ELGIN, S.C. — Residents and commuters in Richland and Kershaw counties are being allowed to provide input on proposed changes to US 1, a major thoroughfare experiencing significant traffic congestion.
The Central Midlands Council of Governments and consulting firm AECOM are conducting a comprehensive study of the seven-mile stretch of US-1 from Spears Creek Church Road to Watts Road, passing through the rapidly growing town of Elgin.
Shakeira Clifton, a daily commuter on US-1, expressed her frustration with the current traffic conditions. "Traffic. Traffic, sitting still, cars are always backed up making us late for work, " she said.
Clifton emphasized the need for expansion. "I think we actually need to expand, especially with the Lugoff area growing, we are getting more businesses over there. We need to expand lanes. We already got a 2-lane road but, especially coming through Elgin, everybody can a witness a little more stop lights."
Bill Jordan, Senior Transportation Planner with AECOM, explained the objectives of the US-1 Corridor Study. "We are aiming to accommodate for growth and future development along the US-1 corridor from Spears Creek Church Road in Pontiac through the Town of Elgin, over to Watts Hill Road," said Jordan.
The study aims to address traffic congestion and safety concerns, while also evaluating the potential for public transportation usage.
The project team is collecting data on traffic counts and analyzing crash reports to identify critical areas for improvement.
Residents like Tamara Jones have voiced their opinion on the survey regarding what changes she would like to see. "I think they need to widen the road a little. I know that would then encroach on properties going all the way down, but with the amount of traffic that we have, something has to be done. There's too much traffic, it's dangerous going in and out of businesses."
Public input is being solicited until June 16t. To provide input, click the link.