West Georgia Road (S-272) Corridor Improvements
The West Georgia Road (S-272) Corridor is a vital transportation hub connecting the cities of Simpsonville and Mauldin in Greenville County, South Carolina. However, this busy road has been plagued with traffic congestion and safety concerns for years. The good news is that the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) has recently announced plans for corridor improvements from Neely Ferry Road to Fork Shoals Road. These improvements aim to enhance the safety and efficiency of the corridor by adding new turn lanes, widening the road, and improving intersections. As a resident or business owner in the area, you’ll be pleased to know that these upgrades will not only improve traffic flow but also make your daily commute safer and more enjoyable. So, let’s dive into the details of this exciting project and see what improvements we can expect to see in the near future.
The West Georgia Road (S-272) Corridor is a heavily traveled road that links Simpsonville and Mauldin, two rapidly growing cities in Greenville County. This road serves as a major artery for commercial and residential traffic, and its importance cannot be overstated. However, the current state of the road is far from ideal. The corridor experiences significant traffic congestion during peak hours, leading to long delays and frustration for commuters. Moreover, the existing four-lane road is inadequate to handle the growing traffic volume, leading to safety concerns due to accidents and fatalities. The intersections are often congested, and the lack of turn lanes leads to delays in turning and increased accident risks.
The current state of the West Georgia Road (S-272) Corridor is not just inconvenient but also dangerous. The SCDOT has identified the corridor as a high crash location, with a high incidence of accidents and fatalities. The existing road infrastructure is not suitable to handle the increasing traffic volume, leading to congestion and increased accident risks. The intersections are often congested, and the lack of turn lanes leads to delays in turning and increased accident risks. These problems make the corridor an urgent priority for improvement.
Importance of the Improvements
The proposed improvements to the West Georgia Road (S-272) Corridor are essential to address the existing problems and to prepare for future growth. The corridor is a vital transportation hub connecting the two growing cities of Simpsonville and Mauldin. The improvements will enhance the safety and efficiency of the corridor, providing a smoother and safer commute for residents and businesses. Moreover, the improvements will reduce congestion, leading to shorter travel times and reducing fuel consumption and emissions.
The improvements will also facilitate economic development in the area. Businesses will benefit from improved access and reduced congestion, leading to increased productivity and profitability. The improved road infrastructure will also attract new businesses and investors to the area, leading to job creation and economic growth. The improvements are essential to support the growing commercial and residential needs of the area.
Proposed Improvements and their Benefits
The proposed improvements to the West Georgia Road (S-272) Corridor include widening the road, adding new turn lanes, and improving intersections. The improvements will enhance the safety and efficiency of the corridor, providing a smoother and safer commute for residents and businesses. Moreover, the improvements will reduce congestion, leading to shorter travel times and reducing fuel consumption and emissions. The following are the proposed improvements and their benefits:
1. Widening the Road
The existing West Georgia Road (S-272) Corridor is a four-lane road, which is inadequate to handle the growing traffic volume. The proposed improvements include widening the road to six lanes, providing additional capacity to handle the traffic volume. The wider road will reduce congestion, leading to shorter travel times and reducing fuel consumption and emissions.
Moreover, the wider road will provide safer driving conditions. The additional lanes will allow for safer passing and merging, reducing the risk of accidents and fatalities. The wider road will also provide more space for cyclists and pedestrians, enhancing safety for non-motorized transportation.
2. Adding New Turn Lanes
The existing intersections on the West Georgia Road (S-272) Corridor are often congested, leading to delays in turning and increased accident risks. The proposed improvements include adding new turn lanes at key intersections, providing additional capacity to handle turning traffic. The new turn lanes will reduce delays and improve safety by reducing the risk of accidents and fatalities.
3. Improving Intersections
The existing intersections on the West Georgia Road (S-272) Corridor are often congested, leading to delays in turning and increased accident risks. The proposed improvements include improving the existing intersections by adding traffic signals, improving signage and pavement markings, and enhancing visibility. The improved intersections will provide safer and more efficient turning movements, reducing delays and improving safety.
Timeline for the Project
The proposed improvements to the West Georgia Road (S-272) Corridor are expected to be completed in phases over the next few years. The SCDOT has announced that the project will be divided into two phases: Phase I and Phase II.
Phase I
Phase I of the project will include the improvements from Neely Ferry Road to Harrison Bridge Road. The estimated cost of Phase I is $14.8 million, and construction is expected to begin in late 2022 and be completed by late 2024.
Phase II
Phase II of the project will include the improvements from Harrison Bridge Road to Fork Shoals Road. The estimated cost of Phase II is $15.5 million, and construction is expected to begin in 2025 and be completed by 2027.