Spartanburg Roads Update: Resurfacing and Safety Improvements Planned

Road and Traffic Safety Work Plans in Early Stages

Alverson, the county administrator, informed the county council that the resurfacing of the section of North Daniel Morgan Avenue around the newly constructed courthouse is among the first two capital penny road initiatives slated to begin. The other will span more than four miles of Moore Duncan Highway, starting from James F. Bynes High School in Duncan to Reidville Road. Spokesperson for the county, Blackwell, mentioned to HERE News that the bidding for these two projects cumulatively amounts to $5 million, which is less than the original budget of nearly $11 million. A construction meeting to determine the work timeline is scheduled for the week of May 27. He added that the penny tax collection for these projects began on May 1.

County Applies for Federal Funds

Meanwhile, the county has proposed a request for $20 million in federal funding, from a program under the bipartisan infrastructure bill that is intended for two pivotal “corridor” projects. Travis Brown, the director of public works, views the North Pine Street and Asheville Highway corridors as vital “gateways” into the community. Additionally, the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) has closed a Spartanburg County bridge, deemed unsafe this week. He anticipates that the county will receive response about their application by the end of 2024.

Road Project Previews

Alverson recalls at the meeting on Monday that while the penny sales tax collection officially commenced on May 1, it will not be added to the county’s revenue until October. However, using advanced funding authorized by the council, work on the projects can start. The first two projects include the resurfacing of stretches of Moore Duncan Highway from North Danzler Road in Duncan to Reidville Road and North Daniel Morgan Avenue behind the newly constructed county courthouse, from North Church Street to West St. John Street.

“Highest Priority” Capital Penny Projects

Nearly $61 million, which is 12.7% of the $478 million capital penny project, is allocated towards the “Tier 1” projects, deemed as the highest priority concerning funding. Blackwell explains that the rankings of priority does not signify that lower-tiered projects are any less beneficial. The projects are tiered depending on product and labor market availability, time required for completion, and the desire to improve roads with high volume early.

Breakdown of the Tier 1 Projects:

• Reidville Road (Moore Duncan Hwy/Hwy 290 to Southport Rd./SC-295) – $13,953,115
• Main Street in the City of Spartanburg (N. Converse St. to Hwy 29) – $1,375,468
• West Main Street (W. St John St. To St. John St.) – $623,150
• St. John Street (W. Main St. to W. St John. St.) – $266,200

Spartanburg County Bridge Shutdown Due to Safety Concerns

On Wednesday, SCDOT shut down a bridge on Cannons Campground Road after declaring it unsafe for travel. The agency is taking immediate action to carry out further inspections and formulate an expedited repair plan. SCDOT recommends drivers to avoid this area if possible.