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The purpose of the Briggs-DeLaine-Pearson Connector is to provide a connecting roadway between the communities bordering Lake Marion and the Santee River and to improve mobility and economic conditions in the four county region of Calhoun, Clarendon, Orangeburg and Sumter counties. Crossing of the upper portion of the lake is limited to Interstate 95 at Santee and US 76/378 near Sumter. These routes are approximately 30 miles apart.
For years, many people in the communities divided by the lake have contemplated the need for an additional crossing of the upper lake. The proposed project will bring many opportunities within the reach of members of the communities by reducing travel times for daily and weekly activity. The proposed project will reduce travel times between several communities in the project area. Specifically, travel between Lone Star and Rimini will be reduced approximately 34 minutes, travel between Cameron and Pinewood will be reduced approximately 21 minutes, and travel between Pinewood and Orangeburg will be reduced approximately 17 minutes.
Improvements in accessibility will increase the potential for growth in this area by providing local communities needed access to job opportunities and goods and services. Future infrastructure improvements will increase the competitiveness of this economically depressed area for private investments and help the area compete for a greater share of the region's population and job growth.
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