Alligator Road Construction Completes in Florence County

News Summary

The lengthy construction on Alligator Road in Florence County is finally wrapping up. Originally set to finish in 2021, the project faced delays but aims to enhance local connectivity and traffic flow. With a wider road and ongoing minor touch-ups, residents can look forward to smoother and safer commuting. Despite some concerns over traffic disruptions and water issues during construction, many are optimistic about the improvements. The project, funded by a One-Cent Capital Project Sales Tax, signifies a significant upgrade for this vital roadway.

Alligator Road Construction Finally Wraps Up in Florence County!

Hey there, Florence! After what feels like an eternity, the long-awaited construction on Alligator Road is finally coming to an end. Can you believe it? Major construction work has been completed, and only a handful of crews remain on-site to finish up some minor touch-ups. Local folks are breathing a sigh of relief now that the days of navigating around cones and construction trucks are, hopefully, behind them.

A Tax That Took Over a Decade to Complete

The project, remember, was funded by a One-Cent Capital Project Sales Tax that the good citizens of Florence County voted for back in November 2006. This tax kicked in on May 1, 2007, with the aim of widening not just Alligator Road but five other roads as well. It was supposed to be a fairly straightforward process with Right-of-Way Acquisition starting in 2017 and construction getting underway in 2019. But as we all know, life has a funny way of throwing curveballs, and what was originally predicted to finish in 2021 has now been pushed to late 2024. Talk about a delay!

Stretching the Road to Four Lanes

So what’s the deal with Alligator Road’s expansion? The project spans a whopping 7.5 miles and includes plans to widen the road to four lanes at crucial intersections. This isn’t just a cosmetic change; it’s all about improving operational efficiency and making sure traffic flows smoothly. With all the new homes popping up along Alligator Road over the last few years, more development is on the horizon. It’s clear that having a wider road will enhance local connectivity and make things a lot easier, especially for daily commuters.

Concerns Amid Construction

Of course, every rose has its thorn, and the road construction has not been without its hiccups. Residents have experienced their fair share of traffic delays, with some saying the changes have created safety concerns. Interestingly, some people have reported discolored water in their homes, a situation that seems to stem from vibrations causing issues with water lines. Yes, it’s been a real mixed bag for residents living near the construction zone.

Utility lines have been a repeat victim of the construction work, leading city officials to make more repairs than they ever anticipated. For people like Retta Spencer, managing daily schedules has become a juggling act, leaving home earlier just to avoid the chaos caused by narrowed lanes. And there’s also concern from others in the community about potential vehicle damage due to construction debris and poor road conditions.

Moving Forward

Throughout all the chaos, the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) has been on the case, acknowledging the frustration among residents and striving to minimize traffic impacts wherever possible. They also encourage locals to stay informed through their website and customer service line to ease some of those worries.

Looking ahead, many residents like Blake Harrison are optimistic that the widening of Alligator Road will eventually lead to greater commuting safety and efficiency, particularly for school traffic. It’s clear that while the journey has been lengthy and filled with challenges, the end of this construction could signal a brighter future for Florence County’s roads.

So here’s to the end of construction on Alligator Road! Pack your patience a little longer, Florence, but know that smoother, safer roads are just around the corner.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

New Homes Approved in Florence: Planning Commission’s Green Light

Additional Resources

• WPDE: Alligator Road Widening Project Nears Completion
• Construction Equipment Guide: Alligator Road Work in Florence
• Post and Courier: Florence County Alligator Road Construction Delays
• Google Search: Alligator Road Construction Florence
• Post and Courier: New Homes in Florence County
• Wikipedia: Florence County, South Carolina