BATESBURG-LEESVILLE, S.C. — A portion of US 1 heading into the Town of Batesburg-Leesville will be widened to four lanes.
Larry Bringham, councilman for District Two in Lexington County, said they have been discussing this project for nearly four decades.
"That little three-mile stretch was approved and funded by the Central Midlands Council of Government back in 2015, so it's taken a number of years to get it where it is," Brigham said.
According to Brigham, it has taken a few years because they have had to aquire the right of ways and homes that would be in the
Part of the reason it has taken a few years is because of acquiring right of ways and homes that would be in the way and relocating septic tanks and utilities.
On US 1 from Hampton and Old Field Road towards the Town of Batesburg-Leesville is where the road will be widened. It will expand to four lanes like the portion of US 1 heading into Lexington.
With Lexington County's growth continuing to be inevitable, Brigham believes this is the right move for the area for smart growth.
"The growth obviously is coming west into my district. The outskirts of Lexington is pushing this way and you need to have the road system that can open up the door for the growth to come in," explained Brigham. "All that when it comes together will help make the growth be a smoother transition and easier for the growth to come in."
CR Jackson, who's also helping with plant construction for the Batesburg-Leesville Industrial Park, told the councilman they hope to use some of the material they have for the plant project for the road project as well.
The project is expected to cost a total of around $27 and a half million.
Officials expect the project to take two years to complete. Construction begins Monday.