Greenwood, SC, September 5, 2025
News Summary
The Greenwood County Council convened to discuss urgent infrastructure improvements, focusing on road expansions, public safety enhancements, and maintenance strategies. Plans have been approved to widen Highway 246, with construction set to begin in late 2027. The council also addressed bridge repairs, potential road fee increases, and community input on safety initiatives, highlighting the pressing need for improved local infrastructure to meet rising demands.
Greenwood County Council Discusses Road Improvements and Public Safety Measures Amid Rising Infrastructure Needs
Greenwood, SC – The Greenwood County Council convened to address urgent infrastructure needs, including plans for significant road expansions, public safety enhancements, and road maintenance strategies, as the community grapples with rising infrastructure demands. The council’s discussions, held recently, underscored the critical state of local roadways and facilities in light of increasing traffic incidents and aging infrastructure.
In a proactive move, the council approved plans to widen sections of Highway 246, transforming the road from U.S. 221 to Emerald Road from two lanes to five lanes, and from Emerald Road to S.C. Highway 702 from two lanes to three lanes. Construction for these extensive projects is scheduled to commence in late 2027.
Current Road Maintenance and Funding Needs
Greenwood County is responsible for maintaining just over a quarter of its 1,269 miles of roads. The bulk of roads are under the management of the state or private entities. A pressing concern was raised regarding the condition of many county bridges, some of which have aged 40-70 years and are in dire need of repairs estimated to cost around $13.8 million. Current budget allocations through the 2024 Capital Project Sales Tax provide $4.75 million for bridge replacement efforts.
The county currently oversees 329 miles of roads and maintains 11 bridges, with nine of them requiring significant repair. Public Works Director Rob Russian highlighted the necessity for increased revenue to sustain road maintenance, which is complicated by current staffing shortages and budget constraints.
Proposed Road Fee Increases
The council is considering a proposal to increase the annual vehicle road fee from $26 to $76, a hike of 192%. This change aims to help maintain existing roadways and potentially incorporate nearly 120 miles of private roads into the county’s maintained system. The current fee generates approximately $1.57 million annually.
Other Key Developments
In addition to road discussions, the council approved a second reading to rezone 40.69 acres at 410 Little Mountain Road from agricultural to single-family residential, paving the way for a development of 118 to 139 homes designed to include cluster-style homes and green spaces.
The Park Plaza renovation project is progressing on schedule, with asbestos removal on the top and middle floors completed and interior framing expected to start soon. Furthermore, the council allocated funds for the installation of 37 security cameras at the Greenwood County Recreation Complex, utilizing a leftover balance from a previous Capital Project Sales Tax.
In response to increasing flooding issues, council members were urged to act on recommendations from the 2025 Greenwood County Watershed Study. A meeting will soon be scheduled to prioritize these projects and their funding.
Public Input and Safety Initiatives
Highlighting the need for enhanced safety, Greenwood County officials are seeking public input on initiatives to improve traffic safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers. Since 2017, 101 traffic-related fatalities have occurred in the county, prompting the call for community engagement through an online survey and mapping tool.
Finally, residents were informed of a temporary road closure on Bypass 25 between Sample Road and Emerald Road due to icy conditions caused by a busted water line.
Contact Information
For further inquiries, contact Renee Ortiz at 864-943-5643 or follow on Twitter @By_ReneeOrtiz.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the major road improvements discussed by Greenwood County Council?
The council is planning to widen Highway 246 from U.S. 221 to Emerald Road from two to five lanes, and from Emerald Road to S.C. Highway 702 from two to three lanes, with construction expected to begin in late 2027.
What is the current status of road and bridge maintenance in Greenwood County?
Greenwood County maintains 329 miles of roads and oversees 11 bridges, nine of which require significant repairs, with costs estimated at $13.8 million.
How will the proposed road fee increase affect residents?
The council is considering increasing the vehicle road fee from $26 to $76 annually to generate additional revenue for road maintenance.
What initiatives are in place to improve public safety?
The county is seeking public input on safety initiatives through an online survey and mapping tool to address traffic safety for all types of road users, in light of the 101 fatalities since 2017.
Key Features Summary
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Highway Improvements | Widening Highway 246 from U.S. 221 to Emerald Road (2 to 5 lanes) and from Emerald Road to S.C. Highway 702 (2 to 3 lanes). |
| Road Maintenance | County maintains 329 miles; 11 bridges, 9 need repair. Proposed funding of $13.8 million. |
| Fee Increases | Proposal to increase vehicle road fee from $26 to $76 to support road maintenance initiatives. |
| Public Safety | Public input sought through survey for safe streets initiatives; over 100 traffic fatalities since 2017. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Jefferson City Prioritizes Housing Development for Growth
South Carolina Data Center Growth Raises Environmental Concerns
Lander University Achieves Highest Enrollment in History
Minor Earthquake Recorded in Greenwood County
Greenwood County Faces Surge in Earthquake Activity
South Carolina Sees Surge in Electric Vehicle Sales
Unusual Earthquake Swarm Recorded in Greenwood County
Greenwood County, South Carolina Hit by Series of Small Earthquakes
Greenwood County, SC Experiences Series of Earthquakes
Greenwood County Launches New Technical Innovation Center
Additional Resources
- Index Journal: By the Numbers – Greenwood County Roads and Bridges
- Fox Carolina: Greenwood Co. Officials Seek Public Input on Road Safety Project
- The State: Greenwood County Traffic News
- Wikipedia: Road Safety
- Google Search: Greenwood County roads
Author: HERE Greenwood
The GREENWOOD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGreenwood.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Greenwood, Greenwood County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Festival of Flowers, Greenwood Community Theatre performances, and agricultural showcases at the Greenwood County Fairgrounds. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greenwood Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Greenwood United Ministry, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as FujiFilm Manufacturing and Self Regional Healthcare. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
