3 miles of Broad River Road to be widened under penny program
RICHLAND COUNTY, SC (WOLO) — Representatives say a new project with the Richland County Transportation Penny Program will shorten commute times and reduce traffic for travelers on Broad River Road.
The expected completion date is 2029.
“To our residents please know that your penny continues to build the transportation needs and infrastructure needs in our community,” says Council Chair Jesica Mackey of District 9.
The project will widen a two lane stretch of Broad River Road to five lanes — providing four travel lanes and a center turn lane.
“The growth and high volume of traffic in the Irmo/Ballentine area, as represented by the cars behind us, is an area that makes these upgrades imperative. Residents and commuters traveling between Irmo and Columbia will experience improved safety and connection,” says County Administrator Leonardo Brown.
The three-mile widening will take place between Royal Tower Drive and Dutch Fork Road.
“And then also we have a road called Old Dutch Fork Road which almost has like an exit ramp coming into Dutch Fork Road near Chick-Fil-A, and that has a really acute angle to it so part of this project is to improve that intersection and to bring Old Dutch Fork Road right into Dutch Fork Road,” says Director of the Transportation Penny Program Michael Maloney.
Project leaders report that new bike lanes, sidewalks, traffic lights, and better drainage systems will also be installed.
Councilman Jason Branham says for residents and commuters this is a long time coming.
“They’ve been really patient. There’s actually been talk about this project since 2012. It’s been in conversation for about 14 years now. They’ve patiently waited. This is the last major project under the first version of the county transportation tax, and so we’re excited to keep it on schedule and have it done in three years time,” says Branham.
Total cost for the project is expected to be between $72 million and $74 million.
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