Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Infrastructure topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
City outlines SCDOT projects, Jenkins Street delays and new mobile command post
Summary
City Administrator Tucker updated the Malden City Council on SCDOT project timetables, a gas-line delay affecting Jenkins Street, the state’s new hands-free driving law, and a $500,000 grant-funded mobile command post vehicle.
At the Aug. 18 Malden City Council meeting city staff provided several operational updates affecting transportation, public safety and construction timelines.
City Administrator Tucker said South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) plans to let the Building a Better Butler project in December; the work is expected to include stormwater improvements, resurfacing, intersection upgrades and a multipurpose trail from city center to city park. SCDOT estimates the project could take up to 24 months to complete.
Tucker also reported that Jenkins Street streetscaping has been delayed while Piedmont Natural Gas relocates a gas line along Highway 276; the utility work was expected this week and to take approximately five days. Once the relocation is complete, the city’s contractor will upgrade a stormwater line crossing 276 at Jenkins Street and staff anticipate the remainder of the Jenkins Street work to finish in roughly 60 days.
On traffic safety, Tucker reminded the council that South Carolina’s hands-free driving law takes effect Sept. 1. He said there is an initial 180-day grace period during which law enforcement will issue warnings; after March 1, 2026, penalties will apply: a first offense carries a $100 fine plus court costs (about $232 total), and a second offense carries a $200 fine plus court costs (about $440) and two license points, according to the city’s summary.
Public-safety staff displayed the city’s new mobile command post vehicle and said the unit — built in Indiana — was funded by a $500,000 grant from the South Carolina Department of Public Safety. Councilmembers acknowledged the grant and thanked local legislators who assisted in securing it.
Tucker also reminded the public of a rescheduled National Night Out on Sept. 20 and that the annual barbecue festival will take place in mid-September.
