Aiken Plans to Widen University Parkway
Aiken, South Carolina, is set to embark on a significant road improvement project that could have a big impact on the local traffic flow. The city has recently filed three condemnation lawsuits in pursuit of small pieces of land from three properties. This legal move is part of the plan to widen a portion of University Parkway to include a third lane. The specific section of University Parkway targeted for improvement runs from Medical Park Drive to Richland Avenue, which is crucial for drivers who frequent the area, especially those heading to Aiken Regional Medical Centers and USC Aiken.
Details of the Project
According to City Manager Stuart Bedenbaugh, the project is estimated to cost around $10 million. Aiken City Council and Aiken County officials will contribute $3 million each from one of the county’s Capital Project Sales Taxes, while the State Infrastructure Bank will cover the remaining costs. Bedenbaugh mentioned that this project has been in the works for some time. However, the timeline has been affected by prior issues on the road that required the attention of the South Carolina Department of Transportation.
Timeline and Next Steps
While Bedenbaugh did not provide a specific timeline for the project’s completion, he acknowledged the importance of this road improvement. The lawsuits filed on August 16 and 19 by local attorneys are necessary to acquire the land needed for the road widening. Property owners involved in the lawsuits will have 30 days to either accept the compensation for their land or dispute how much it is worth.
Bedenbaugh expressed his enthusiasm about the project, making it clear that it would enhance travel safety and alleviate congestion on one of Aiken’s busiest routes. With traffic steadily increasing, especially during peak hours, the addition of a third lane could be a welcome change for daily commuters and local residents alike. “It’s been on the books for a while,” he stated, emphasizing the long journey to reach this point.
Impact on the Community
The road improvement is expected to have a positive impact not only on drivers but also on local businesses that rely on foot and vehicle traffic. Aiken has been experiencing growth, and local officials believe that upgrading the infrastructure is essential to sustaining that growth and assuring public safety.
In addition to the planned improvements to University Parkway, there are other developments and considerations currently on the table for Aiken. City officials have mentioned the potential sale of a manufacturing plant and discussions surrounding local tax credits, all illustrating an active period for the area.
Conclusion
Overall, the widening of University Parkway is one of the many steps Aiken is taking to improve the community’s infrastructure and support its growth. While the project is still in its early stages, there is optimism in the city regarding its impact. As residents await further details about the project timeline and developments, the hope is that this enhancement will lead to smoother commutes and better safety for everyone on the road.
Local residents are encouraged to stay informed about the progress of this project and to participate in community discussions regarding the ongoing changes. As Aiken continues to grow, such improvements are critical in adapting to the changing needs of its population and visitors.
