RICHLAND COUNTY, S.C. — Cones are up and trees have been cleared along Blythewood Road.
It all comes as construction will begin Monday at 7 a.m. for Richland County's upgrade and widening of Blythewood Road.
"A lot of people coming in the area, so wider roads expanding it get that traffic moving," said Blythewood rsident, Lori O'Leary who just moved to the town less than a week ago.
She and her husband have both seen the challenges that come with Blythewood traffic.
"It's been pretty heavy traffic around 5-6 o'clock. It gets backed up so if it's gonna get expanded to where it's gonna open that up, then I'm here for it," Blythewood resident Josh O'Leary said.
The county says roadwork will occur from the west side of Blythewood Road's intersection with I-77 to Syrup Mill Road. Those improvements include widening the two-lane stretch of road to four lanes and adding a 15-foot turning median, as well as adding 10-foot shared-use paths on both sides of the road. A separate upgrade will include a multi-lane roundabout at the entrance of Cobblestone Park Golf Club.
"It will help with the traffic issues because with growth you have to have road expansion. It will take away from the small-town feel but you have to have it to incorporate all traffic that will be inundating the area," said Blythewood resident Kimberly Rodriguez
"I think the infrastructure is needed, the construction will be an issue for a while," said Blythewood resident Milton Cobbs.
The county expects one lane to be open in each direction while work is ongoing. As for drivers, temporary delays are possible and the county will not change the 35mph speed limit.
That project, in total, is expected to be done around April 2025, but that's not the only construction drivers will face in Richland County.
The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) is preparing for the final phase of its I-77 bridge repair project.
On April 14, one side of the interstate will be shut down again, this time the southbound lanes.
SCDOT will replace 9 bridge decks. It's expected to be closed for 9 days, and at that point, the I-77 work will be done.