Job Creation and Workforce Growth Along the I-73/74/75 Corridor

From construction to long-term operations, the corridor will create significant employment opportunities. Thousands of direct and indirect jobs will benefit workers in transportation, manufacturing, logistics, retail, and tourism across the six-state region.

Job Creation: Building Careers

Interstate 73 is more than a road—it’s an engine for economic opportunity. Large-scale infrastructure projects like I-73 generate thousands of construction jobs in the short term while supporting lasting employment across industries for decades to come. From construction crews and engineers to service providers, logistics companies, and retailers, the corridor will strengthen local economies by creating diverse career paths and reducing unemployment in historically challenged counties.

According to Chmura Economics & Analytics, I-73 is projected to generate:

  • 22,347 jobs in South Carolina
  • 5,303 jobs in Virginia
  • 2,020 jobs in West Virginia

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) further estimates that every $1 billion invested in highway construction creates more than 42,000 jobs.

 

Additional South Carolina Analysis:

  • Economist Dr. Don Schunk projected 7,720 jobs annually during a five-year construction phase.
  • Many corridor counties have historically faced unemployment rates above state and national averages, making these jobs especially critical.

Types of Job Creation

Construction Jobs

Thousands of construction jobs will be created during the development phase, providing immediate employment opportunities.

Long-term Employment

Once completed, the corridor will support long-term job growth in logistics, retail, and service industries.

Skill Development

Training programs associated with the corridor's development will enhance local workforce skills, preparing them for future opportunities.

Business Growth

New businesses attracted by the improved infrastructure will further contribute to job creation in the region.

Unemployment Rates — 2011

Corridor State National

January 2011 (Nat'l Avg: 9.0%)

Corridor
State
National
Michigan
14.2%
11.3%
9.0%
Ohio
9.3%
10.1%
9.0%
West Virginia
10.6%
10.3%
9.0%
Virginia
8.1%
6.9%
9.0%
North Carolina
11.1%
10.4%
9.0%
South Carolina
14.4%
10.5%
9.0%
Total Corridor
12.0%
9.9%
9.0%

February 2011 (Nat'l Avg: 8.9%)

Corridor
State
National
Michigan
13.9%
11.0%
8.9%
Ohio
8.9%
9.8%
8.9%
West Virginia
10.6%
10.2%
8.9%
Virginia
7.5%
6.6%
8.9%
North Carolina
10.7%
10.1%
8.9%
South Carolina
13.9%
10.3%
8.9%
Total Corridor
11.7%
9.6%
8.9%

Source: Current unemployment numbers from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Supporting Studies

Unemployment numbers from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

I-73 is more than a highway — it is a safer, stronger future for our communities.

Contact Your Representative