The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) has scheduled a public hearing Thursday, Sept. 24, concerning preliminary plans for the proposed improvements to US 76, from SC 403 (Brockington Street) in Timmonsville, to S-545 (Meadors Road) near Interstate 95 in Florence County.
The hearing will be from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., in the Timmonsville High School Cafeteria, 304 Kemper St., Timmonsville.
The purpose of the hearing is to provide an opportunity to review and discuss preliminary plans for the proposed improvements to US 76. These include 1) widening US 76 to a multilane facility with a 15-foot paved median throughout; 2) replacing the structurally deficient, functionally obsolete bridge over Lake Swamp; 3) realigning the intersection of US 76 and Main Street; and 4) upgrading various intersections throughout the project corridor. Another purpose of the hearing is to gather information from the public or any interested organization, on historic or cultural resources in the area.
The US 76 Widening is the third priority of six major road improvement projects in Florence County, to be funded through a combination of Local Option Sales Tax and State Transportation Infrastructure Bank funds.
The hearing will have an informal, drop-in format. Large aerial displays of the proposed project will be available for viewing and SCDOT representatives will be present to answer questions on an individual basis.
The formal portion of the hearing will begin at 6 p.m., in a separate area of the high school, at which time a brief, formal presentation will be given about the project. The informal portion of the hearing will continue during this time. Immediately following the presentation, citizens will have the opportunity to make verbal comments regarding the proposed improvements. Anyone who wishes to verbally comment must sign up between 5 p.m. and 5:55 p.m., when first entering the hearing. Each comment will be limited to two minutes and may not be transferred.
Related maps and/or drawings, the environmental assessment, and other pertinent data will be available for public review, at least 15 days prior to the public hearing, at the SCDOT District Office, 3018 East Palmetto St., Florence, SC 29506 (843) 661-4710. Additional information concerning the project may be obtained by contacting SCDOT Program Manager Chris Gossett at (803) 737-1471. Persons with disabilities who may require special accommodations should contact Karen Davis at (803) 737-1549.
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