SUMTER, S.C. — As growth continues across the Midlands, the South Carolina Department of Transportation has proposed several projects to make life just a little bit easier for drivers.
According to recent data, during a three-year timeframe, there was a combined total of 250 car accidents at two intersections along Broad Street.
Those intersections included Alice Drive and Robert Dinkins Road.
To address those numbers, the SCDOT recently held a public information session, looking for feedback on several ideas to make this section of Broad Street safer and more efficient.
Some of the proposed changes include dual left turn lanes on Broad Street at Alice Drive, longer turn lanes onto the Robert Graham Freeway and raised medians. Work could begin as soon as next year on the project, with construction estimated to last 12 months.
The SCDOT said the proposed changes will improve safety and efficiency on the project, but some drivers in the area were still cautiously optimistic.
Slade Bozeman grew up in Sumter County and said that while construction may be a hassle, in the end it will all be worth it.
“But anything to be a little bit safer is always a nice interest. I understand there’s going to be a whole lot of problems with the way people are going to drive, and of course the shutdowns, and money will be involved. But safety is a big requirement on the road. Some people are not going to like it, because it will make traffic just a little bit worse, but I think eventually it will pay off,” Bozeman said.
The next steps in the process will include the SCDOT using public feedback to make adjustments to the overall project.
For more information about the project you can visit the official SCDOT project page here.