Kevin Pruitt urges urgent repairs for dangerous Chapman Hill Valley Road bridge

In a tense moment at the City of Clemson Council meeting, residents voiced urgent concerns over the deteriorating condition of Chapman Hill Valley Road and its bridge, highlighting a recent near-tragic incident involving a local track athlete. Richard Kevin Pruitt, a resident of The Grange, shared a harrowing account of how his daughter narrowly escaped a serious accident when her tire blew out while driving on the road. The incident, which left her vehicle dangerously close to a 15-foot drop into a river, underscored the urgent need for repairs and safety measures.

Pruitt described the inadequate guardrails on the bridge, emphasizing that they are insufficient to prevent vehicles from plunging into the ravine below. He expressed his frustration that the road has been in disrepair for years, with potholes and structural issues that pose a significant risk to drivers. “Somebody is gonna get killed,” he warned, urging the council to prioritize the repairs before a tragedy occurs.

Another resident, who witnessed the aftermath of the incident, echoed Pruitt's concerns. He recounted how they found Pruitt's daughter standing by the road, shaken but unharmed, and reflected on how close she came to a horrific fate. He implored the council to take immediate action, noting that the city had been aware of the road's condition for some time, especially after the annexation of the area for development.

The testimonies from Pruitt and his neighbor painted a vivid picture of the dangers posed by the current state of Chapman Hill Valley Road. As the council members listened, it became clear that the community is rallying for swift action to ensure the safety of all who travel that route. The meeting concluded with a call for the council to address these pressing issues, as residents hope for a resolution that will prevent future accidents and safeguard their community.