Monday, May 17

Highway 51 (Pamplico Hwy) Widening

I recently attended a Public Information meeting on the widening of SC Route 51 (Pamplico Highway). There were probably 150 citizens in attendence all wanting to know how their property would be affected. The proposed widening extends approximately twenty four miles from S-57 (Claussen Road) near Florence, to US 378 (East Myrtle Beach Highway) near S-225 (Sandpit Road).

The purpose of this meeting was not only to supply the public with as much detail as possible but SCDOT wants to hear what the public has to say. This preliminary design offers much conversation for the land owner. The best way to express your concerns is to fill out the provided comment sheet. SCDOT will take all of these comments into consideration to make the best choices for all involved.

The proposal will consist of four lanes instead of two with a 15-ft paved median/left-turn lane. There will be 10-ft shoulders with 2-ft being paved and the other 8-ft grassed.

The total estimated cost of this project is $151.5 million. This will be the fifth project to be funded through a combination of Local Option Sales Tax and State Transportation Infrastructure Bank funds.

I heard pros and cons regarding this widening. Some of you felt that this is a much needed project that will benefit the growth of Pamplico and others of you felt that Pamplico would lose it's quaint charm.

If this widening project affects you, how do you feel about it?

12 comments:

  1. After going thru this with I 73 in Marion, they say they want to hear from the owners , but you will soon find out that they are going to do what they want to do...Good luck owners!!!you will need it!!

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  2. Yes, anonymous, SCDOT will want to hear from anyone needing more information about the process. Our colleagues are easily assessable to the public. Check for emails online scdot.org or contact us so we can help.

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  3. when does the project begin?

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  4. question are you talking about extending the four lanes from the cross roads at howe springs,and claussen all the way out to 378???????

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  5. are you talking about extending the four lane at the cross roads where claussen meets Howe springs all the way through evergreen to 378???

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  6. how many feet is the state allowed to leave you for a front yard?

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  7. I have requested a SCDOT representative to respond to these great questions. Thank you for posting.

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  8. Via SCDOT: "We appreciate your comments and acknowledge the fact that, unfortunately, we are unable to fulfill all requests that are received as part of the public involvement process. However, please know that we will make every effort to minimize impacts to adjacent communities and the surrounding environment as much as possible. If you have any questions or would like to speak with someone directly, please contact Program Manager Michelle Shepherd at 803-737-4596, or via e-mail at jamesam@scdot.org."

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  9. Via SCDOT: "We are tentatively scheduled to begin construction of Section 1 in spring 2013. This portion of the project extends approximately 6.2 miles, from Claussen Road to Lebanon Road. A complete schedule breakdown of all four sections of the project is detailed in the attachment that was handed out at the public meeting on May 4, 2010. If you have anymore questions or would like to speak with someone directly, please contact Program Manager Michelle Shepherd at 803-737-4596, or via e-mail at jamesam@scdot.org."

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  10. Via SCDOT: "We are proposing to extend four travel lanes from Claussen Road near Florence, through Evergreen and Pamplico, all the way to US 378. However, the proposed footprint will be reduced through Evergreen and Pamplico, in order to minimize impacts to adjacent properties. A complete project description is detailed in the attachment that was handed out at the public meeting on May 4, 2010. If you have anymore questions or would like to speak with someone directly, please contact Program Manager Michelle Shepherd at 803-737-4596, or via e-mail at jamesam@scdot.org."

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  11. Via SCDOT: "There is no minimum amount of frontage required outside of the new right-of-way limits. Each tract will be appraised based on fair market values, and just compensation will be offered to individual property owners as part of the right-of-way negotiation process. Depending on the severity of the impact, relocation assistance may be offered. If you have anymore questions or would like to speak with someone directly, please contact Program Manager Michelle Shepherd at 803-737-4596, or via e-mail at jamesam@scdot.org."`

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  12. I saved a copy of the public handout provided by SCDOT here:

    http://tinyurl.com/25z84qp

    Please let us know if you need any further information.

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