News Summary
The Central Savannah River Area (CSRA) is facing major road construction projects that will disrupt traffic for months. Key closures on Atomic Road and Broad Street, alongside repairs on Belglade Road, will create delays for local commuters. The South Carolina Department of Transportation is leading these initiatives to improve roadway safety. Residents are advised to prepare for longer travel times and seek alternate routes during peak hours as construction ramps up in the area.
CSRA Residents Brace for Major Road Construction Impact
Starting Monday, a series of ongoing road construction projects throughout the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA) are set to reshape local traffic patterns, with work projected to last several months. The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) is spearheading several initiatives, including a significant closure on Atomic Road, which promises to cause disruptions for local commuters.
Atomic Road Closure for Essential Bridge Repairs
Atomic Road in Aiken County will see sections closed off for crucial bridge repairs beginning Monday, continuing through at least August. Both northbound and southbound lanes will be restricted at the bridge sites, allowing only local traffic access. To assist drivers, a detour route has been established, though officials caution that the disruptions may create longer travel times.
Broad Street Construction Begins Tuesday
A new phase of roadwork is on the horizon as construction kicks off on Broad Street between 15th Street and 13th Street on Tuesday. Traffic will be limited to one lane in each direction, significantly impacting repurpose routines and causing anticipated delays. Motorists are strongly advised to seek alternate routes to minimize aggravation during peak travel times.
Fire Incident Response on Jeffcoat Road
In another community concern, volunteers from the American Red Cross are stepping in to support a family affected by a fire on January 4 on Jeffcoat Road. Their assistance highlights the ongoing efforts of local organizations to provide relief amid adverse events.
Traffic Implications for Savannah River Site Commuters
The impending construction is expected to increase congestion in the Broad Street area significantly, particularly for those commuting to and from the Savannah River Site (SRS) during the early morning and late afternoon hours. Residents should prepare for longer commutes and possible traffic jams.
Belglade Road to Close for Utility Repairs
Additionally, Belglade Road in Columbia County will face a temporary closure scheduled to start Tuesday as utility repairs take priority. Motorists are advised that through traffic will not be permitted, further challenging local travel options.
Work Zone Safety Precautions Urged
Drivers are reminded of the importance of work zone safety precautions. Slowing down, maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles, and adhering to warning signs are crucial during this period of increased construction activity. Flaggers will be present to guide traffic, and drivers should brace for unexpected conditions along these affected roads.
Augusta Road Safety Modifications Under Review
In light of local driver safety concerns, SCDOT has reacted by modifying Augusta Road as part of the Interstate 20 Improvement Project. An alarming statistic reveals that between 2019 and 2023, this crucial roadway experienced 14 fatal collisions and 288 accidents. Following community feedback, the two-way left turn lane will be reinstated to mitigate risks, as the area sees an average of 29,000 vehicles daily.
Augusta Street Enhancement Project Announced
Greenville has also laid out plans for enhancing Augusta Street to boost traffic and pedestrian safety. The proposed upgrades span a 2.3-mile stretch, and local residents’ feedback has led to significant alterations in the improvement plans. With an expected cost of around $8 million, this initiative aims to enhance overall traffic flow, with construction anticipated to commence in late 2024.
Impact of Previous Improvements on Crash Rates
Notably, prior efforts on Augusta Street saw a marked reduction in crashes, decreasing from 79 annually to an average of 45.4 after road diet implementation. This successful outcome highlights the potential benefits of ongoing roadway enhancements.
Wheeler Road Construction Brings Complaints
The construction work taking place along Wheeler Road is contributing to increased congestion, with local workers voicing frustrations over the delayed commutes. As turning lanes at Wheeler Road and Bobby Jones Expressway are closed for drainage improvements, drivers should expect these issues to persist for approximately 8 to 12 months.
This significant wave of roadway construction in the CSRA is sure to prompt frustration among local drivers, but as communities adapt to the new challenges, authorities remain focused on ensuring long-term improvements in traffic safety and flow.
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Additional Resources
- Augusta Chronicle: Road Closure Detour
- Wikipedia: Road Safety
- WISTV: Driver Safety Change
- Google Search: Road Improvement Projects
- Greenville Journal: Augusta Street Improvement
- Google Scholar: Urban Road Improvement
- WFXG: Wheeler Road Construction Update
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Road Construction
