Aiken’s Powderhouse Connector Project Takes Major Steps Forward
Good news, Aiken residents! The much-anticipated Powderhouse Connector project is moving closer to becoming a reality. This much-needed road improvement has been in the works for quite some time, with its initial proposal back in 2006. Imagine a smoother commute and less congestion in our lively city — that’s what the Connector is set to deliver!
What’s the Plan?
The Aiken City Council is gearing up to hold a meeting on Monday evening, where they will consider the first reading of an ordinance to annex city-owned property for the first phase of this project. If all goes well, this phase will create a new road connecting Powderhouse Road and Whiskey Road, just across from East Gate Drive. City Manager Stuart Bedenbaugh laid out these exciting details in a memorandum provided to the council ahead of the meeting.
Why Do We Need It?
Traffic in Aiken has been on the rise, and a recent 2022 traffic study revealed that Whiskey Road was operating at 17% over its capacity just north of the East Gate Drive intersection. The proposed Connector is expected to help alleviate this problem by providing an alternate route for motorists traveling from the Southside to East Pine Log Road, thereby bypassing some of the city’s busiest areas.
According to previous studies, once completed, the Connector could reduce traffic on Whiskey Road by as much as 24% — even with anticipated development along both phases of the project. This isn’t just about convenience; it’s about improving our community’s quality of life by easing traffic jams.
Funding the Connect
So, how will Aiken fund this ambitious project? A mix of local, state, and federal funds will back it. The city has already secured a substantial amount of money: $8 million from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, $21.3 million from the State Infrastructure Bank, and even more from Aiken County’s Capital Project Sales Tax and the Aiken County Transportation Committee. Plus, the city will pitch in with $500,000 of its own funds. That’s quite an impressive pot of money!
What’s Next?
If everything goes according to plan, the city will begin soliciting bids for construction after the Council approves the annexation on Monday night and again on November 12. The first phase, which involves the South Centennial Avenue Connector, is expected to take around 18 to 24 months to complete, while the full project may take up to five to six years to finish. It’s definitely a long road ahead, but the end result will be worth it!
City Council Meeting Details
The City Council meeting will kick off at 7 p.m. on the third floor of the Municipal Building located at 111 Chesterfield St. S.W.. Besides the Powderhouse Connector discussion, the agenda also includes amendments regarding other important issues like upgrading the water line along the South Centennial Connector, mosquito abatement grants, and housing developments. It’s a busy night for our city leaders!
Community Involvement
Before diving into the meeting, the council plans to hold a worksession at 5 p.m. to discuss a stabilization project in Woodside and plans for the city’s trees. It’s encouraging to know that our leaders are focusing on various aspects of community improvement.
There’s a lot happening in Aiken, and the Powderhouse Connector project is just one piece of the puzzle. As changes are made to improve our roads and community, let’s keep supporting our local government and getting involved in discussions that shape our beautiful city!
