can’t be replicated. Distribution companies that previously had to locate near the coast can now operate from the Upstate while accessing global shipping through Charleston.

Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport

GSP Airport completed a terminal modernization project and continues to add routes. The airport served over 2.5 million passengers in 2024 — a record. With the addition of service from Breeze Airways, Allegiant, and expanded Allegiant and American flights, the airport is becoming increasingly relevant for business travel.

For commercial property owners, a growing airport means more accessibility for out-of-market buyers and tenants evaluating Upstate properties. When a site selector can fly direct from Chicago or New York to GSP, the Upstate becomes an easier sell.

Swamp Rabbit Trail expansion

The Swamp Rabbit Trail — a 22-mile multiuse path connecting Travelers Rest to downtown Greenville — is being extended south to Mauldin and Simpsonville. While this isn’t a highway project, it’s the kind of quality-of-life infrastructure that drives residential growth, which in turn drives commercial demand. As noted in the Greenville-Spartanburg market report, the Upstate’s quality of life is a key factor in attracting workers and companies.

Water and sewer infrastructure

Greenville Water and Renewable Water Resources (ReWa) are investing hundreds of millions in water and wastewater capacity to support growth. ReWa’s expansion projects include treatment plant upgrades and new trunk lines serving the I-85 corridor. These utility investments are essential — manufacturers like Isuzu and GE Vernova need reliable water and sewer service for their operations.

What it means for commercial property

The Upstate’s infrastructure investments are all about moving goods and supporting growth. I-85 widening improves truck connectivity. Inland Port Greer handles containers. Airport expansion improves business access. Utility investments enable new industrial development.

If you own industrial, flex, or storage property along the Greenville–Spartanburg corridor, the infrastructure pipeline tells you the state is betting on continued growth here. And when the state invests billions, private capital follows.

Let’s talk about your property. 704-600-3839.