ELGIN, S.C. — Richland County authorities are planning big changes for a well-used path between Two Notch Road and I-20. But first, they want to hear from the people who use it every day.
According to a statement from Richland County Transportation, the organization is weighing preliminary plans to widen part of Spears Creek Church Road between the two other busy routes. Before that moves forward, they want to hear from residents in northeast Richland County.
"This project will address safety and traffic concerns for residents who use Spears Creek Church Road every day," County Councilwoman Jesica Mackey said in a statement. "We want to make sure residents whom these plans impact can give their input and make sure their voices are heard."
Richland County Transportation will hold an in-person session from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 14 at Pontiac Elementary School. The school is located at 500 Spears Creek Church Road.
The county department said that residents can drop by at their convenience to view the initial designs and give feedback. Masks are still required and social distancing is also being advised.
The project will involve expanding the road from two lanes to three lanes between Two Notch and Earth Roads. The road will also be five lanes between Earth and Jacobs Mill Pond roads.
"A newly constructed median along the length of the project will give drivers an option for left-hand turns while preventing traffic buildup on Spears Creek Church Road," the transportation department wrote. "The additional travel lanes between Earth and Jacobs Mill Pond roads will address capacity and congestion concerns."
The plans are also available online for those who can't attend. Residents can also weigh in by calling 803-766-5605 or by emailing transportationpenny@richlandcountysc.gov. Comments can also be mailed to:
P.O. Box 192
Columbia, SC 29202
The work on this road is one of 14 widening projects in the Penny Transportation Tax Program approved by voters in 2012 for transportation programs in Richland County.
