Anderson County SCDOT Projects Include Roundabouts, Interstate Exit Reconfigurations
Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer
The South Carolina Department of Transportation currently has a number of road projects in the works in Anderson County mostly aimed at providing better traffic patterns in areas of growth.
Among the most visible, though not yet scheduled, will be the reconfiguration of Interstate 85 Exit 21, which is due for a total overhaul based on current needs and the additional traffic needs of the proposed Buc-ee’s mega country store/gas station still proposed for that exit. Buc-ee’s has contributed $1 million to help with traffic and engineering studies for the area. Map proposals of changes can be found here. https://scdot-environmental-project-site-scdot.hub.arcgis.com/pages/us-178-i-85
Other projects, such as the new Cherokee Road bridge over U.S. 29 are moving at a snail’s pace, but are under construction and expected to be completed by the end of 2024.
Closer to the City of Anderson, two new roundabouts are slated within 100 yard of each other on Midway Road. One will be at a newly cut intersection for Harriet Circle south of the current site the road connects with Midway, and a second at the intersection of Midway Road and Crestview Road.
The Anderson Observer will be providing updates on county roads and city roads in the days ahead.
The following is a roundup of current and proposed SCDOT road projects in Anderson County. Note: any road sign with an “S” as the first letter of the sign is a state road.
Midway Road, Harriett Circle and Crestview Road Intersection Two Roundabouts
Right of Way Acquisition scheduled for this summer, with construction set to begin in mid-2024.
Growth in the area due to the City of Anderson annexation bringing more than 500 new houses to the area, putting stress on an already congested intersection area. A roundabout with a new road cut south of the Midway Presbyterian Cemetery property would create the first roundabout, and a second roundabout at the intersection of Midway Road and Crestview Road would be the second roundabout.
Redesign of the intersection of U.S. 76 and S-1125 (Destination Boulevard/Royal American Road) Project currently behind schedule, no completion date listed
Realignment of I-85 northbound ramps to provide addition distance between the I-85 northbound ramp termini and the intersection of U.S. 76 with S-1125. The project aims to convert the existing full movement intersection of U.S. 76 and S-1125 to a with a Reduced Conflict Intersection the placement of the center median restricting left turn movement from S-1125 (Destination Blvd and Royal American Road) and placement of a u-turn storage lane and curb extensions, extend the sidewalk or curb line out into the parking lane, which reduces the effective street width. The redesign is anticipation of development of the area on both sides of U.S. 76.
S-458 (Mayfield Heights Rd) over Cherokee Creek. Under Way, behind schedule.
The existing bridge remains closed and traffic is being detoured during construction. In addition to constructing a new bridge structure, work on this project will include relocating the tributary stream on the northwest side of the bridge approximately 20 feet to the north to prevent it from eroding the roadway embankment. A buffer zone will be provided to allow the stream to naturally meander if needed and not undercut the embankment.
S-671 (Samuel Road) Bridge Replacement over Corner Creek, no update
S.C.DOT proposes to replace the existing bridge on S-671 (Samuel Road) over Corner Creek. The bridge is currently load restricted and is approaching the end of its usable life. The existing bridge will be closed and traffic will be detoured during construction.
S.C. 412 (Rainey Road) over Big Generostee Creek Tributary Culvert Project, no update
SCDOT is proposing to replace the existing S.C. 412 (Rainey Road) bridge over a tributary to Big Generostee Creek with a culvert. The proposed replacement culvert will be in the same location as the existing bridge. The purpose of the project is to replace the structurally deficient bridge that carries S.C. 412 (Rainey Road) over a tributary to Big Generostee Creek structurally deficient, meaning a bridge that has one or more structural defects that require attention. This status does not mean the bridge is currently unsafe for vehicle traffic.
U.S. 29 at S-96 Roundabout, construction scheduled for late 2023, completion late 2024
SCDOT plans to add a single lane roundabout to the intersection of U.S. 29 and S-96 (Welcome Road) to improve the safety of the existing intersection.
Interchange Improvement – S.C. 81 Cely Lane (L-912) and SC 81 at McNeely Rd. (L-183), construction scheduled late 2023
SCDOT plans to convert the current intersections, SC 81 @ Cely Ln. (L-912) and SC 81 @ McNeely Rd. (L-183), to a reduced conflict intersection. The design aims to reduce the total number and overall severity of vehicle-to-vehicle conflict points. In national studies, RCI's have reduced fatal crashes by 70 percent and injury crashes have declined by 42 percent after installation.
U.S. 178 and I-85, planning stages
SCDOT proposes to improve the I-85 Interchange at U.S. 178 to provide a full interchange improvement to address the operational deficiencies of the current configuration due to the future traffic demand that the current outdated design is not prepared to handle. The growth in the area, along with potential plans for a Bucee’s location at the intersection, will bring increased traffic to an already busy interstate exit.
U.S. 29 and S-146 and S-331 Roundabout, still in planning stages
A roundabout where Old Williamston Road comes out near the Jockey Lot on U.S. 29, would shift traffic from the current spot where Bowlan Road comes out at the Jockey Lot.
West Market @ Monroe/Southwood Roundabout has been delayed due to utility issues and not updates are available.