Public invited to offer input on transportation

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By Stan Welch

Powdersville – The public is invited to attend a workshop on Thursday, February 2, 2012, to offer input and hear other suggestions for transportation enhancement projects in the area. The meeting will focus on identifying possible federal Transportation Enhancement Funding eligible projects that the county can pursue through the Greenville-Pickens Area Transportation Study (GPATS) for the Powdersville community.

At a public information meeting held on October 27 at the Powdersville Library, the discussion centered on restricted turning access on some stretches of the highway; while also exploring the use of frontage roads and other access devices to provide easier access between businesses, while removing some of the traffic load from Highway 153.

Anderson County roads and bridges director Holt Hopkins credits prior public involvement through the community process as having led to more than one positive development. The decision by SCDOT to install a traffic light at the intersection of Rowe Road and Three Bridges Road was a direct result of public involvement, and of the DOT’s willingness to listen to the public concerns.

Another example is the intersection of Rowe Road and Hood Road just below the new high school. DOT had delayed the study until the new school opened to have the latest information. As a result, a four way stop was put in there last week. It just shows that people can have an impact, and that agencies can act in response to those needs.”

The public meeting scheduled for February 2, from 6 p.m. till 8 p.m., is designed to get input from the public about possible uses for a $200,000 grant expected to be available in 2015. The enhancement funds are limited to certain types of projects, which will be discussed at the February meeting. The meeting will be held at the Powdersville Library.