Feedback Received


The Bishopville Truck Route Project Public Information Meeting was held on August 22, 2019. The purpose of the meeting was to present the proposed build alternatives to the public and gather feedback and comments on the project. Approximately 100 people attended the meeting. This is a summary of the comments received and SCDOT's responses.

Comment:
The resubmitted letter supporting the purpose and need for the project from December 2014 was accompanied by 32 signatures. The Bishopville Revitalization Committee, appointed by the Bishopville City Council, as well as the majority of downtown property owners and business operators, have joined together in supporting the need for the SCDOT and FHWA to provide an alternate route around downtown. We urge the appropriate parties involved to move forward with what they deem necessary to alleviate the truck traffic downtown. It is our position as stated in the purpose and need statement that the solution (including the route) should be made by SCDOT and FHWA. I hope that our elected officials will do what is right for our community.

Response:
Your comments regarding your support for the project have been recorded and will be considered by the SCDOT. Your input will assist the SCDOT in evaluating the proposed build alternatives further in a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS). Over the next couple of months, the project team will be modeling traffic volumes, performing fieldwork to assess impacts on natural resources, and collecting data in order to assess the potential adverse and beneficial effects of the build alternatives and a no-build alternative. The findings from this fieldwork and analysis will be documented in detail in technical studies and in the DEIS, which is projected to be released for public review in the spring of 2020.


Comment:
Lee County Council has supported the construction of a Truck Route around the City of Bishopville for over a decade, but it has not endorsed a specific route. Council agrees with the stated purpose and need. Council understands the role of local government is to present a need for analysis through the Santee Lynches COG, and if funding is authorized, for the need to be analyzed and potential road construction determined by SCDOT and FHWA. The Council has adhered to the process and understands there are going to be citizens upset with where the construction is ultimately planned to take place. The Council collectively believes the positives of this project for this county of 18,000 residents outweigh the negative impacts to the landowners directly impacted.

Response:
Council members have also affirmed their hope that any steps that can be taken during the design phase of the project to mitigate the negative impacts to impacted landowners. Explore to the fullest any concessions to reduce identified impacts with regards to the proximity to existing residential communities, the subdivision of land tracks currently used for agriculture, or tracks potentially used in the future for economic development.


Comment:
Lee County Council looks forward to this project moving forward as expeditiously as possible.

Response:
Your comments in support of the project have been recorded and will be considered by the SCDOT. Your input will assist the SCDOT in evaluating the proposed build alternatives further in a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS). Over the next couple of months, the project team will be modeling traffic volumes, performing fieldwork to assess impacts on natural resources, and collecting data in order to assess the potential adverse and beneficial effects of the build alternatives and a no-build alternative. The findings from this fieldwork and analysis will be documented in detail in technical studies and in the DEIS, which is projected to be released for review in the spring of 2020.

SCDOT will make every effort to avoid and/or minimize impacts, including impacts to residences and landowners, where feasible. In the event that it is necessary to acquire property, relocation assistance will be available in compliance with the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970, as amended.


Comment:
This project has been a priority for Lee County Council for over a decade and the reasons for the need for this project have become clearer and demonstrable with each year that has passed. Every year this project is delayed is another year of safety issues faced by our residents and visitors to the community and the loss of economic growth potential.

Comment:
The issue of improving safety in the downtown of Bishopville by rerouting truck traffic has been at the forefront of every survey and transportation need discussion in Lee County. The high volume of traffic traveling through a two-lane commercial district raises safety concerns. Local surveys have reflected the concerns of local citizens regarding traveling to the downtown commercial area for fear of parking on Main Street and facing the heavy volume of traffic, especially the trucks.

Comment:
SCDOT traffic counts show over 700 trucks per day pass through downtown Bishopville and this number is projected to increase to 1,500 per day over the next two decades. One of the major concerns when interviewing potential entrepreneurs to the downtown is the volume of truck traffic and how it discourages customers from coming to the area. Jared's Ace Hardware and BoSmith Furniture Co. have relocated out of downtown towards the interstate to mitigate the issue of trucks. The effort to restore the downtown properties and make them attractive to prospective business owners as well as shoppers is hindered due to truck traffic.

Comment:
The removal of trucks from the two-block core commercial district, as well as the extended commercial areas along Main and Church Street, will alleviate a major obstacle to recruiting and retaining businesses. There is a private effort underway to revitalize the downtown area of Bishopville, an effort bolstered by a $1 million private donation. To date, four new businesses and a memorial park have opened as a direct result of this revitalization effort.

The second major economic benefit of a truck route being constructed is the potential for growth associated with a new roadway and infrastructure corridor in proximity to the developed Interchanges at Exits 116 and 120. The factors influencing this development are 1) the availability of water and sewer systems in the area, (2) the excellent transportation access provided by I-20, Highway 15, and Highway 341 (3) the availability of developable sites (4) the amenities offered by living near or in an urban area. The construction of a roadway dissecting the open farmland between Bishopville and the Interstate, which can be subsequently enhanced with water and sewer infrastructure, is the needed enhancement this community is desperate to make this growth potential a reality.

Comment:
The concerns of the individuals opposed to this project due to negative impacts on them personally are valid and understood. The Council implores those in charge of developing this project to make every effort to limit the negative impacts on farmers and private property owners when developing the potential routes for new construction.

Comment:
It is the collective view of Lee County Council the benefits of a truck route being constructed far outweighs the negative impacts on individual property owners in the community.

Response:
Your comments in support of the project have been recorded and will be considered by the SCDOT. Your input will assist the SCDOT in evaluating the proposed build alternatives further in a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS). Over the next couple of months, the project team will be modeling traffic volumes, performing fieldwork to assess impacts on natural resources, and collecting data in order to assess the potential adverse and beneficial effects of the build alternatives and a no-build alternative. The findings from this fieldwork and analysis will be documented in detail in technical studies and in the DEIS, which is projected to be released for public review in the spring of 2020.

SCDOT will make every effort to avoid and/or minimize impacts, including impacts to residences and farmland, where feasible. In the event that it is necessary to acquire property, relocation assistance will be available in compliance with the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970, as amended.


Comment:
I feel that any one of the three alternatives will be an improvement over what we now face on Main Street. I hope that when a vote is taken that the truck route will be approved. I am disappointed that a complete bypass was not accepted earlier.

Comment:
I am not parking on Main Street unless I have to. The safety factor is involved, and I park in the back of stores if possible.

Comment:
I was impressed by the information presented. Thanks to SCDOT for the work that has been put into the project.

Response:
Your comments in support of the project have been recorded and will be considered by the SCDOT. Your input will assist the SCDOT in evaluating the proposed build alternatives further in a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS). Over the next couple of months, the project team will be modeling traffic volumes, performing fieldwork to assess impacts on natural resources, and collecting data in order to assess the potential adverse and beneficial effects of the build alternatives and a no-build alternative. The findings from this fieldwork and analysis will be documented in detail in technical studies and in the DEIS, which is projected to be released for public review in the spring of 2020.


Comment:
I would like to go on record as supporting the Bishopville Truck Route. The safety of the residents of Lee County has always been a priority for me and I feel that the issue of large transfer trucks in the downtown area of Bishopville is a problem for the pedestrians and car traffic that visit the area. I feel that the overall long-term positive impacts for the over 18,000 citizens that make-up this county justify this project being completed.

Comment:
I feel that moving the trucks out of the downtown area will make the area safer and will encourage more people to visit. I see the number of trucks increasing in the county and see the potential for more truck traffic. The issue will become a larger problem as the County moves forward. I encourage SCDOT to review the potential safety benefits of the project.

Comment:
The opportunity for growth that will come from building a road through undeveloped land between Bishopville and the Interstate is an encouraging step towards growing the tax base in Lee County. This growth is much needed in a traditionally rural county such as ours.

Response:
Your comments in support of the project have been recorded and will be considered by the SCDOT. Your input will assist the SCDOT in evaluating the proposed build alternatives further in a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS). Over the next couple of months, the project team will be modeling traffic volumes, performing fieldwork to assess impacts on natural resources, and collecting data in order to assess the potential adverse and beneficial effects of the build alternatives and a no-build alternative. The findings from this fieldwork and analysis will be documented in detail in technical studies and in the DEIS, which is projected to be released for review in the spring of 2020.


Comment:
I operate more than a dozen commercial trucks through my business and my son operates a number of trucks and heavy farm equipment as well. The problem of moving equipment and trucks through downtown Bishopville is a real safety concern and based on SCDOT projections, the problem is going to get much worse over the next 10-15 years.

Comment:
The proposed truck route was needed 15 years ago when it was first proposed at the Santee Lynches COG, it is more needed today than 15 years ago, and it will be needed even greater 15 years from now. The need for this truck route and moving commercial truck traffic out of the downtown of Bishopville is clear and this project should move forward as quickly as possible.

Comment:
Trucks are a safety concern and are ruining local efforts to bring back retail business and revitalize downtown.

Comment:
From what I understand, every effort will be made to limit the impact of the new roadway on current property owners who will be impacted. I hope that the two studies, which will have been completed before a final decision regarding a route is made, will allow SCDOT to keep the negative impacts to farmers and residential property owners to a minimum.

Response:
Your comments in support of the project have been recorded and will be considered by the SCDOT. Your input will assist the SCDOT in evaluating the proposed build alternatives further in a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS). Over the next couple of months, the project team will be modeling traffic volumes, performing fieldwork to assess impacts on natural resources, and collecting data in order to assess the potential adverse and beneficial effects of the build alternatives and a no-build alternative. The findings from this fieldwork and analysis will be documented in detail in technical studies and in the DEIS, which is projected to be released for public review in the spring of 2020.

SCDOT will make every effort to avoid and/or minimize impacts, including impacts to residences and farmland, where feasible. In the event that it is necessary to acquire property, relocation assistance will be available in compliance with the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970, as amended.


Comment:
In support of a truck route around the town of Bishopville. An alternate route around town for trucks and farm equipment would make everyone's life easier. Lee County cannot wait 10 or 20 more years to deal with this problem.

Comment:
I have been involved with trucking in Lee County for over 35 years, and I currently operate approximately 50 commercial trucks on a daily basis in the county. I have been dealing with the problem of moving through the downtown of Bishopville during my entire career. The addition of the brick curbing over a decade ago to make downtown more attractive has caused the problem to grow worse for trucks and has created many additional hazards for the community as well as the trucks traveling through. I see the number of trucks passing through Bishopville increase every year. Obviously, the problem is going to get worse if something is not done.

Response:
Your comments in support of the project have been recorded and will be considered by the SCDOT. Your input will assist the SCDOT in evaluating the proposed build alternatives further in a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS). Over the next couple of months, the project team will be modeling traffic volumes, performing fieldwork to assess impacts on natural resources, and collecting data in order to assess the potential adverse and beneficial effects of the build alternatives and a no-build alternative. The findings from this fieldwork and analysis will be documented in detail in technical studies and in the DEIS, which is projected to be released for review in the spring of 2020


Comment:
I am extremely opposed to the building of this bypass. Either build elsewhere or best option, the NO BUILD alternative.

Comment:
All the routes will have a direct negative impact on my family (farm). Tearing the fields in half will make it impossible to get the equipment to work and interrupt the irrigation pivots - six of the expensive ones my husband has worked hard to obtain. Farming is not just a business that can up and move; and it isn't just a job for my husband. Please do not take that away from us. My family is living in our most desired home location, we love our little spot.

Comment:
It seems like there is a lot of wetlands, being forested or freshwater that you will need to go through. Is that good for the environment? Routes on the other side of town do not disrupt as much as these routes seem to nor would they need costly bridges or overpasses or exit/entrance ramps. Just because there is money set aside doesn’t mean you have to blow it on an unnecessary and environmentally unfriendly building of a bypass.

Comment:
The town is working hard to build up our town, bringing new businesses downtown. Bypassing that would be a shame.

Comment:
Please listen to the ones that it will have the most negative impact on. You are going to send people out of Lee County if you build that bypass where it negatively affects the most people. Please listen to the people of this town.

Comment:
I am not sure who is pushing this bypass, I feel sure that someone or several people are going to benefit financially from this project. I feel that letting these few benefits by hurting so many others are absurd.

Comment:
The last time I saw the "car counter" strips in the roads, there was construction on the I-20 overpass so there was more traffic of all types of vehicles coming through Bishopville. I am not convinced in the data about the number of 700 large trucks stated.

Response:
Your comments opposing the project have been recorded and will be considered by the SCDOT. Your input will assist the SCDOT in evaluating the proposed build alternatives further in a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS). Over the next couple of months, the project team will be modeling traffic volumes, performing fieldwork to assess impacts on natural resources, and collecting data in order to assess the potential adverse and beneficial effects of the build alternatives and a no-build alternative. The findings from this fieldwork and analysis will be documented in detail in technical studies and in the DEIS, which is projected to be released for review in the spring of 2020.

Initial traffic-modeling indicated that alternatives on the west side of Bishopville would not address truck traffic downtown and are therefore no longer being considered. SCDOT will make every effort to avoid and/or minimize impacts, including impacts to farmland and irrigation systems, where feasible. In the event that it is necessary to acquire property, relocation assistance will be available in compliance with the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970, as amended.

In response to your concerns about traffic counts along Main Street, the traffic data for this project was collected in September and October of 2015, and the lane closures during the I-20 overpass construction occurred between May 2016 and November 2016.


Comment:
A bypass is not beneficial to Bishopville. So, my hope is that the decision reached will be "No Build."

Comment:
Building this bypass will hurt the Lee County farmers as it cuts thru their farmland.

Comment:
The proposed bypass goes thru wetlands disturbing the environment.

Comment:
Property owners are upset

Comment:
SC highways are not currently being maintained and you want to add more than will need maintenance.

Comment:
A bypass will also be used by cars, thereby eliminating traffic thru Bishopville. The Town is working hard to retain and build the business they have and to start new businesses.

Response:
Your comments in favor of the no-build alternative have been recorded and will be carefully considered by the SCDOT. Your input will assist the SCDOT in evaluating the proposed build alternatives further in a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS). Over the next couple of months, the project team will be modeling traffic volumes, performing fieldwork to assess impacts on natural resources, and collecting data in order to assess the potential adverse and beneficial effects of the build alternatives and a no-build alternative. The findings from this fieldwork and analysis will be documented in detail in technical studies and in the DEIS, which is projected to be released for public review in the spring of 2020.

SCDOT will make every effort to avoid and/or minimize impacts, including impacts to the local economy, farmland, wetlands, and property owners, where feasible. In the event that it is necessary to acquire property, relocation assistance will be available in compliance with the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970, as amended.


Comment:
I am in favor of no truck route at all for Lee County. Of the three possible routes proposed, they will affect me personally. Of the three possible routes proposed, one goes on top of my house and the other two go through my front yard and across my property. These routes not only affect me, but also my sister and parents' houses as well as our family business. We are in the timber business and know the value of what our property is worth. If we were compensated for our house by the state, we would not build or relocate in Lee County nor would we keep our business here and it has been located here since the 1960s.

Response:
Your comments in favor of not building the project have been recorded and will be carefully considered by the SCDOT. Your input will assist the SCDOT in evaluating the proposed build alternatives further in a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS). Over the next couple of months, the project team will be modeling traffic volumes, performing fieldwork to assess impacts on natural resources, and collecting data in order to assess the potential adverse and beneficial effects of the build alternatives and a no-build alternative. The findings from this fieldwork and analysis will be documented in detail in technical studies and in the DEIS, which is projected to be released for public review in the spring of 2020.

In response to your concerns about your home and business, SCDOT will make every effort to avoid impacts, including residential and commercial impacts, where feasible. In the event that it is necessary to acquire your property, relocation assistance will be available in compliance with the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970, as amended. This would include assistance reestablishing your business.


Comment:
I think a bypass around Bishopville is a bad idea as well as an enormous waste of government money. Most importantly, the people of Lee County have repeatedly rejected the idea of a bypass.

Comment:
Over the past 40 years, other cities have constructed bypasses or truck routes: Sumter, Lynchburg, Florence, Hartsville, Pageland, Cheraw, and Summerton ... the list goes on and on. Without exception, each of these towns LOST business as traffic was diverted around the business district, even in towns that spent millions of dollars to revitalize their downtowns. Traffic will follow the path of least resistance, so travelers will bypass downtown. We need tourists!

Comment:
The proposed routes, wherever they are - will take farmland out of production and pave over wetlands. People's property will be seized.

Comment:
New intersections will add confusion to what is now a straight route through town.

Comment:
Our downtown is only a few blocks long, and trucks take mere minutes to go through town. It makes no sense to build a multimillion-dollar route around it. More and more trucks are opting to travel on I-95 which roughly parallels US 15. One astute citizen pointed out that trucks come downtown to avoid the weigh stations on the interstate. Has anyone looked at that?

Response:
Your comments against the project have been recorded and will be considered by the SCDOT. Your input will assist the SCDOT in evaluating the proposed build alternatives further in a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS). Over the next couple of months, the project team will be modeling traffic volumes, performing fieldwork to assess impacts on natural resources, and collecting data in order to assess the potential adverse and beneficial effects of the build alternatives and a no-build alternative. The findings from this fieldwork and analysis will be documented in detail in technical studies and in the DEIS, which is projected to be released for public review in the spring of 2020.

Ongoing traffic studies are being conducted to model traffic volumes and truck origins and destinations. SCDOT will make every effort to avoid and/or minimize impacts, including impacts to farmland and wetlands, where feasible. In the event that it is necessary to acquire property, relocation assistance will be available in compliance with the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970, as amended.


Comment:
Having a bypass encourages all traffic to divert going through downtown. This seems counterproductive to the development of our town.

Comment:
The bypass goes through wetlands and farmland that farmers are using to make a living.

Comment:
In favor of a "NO BUILD" alternative. The negative factors of a bypass far exceed any good a bypass will bring.

Response:
Your comments in favor of a no-build option have been recorded and will be carefully considered by the SCDOT. Your input will assist the SCDOT in evaluating the proposed build alternatives further in a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS). Over the next couple of months, the project team will be modeling traffic volumes, performing fieldwork to assess impacts on natural resources, and collecting data in order to assess the potential adverse and beneficial effects of the build alternatives and a no-build alternative. The findings from this fieldwork and analysis will be documented in detail in technical studies and in the DEIS, which is projected to be released for public review in the spring of 2020.

SCDOT will make every effort to avoid and/or minimize impacts, including impacts to farmland and wetlands, where feasible. In the event that it is necessary to acquire property, relocation assistance will be available in compliance with the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970, as amended.


Comment:
Building a bypass around Bishopville sounds like a good idea initially, but if one thinks about it, the idea stinks. There is already and existing by-pass in I-20.

Comment:
With the town in such a poor economic state, we need people to be coming to and through town. If more people are sent around the middle of town and Main Street, we will not see the new businesses that are just getting established grow. There will not be more commerce coming to Bishopville. People will jump on the by-pass and miss the historic downtown area. If we are to grow our town, we need to encourage people to actually come into town, stop, eat, lunch, shop and see what we have to offer. Building the by-pass will encourage the opposite.

Comment:
SC's roads are in terrible condition and the money should be used to repair the existing poor roads, not build one that is a bad and expensive idea.

Comment:
Taking land out of production for crops is a very bad idea. We need more farmers using the land in the way we have used it for over a century. The world's population is booming, and crops need to be planted in order to support the masses, as well as the farmers in Lee County.

Comment:
Paving over wetlands will disturb wildlife and possibly cause problems for hunters and those who enjoy the beautiful areas around Lee County. The environmental impact will be devastating to the community and to the wildlife.

Response:
Your comments opposing the project have been recorded and will be considered by the SCDOT. Your input will assist the SCDOT in evaluating the proposed build alternatives further in a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS). Over the next couple of months, the project team will be modeling traffic volumes, performing fieldwork to assess impacts on natural resources, and collecting data in order to assess the potential adverse and beneficial effects of the build alternatives and a no-build alternative. The findings from this fieldwork and analysis will be documented in detail in technical studies and in the DEIS, which is projected to be released for review in the spring of 2020.

SCDOT will make every effort to avoid and/or minimize impacts, including impacts to farmland and the environment, where feasible. In the event that it is necessary to acquire property, relocation assistance will be available in compliance with the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970, as amended.


Comment:
The data supports the traffic is stagnant from the beginning of this collection to current time. We have the data that is from start to finish and the recommendations from several SCDOT overseeing the project is NOT build. The data does not support this project and environmental impact. DO NOT BUILD.

Comment:
This proposed truck route is a waste of taxpayer money. There are other worthy infrastructure needs in South Carolina that deserve the time, money, and resources that this project has already consumed and to waste more on this project is illogical and misuse of state and federal funds.

Response:
Your comments in support of a no-build option have been recorded and will be considered by the SCDOT. Your input will assist the SCDOT in evaluating the proposed build alternatives further in a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS). Over the next couple of months, the project team will be modeling traffic volumes, performing fieldwork to assess impacts on natural resources, and collecting data in order to assess the potential adverse and beneficial effects of the build alternatives and a no-build alternative. The findings from this fieldwork and analysis will be documented in detail in technical studies and in the DEIS, which is projected to be released for review in the spring of 2020.

An alternative-level traffic analysis was conducted on the build and no-build alternatives, and the estimated average daily truck traffic for the no-build alternative is 1,500 trucks on Main Street in 2045, which indicates a need for the project.


Comment:
Keep the road as far away from Dogwood Drive/James Street neighborhood.

Comment:
I don’t want to see anyone lose their home.

Comment:
110-foot fence at the prison because of contraband.

Comment:
Need light at Wisacky and Bypass. Stop sign is not enough.

Response:
Your comments in support of a no-build option have been recorded and will be considered by the SCDOT. Your input will assist the SCDOT in evaluating the proposed build alternatives further in a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS). Over the next couple of months, the project team will be modeling traffic volumes, performing fieldwork to assess impacts on natural resources, and collecting data in order to assess the potential adverse and beneficial effects of the build alternatives and a no-build alternative. The findings from this fieldwork and analysis will be documented in detail in technical studies and in the DEIS, which is projected to be released for review in the spring of 2020.

SCDOT will make every effort to avoid and/or minimize impacts, including residential impacts, where feasible. In the event that it is necessary to acquire property, relocation assistance will be available in compliance with the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970, as amended. Ongoing traffic studies will determine the control warranted at proposed intersections.


Comment:
Bishopville Main Street is too narrow for trucks. Trucks are traveling at 45 to 50 MPH, too fast for the area.

Response:
Your comments regarding truck traffic have been recorded and will be considered by the SCDOT. Your input will assist the SCDOT in evaluating the proposed build alternatives further in a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS). Over the next couple of months, the project team will be modeling traffic volumes, performing fieldwork to assess impacts on natural resources, and collecting data in order to assess the potential adverse and beneficial effects of the build alternatives and a no-build alternative. The findings from this fieldwork and analysis will be documented in detail in technical studies and in the DEIS, which is projected to be released for public review in the spring of 2020.


Comment:
Need noise barrier, child-protection, speed control.

Response:
SCDOT will make every effort to avoid and/or minimize impacts, including noise and safety impacts, where feasible. Your comments requesting a noise barrier, child-protection, and speed control have been recorded and will be carefully considered by the SCDOT. Your input will assist the SCDOT in evaluating the proposed build alternatives further in a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS). Over the next couple of months, the project team will be modeling traffic volumes, performing fieldwork to assess impacts on natural resources, and collecting data in order to assess the potential adverse and beneficial effects of the build alternatives and a no-build alternative. The findings from this fieldwork and analysis will be documented in detail in technical studies and in the DEIS, which is projected to be released for public review in the spring of 2020.


Comment:
I am aggravated by how long this has taken. I don't care what you do, just get on with it. The red and blue corridors would affect my property. I have been waiting to sell my house since 2010 - almost 10 years. I need to move for health reasons but cannot sell if a road is coming through. I don't know what to do.

Response:
Your concerns regarding the project timeline have been recorded and will be considered by the SCDOT. The project is moving ahead and SCDOT is in the process of evaluating the proposed build alternatives further in a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS). Over the next couple of months, the project team will be modeling traffic volumes, performing fieldwork to assess impacts on natural resources, and collecting data in order to assess the potential adverse and beneficial effects of the build alternatives and a no-build alternative. The findings from this fieldwork and analysis will be documented in detail in technical studies and in the DEIS, which is projected to be released for public review in the spring of 2020.

In response to your concerns about the potential impacts to your property, SCDOT will make every effort to avoid and/or minimize impacts, including residential impacts, where feasible. In the event that it is necessary to acquire property, relocation assistance will be offered to you in compliance with the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970, as amended.


Comment:
Alternative N on the northeast side of the project is a NO, unless it connects directly to highways 341 (Bethune highway) and 15/34. The most viable and usable would be Alternative T or Alternative I to the south side of Bishopville and Alternative I and/or Alternative N to Highway 15 in the south. If Alternative I or Alternative N are cost prohibitive because of wetlands, then go for Alternative T to connect to highway 15. I think this would be the least desirable because of where it would connect to Highway 15 on SW side near cemetery and Broad Acres.

Comment:
Any improvement that would take garbage hauling trucks, turkey/chicken litter hauling trucks, stone/asphalt hauling trucks, logging trucks and numerous trucks trying to make a tight turn in middle of town is a positive.

Comment:
The odors are overwhelming from chicken/turkey litter trucks when they stop and park. There are horrible odors from these trucks and from numerous refuse/garbage trucks going to Lee County Landfill.

Comment:
Numerous times while sitting at the traffic light at the corner of highways 15 and 341 (Church St), I had to put vehicle in reverse and back up so tractor-trailers could make the turn. The tractor-trailers CANNOT make the turn safely without more room.

Comment:
The owners expressing concerns about the truck bypass taking customers away are rarely open for business.

Comment:
Don't bother installing a bike lane. It is NOT safe to ride a bicycle along any South Carolina highway. Too many inebriated and distracted drivers.

Comment:
The main concern that I have about building a truck bypass is maintaining the road. Lee County gets very little revenue from SCDOT to maintain roads already in existence. I am of the opinion that the truck bypass SHOULD be built to eliminate truck traffic through Bishopville and alleviate issues that I see every day. But, PLEASE provide the local DOT with resources to maintain the road!

Response:
Your input will assist the SCDOT in evaluating the proposed build alternatives further in a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS). Over the next couple of months, the project team will be modeling traffic volumes, performing fieldwork to assess impacts on natural resources, and collecting data in order to assess the potential adverse and beneficial effects of the build alternatives and a no-build alternative. The findings from this fieldwork and analysis will be documented in detail in technical studies and in the DEIS, which is projected to be released for public review in the spring of 2020.


Comment:
I do not object to the Truck Route. I do oppose the locations due to: (1) Safety - This route will greatly increase traffic which will have a negative impact on the schools and neighborhoods. There are two schools with the possibility of a third in the near future, as well as homes and farms. (2) Noise - Some families will have to relocate and leave the only home they have ever known. (3) Economics - Based on what happened to Lynchburg, Mayesville, and surrounding towns, Bishopville will become a ghost town.

Response:
Your comments about locations of the alternatives due to safety, noise, and economics have been recorded and will be carefully considered by the SCDOT. Your input will assist the SCDOT in evaluating the proposed build alternatives further in a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS). Over the next couple of months, the project team will be modeling traffic volumes, performing fieldwork to assess impacts on natural resources, and collecting data in order to assess the potential adverse and beneficial effects of the build alternatives and a no-build alternative. The findings from this fieldwork and analysis will be documented in detail in technical studies and in the DEIS, which is projected to be released for public review in the spring of 2020.

SCDOT will make every effort to avoid and/or minimize impacts, including noise impacts and impacts on schools and neighborhoods, where feasible. In the event that it is necessary to acquire property, relocation assistance will be available in compliance with the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970, as amended. Ongoing traffic studies will determine the control warranted at proposed intersections.


Comment:
My primary concern is the number of students entering and exiting Lee Central Middle and High Schools. Please bear in mind the amount of bus traffic, students, driving to and from school and cars transporting students on a daily basis. Also, on visitation days at Lee Correctional Institution. I cannot recall any information being given as to the amount of traffic at these locations.

Comment:
It is most obvious that the east side of Bishopville is heavily burdened with truck traffic whether it is downtown or taking short cuts through residential areas, where there are no sidewalks and in some areas no room to walk facing oncoming traffic. A closer look at the western side of Bishopville does not have the traffic congestion, will be safer, financially feasible, less wetlands and certainly will not impact as many lives.

Comment:
I ask that SCDOT take a much closer look at the proposed routes and in good faith do what is right for everyone. Remember, you are holding the lives of many in the palm of your hand. I am speaking up because CHILDREN CANNOT.

Comment:
When will a study be generated using signs to direct truck traffic to use Exit 120 to Exit 123 to US 15 N? All traffic head to Highway 341 (Bethune Highway) your published "Alternative C."

Comment:
Please generate a map that shows Lee Central Middle School, Lee Central High School, and Lee Correctional Institution. Also include the total number of lives at each. In using information please show maps using Brownstown Road and Lee State Park roads that were built and designed for truck traffic. In using these roads, it will help save money and time.

Response:
Your comments regarding the burden the alternatives could place on the east side of Bishopville and your reminder to consider future impacts have been recorded and will be carefully considered by the SCDOT. SCDOT conducted a comprehensive alternative-screening process and identified build alternatives that are expected to meet the project purpose of reducing truck traffic downtown. Initial traffic-modeling indicated that alternatives on the west side of Bishopville would not address truck traffic downtown and are therefore no longer being considered.

The proposed build alternatives will be evaluated further in a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS). Over the next couple of months, the project team will be modeling traffic volumes, performing fieldwork to assess impacts on natural resources, and collecting data in order to assess the effects of the alternatives and a no-build alternative. The findings from this fieldwork and analysis will be documented in detail in the technical studies and in the DEIS, which is projected to be released for review in the spring of 2020.

The area you mentioned was not shown on the maps at the Public Information Meeting because it is outside the project area, but the community and economic impact assessment study areas have been expanded to include this area, and the project team will be assessing potential economic and community impacts in technical studies and in the DEIS.

As far as signs restricting trucks on certain roadways, that is a local ordinance issue. We encourage you to share your concerns and suggestions with your local elected officials.