Director Maloney details Broad River Corridor neighborhood improvement and safety projects

The Monthly Transportation Penny Advisory Committee Meeting held on April 21, 2025, in Richland County, South Carolina, focused on several key transportation projects aimed at improving local infrastructure and safety. Director Maloney provided an update on various initiatives, including the Broad River Corridor neighborhood improvement plan, which is currently in the right-of-way acquisition phase. This plan includes the construction of sidewalks on Hunt Club Road and Brookfield Road, enhancing pedestrian safety in the area.

A significant aspect of the meeting was the discussion on project planning for road improvements and intersection enhancements. The committee is looking to hire consultants to assist in preparing a comprehensive project plan that will include detailed analyses of accident reports, project descriptions, and visual aids such as maps and photos. This effort aims to prioritize safety and accessibility, particularly for bike and pedestrian projects, which will also be evaluated for their connection to schools and shopping areas.

The committee highlighted the importance of scoring projects in the upcoming 2024 needs assessment. This assessment will help identify critical areas requiring attention and funding. Reginald Simmons from the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) has offered assistance in identifying funding opportunities, which could be crucial for economic development and blight elimination efforts in the county.

During the meeting, questions arose regarding the design process for dirt road paving projects. Director Maloney explained that preliminary engineering is necessary to determine the right-of-way needed for paving, especially when obstacles like buildings or trees are present. If a dirt road is deemed unfeasible for paving, the committee will follow the appropriate process to eliminate it from consideration.

The meeting concluded with a quorum established, allowing for further discussions on the outlined projects and their implications for the community. As Richland County moves forward with these initiatives, the focus remains on enhancing transportation safety and accessibility for all residents.