Frustrated to learn about Richland County’s changes in design/timeframe for Broad River widening, I spoke last week with the head of SCDOT and requested they look into what has been proposed, advise what they (SCDOT) would recommend, and HOPEFULLY take over the project (assuming Richland County would reimburse them). I never knew this request was even possible but was told SCDOT has done this in a few situations where the “local plan” was not coming together like it had been proposed.
That’s the first thing I wanted to share this morning. Obviously, I will keep you informed as I learn more.
Next, we all know how bad Broad River is (originally from Peak Exit up to Newberry) but also from Peak Exit down towards Chickfila. I’ve been advocating on your behalf (and appreciate others who have contacted DOT as well), the good news is a TEN MILE STRETCH (from Chickfila to Newberry) will be fixed this “paving season” (which means before November). EVEN BETTER NEWS is that the contractor will NOT be using the same materials as before AND the job calls for (my words here) digging up 3 inches of road and replacing it with 4 inches.
Lastly, many have asked about all the work going on along the highway. By now, most know the bridges are being replaced and the highway widened. But just yesterday, SCDOT added more information to their website so you can actually see how things will look.
The Peak Exit will look much different (as will others).
As you imagine and will read below, the entire project won’t happen “overnight”. Thanks for your patience as we continue to see infrastructure improvements now being implemented.
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Mr. Ballentine,
Please see the Design Plans section at the link below where we have uploaded all three interchanges for the project. Work that may impact traffic at exit 97 will not begin until the fall of this year with the start of utility relocation on the outside shoulders. This interchange is scheduled to be complete in in the summer of 2023 and the entire project is expected to wrap up in the spring of 2024. One good thing about this interchange is that the new bridge will be constructed before the old structure is removed. It will not be closed like we had to do at exit 85 where both bridges are on the same alignment.
https://scdotmidlandsconnection.com/resources/
Let me know if you need any additional information about this location or any other.
Thank you,
Allen
Allen Thompson
Assistant District Construction Engineer
SCDOT – District 1
Nathan, are any other exits planning on being added? I cannot imagine the congestion that would be alleviated by adding an exit at Koon Road or at S-40-80. An exit at either of these roads would allow all those neighborhoods south of Peak exit to more easily access the highway and alleviate the bottlenecks at Peak and at Broad River. With the roadwork that’s being done right now, it looks like half an exit ramp is already built. Just an idea.
An exit as S-40-80 would be great!
Nathan, seems like now would be the best, easiest and cheapest way to put an off ramp at koon Road, Since that whole section is torn up. Why is this project not on the books?