COLUMBIA, S.C. — Residents and business owners along Hardscrabble Road are expressing frustration as the completion of the long-awaited widening project faces yet another delay.
Initially projected for completion in February 2024, the ongoing roadwork continues to disrupt daily life for those in the area.
"There's no hope or no faith with the date that they will accomplish it a year from now, so it's just trash," says Michael Toliver, owner of Toliver's Barber Shop on Hardscrabble Road.
Similarly, Tim Potts of Mavis Tires & Brakes highlighted the impact on businesses, noting, "A lot of my customers have trouble finding where to go to even get in, especially with traffic."
The project began in 2017 and aimed to widen Hardscrabble Road to alleviate traffic congestion. However, lane closures and traffic cones have become common, causing further delays and frustration.
Toliver emphasized the challenges faced by businesses, saying, "Working in public service, you know, it's essential l you try to stay on time to be able to provide your clients with the type of service, and also take into account their time, but when they are running thirty minutes behind due to the construction being shut down to one lane, it's just ridiculous."
News19 requested an update on the project from the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT), which said:
"Currently, the project is experiencing utility delays and we anticipate completion in 2025. Crews are installing a waterline, storm drainage, traffic signals, and paving on parts of the project. Crews are also installing concrete curbs and gutters, sidewalks, and driveways throughout the project…"
Despite the setback, Potts remains hopeful, stating, "All we can do is hope and pray that it will, Godspeed to them, hopefully, we can make something shake."
SCDOT did not specify an exact completion date but affirmed that the seven-mile-long widening project spans from Farrow Road to Kelly Mill Road.