(WLTX)--The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) has scheduled a public hearing Thursday, Dec. 13, in Richland County concerning plans for the proposed widening and reconstruction of SC 262 (Leesburg Road).
The hearing will be be tween 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. at Meadowfield Elementary School, located at 525 Galaway Lane, Columbia.
The purpose of the hearing is to provide an opportunity to review and discuss individually, with representatives from SCDOT, plans for the proposed widening and reconstruction of SC 262 (Leesburg Road).
The proposed improvements consist of widening Leesburg Road from a two-lane section to a five-lane section which includes sidewalks along a portion of the project. The proposed project includes two travel lanes in each direction, a two-way left turn lane, a bridge replacement over Mill Creek, intersection realignments, sidewalks, widened outside lanes, and curb and gutters.
Another purpose of the hearing will be to gather information from the public or any interested organization on historic or cultural resources in the area.
From 5 p.m. until 6 p.m., the hearing format will be informal. Large aerial displays of the entire project will be available for viewing, and project team members from SCDOT will be present to discuss the project with interested citizens, on an individual basis.
At 6 p.m., SCDOT will make a brief, formal presentation about the project purpose and need, schedule, and potential natural and human impacts to the community. Immediately following the presentation, citizens will have the option to make formal, verbal comments regarding the proposed project. Anyone who wishes to verbally comment must sign up between 5:00 p.m. and 5:55 p.m. when entering the public hearing.
Each comment will be limited to two minutes and may not be transferred. The informal portion of the public hearing will continue during this time.
Project details, including environmental documentation of the project's effects, will be provided. Maps and drawings of the proposed improvements will be available, and citizens may ask questions and provide comments regarding the possible social, economic and environmental effects of the project. Property owners and business owners on or near the project area are urged to attend.
For more information, the public may contact SCDOT Program Manager Kati Price at (803) 737-4755 in Columbia.
