Concerns Remain Amidst Progress

The South Carolina Department of Transport (SCDOT), has advanced its plans to overhaul a notoriously messy four-way intersection in Spartanburg’s Westside. The proposed changes have sparked widespread interest, with the reshaping of Reidville, Anderson Mill, and Oak Grove junction expected to increase safety and improve operational efficiency. As part of the renovation, all left turns at the primary junction of Reidville and Anderson Mill will be eliminated.

Project Timeline

The newly released project timeline sets the construction commencement date to fall 2025, with operations expected to last around a year. An acquisition of right-of-way is scheduled for this fall. Other updates include comparative travel time analyses between the intersection’s current condition and SCDOT’s new scheme.

Community Response

Despite these updates suggesting progress, Spartanburg residents have raised various concerns, predominantly regarding potential increase in traffic and resultant impact on property values. Residents, many of whom are still confused, continue to seek clarity from SCDOT representatives. In response, the department reassured the public that the project was still in its design phase and that the plans weren’t set in stone.

Looking Ahead

SCDOT spokesperson Hannah Robinson communicated that the department had started revising the design due to community concerns and that they intend to have more information to publicize by the end of the year. Local encouragement for the project came from Spartanburg County Councilwoman, Jessica Coker, who noted in a correspondence that while the solution isn’t perfect, it is an achievable start towards fixing the area’s traffic issues. She added Reidville Road to the county’s priority list for future improvements, funded by a 1 percent sales tax effort.

Frustration and Hope

Regardless of these efforts, some community members continue to express frustration at the communication process with SCDOT and the potential harms of the current plan. For example, Charles and Kathryn Bennett, longstanding residents near the intersection, worry about the loss in property value as their front yard would house much of the redirected traffic under the current plan.

Justifying the Design

In defense of the quadrant roadway intersection design, SCDOT claims that it improves safety, reduces travel times, and will not require any residential or commercial dislocation. This design aligns with the Federal Highway Administration’s standardized design for intersections undergoing similar traffic changes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while SCDOT’s commitment to alleviating traffic issues in Spartanburg is praiseworthy, its plans for the Reidville, Anderson Mill, and Oak Grove intersection have received mixed responses. The department has shown a willingness to consider community concerns and revise its design, demonstrating an acknowledgment that the project is a joint venture between the city and its residents. Only time will tell if the proposed solutions alleviate the traffic issues plaguing this junction or if further adjustments will be required.