CAMDEN, S.C. — Improvements are in the works for Black River Road in Camden.
It's known as one of the major access points from the city to residential neighborhoods, welcoming close to 7,000 drivers daily, and in 20 years, they expect that to be near 10,000.
The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) says the project was initiated by the Santee Lynches Regional Council of Governments when they approached SCDOT about conducting a study on making the road more driver and pedestrian friendly.
"SCDOT conducted a study back in 2019, and the study did show there was a need for an improvement along the corridor, and currently the schedule is for 2025, about mid-2025 construction date," said SCDOT Project Manager Ken Martin.
Martin said the construction will start at the intersection of US-521 and Black River Road going almost 1.7 miles to Rapid River Road.
"We're adding a 2-way left turn lane, which will be approximately 15 feet wide." Martin said. "This allows for operational and safety improvements along the corridor, as well as adding pedestrian and bicycle accommodations."
They also will install a stoplight along the road.
"The purpose of this project would be operational safety improvements, that's primary," Martin said. "Secondary is bicycle connectivity and safety and the need is, of course, is Camden has seen a growth of population and we're looking at 28-month construction duration."
SCDOT is still accepting public comment on the project until April 12th.
There will also be a second phase, SCDOT has not announced any plans for that portion of the project.