COLUMBIA, S.C. – Traffic Woes in Blythewood Spark Changes to Roadwork Plans
This week in Blythewood, residents have been feeling a little frazzled thanks to some roadwork that has caused quite the traffic jam. As part of an ongoing resurfacing project, Blythewood Road has been reduced to just one lane, and folks are feeling the pinch during peak travel hours.
Richland County Councilman Derek Pugh shed light on the situation on Thursday, explaining that the construction was causing significant confusion and frustrating congestion on the roads. “This past week, we started resurfacing and widening Blythewood Road. It caused a lot of confusion and traffic congestion because the contractor was working during the peak hours of traffic,” he said.
Understandably, residents were not exactly thrilled about the unexpected delays. One local, Debby Reed, took to social media, expressing her dismay: “Who plans this crap? Is it purposely done to make us more miserable?” Another resident, Sharon Simons Wesley, couldn’t help but feel nostalgic for simpler times, saying, “I miss our small little town.”
Finding a Solution
Seeing the mounting frustration from the community, Pugh reached out to the contractor in hopes of resolving the issue. “I made a phone call and made a suggestion that we have them work in the evening, non-peak hours, in order just to not kill the quality of life,” he explained. Thankfully, this suggestion was taken to heart.
Richland County Public Works Director Mike Maloney confirmed that the decision to adjust the work hours will help ease some of the traffic woes. However, it’s not without a price. “There’s a little bit of a cost to having crews work at night. There are certain setups with lighting and night work is typically from 8:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. So, we only anticipate night work for one week,” Maloney noted. The revised work is expected to take place in the middle of November and should last about four working days.
Resources for Residents
If you’re a Blythewood resident experiencing challenges due to the construction, Maloney has a suggestion to help you out. He encourages local residents to contact the Ombudsman’s Office at (803) 929-6000. “Our Richland County Ombudsman’s Office is the best resource for just about anything you have going on in Richland County, where you have questions, or you want answers,” Maloney affirmed. Impressively, the Ombudsman’s Office receives over a thousand calls each month from the community.
What Lies Ahead
The entire Blythewood Road widening project is slated for completion in September 2025. So, while there may be some bumps along the way, local officials are doing their best to balance the demands of road improvements with the comfort of Blythewood’s residents.
In times like these, it’s essential for the community to stay informed and engaged. Whether it’s voicing your concerns or reaching out for assistance, the resources are there to help. Here’s hoping for smoother days ahead on Blythewood Road!
