Richland County staff update committee on road design, right-of-way acquisitions and dirt-road paving plan

Richland County transportation staff presented a monthly project update to the Transportation and Health Committee, outlining design work on Shop Road extension Phase 2, ongoing right-of-way acquisitions on Pine View and Broad River roads, bidding for traffic signals, the county's dirt-road paving program and the multi-year Atlas Road utilities and construction work.

The update, delivered by county staff member Mr. Brown and Director Maloney, covered projects at every phase from early design to closeout and highlighted recent changes in the past 30 days. "I'll go through the project update and hit on the things that have changed in the last 30 days," Mr. Brown said as he opened the presentation.

Why it matters: the projects affect multiple council districts, street access for residents and timing for large corridor improvements that may require right-of-way payments and utility relocations. Committee members raised equity concerns about how paving and resurfacing work is distributed across districts and sought clarity on project schedules.

Key developments

- Shop Road extension Phase 2: Preliminary design will move toward a public meeting for the affected neighborhood. Staff said the design phase is expected to be part of a multi-year process that typically spans about three years from design into construction.

- Pine View Road and Broad River Road right-of-way acquisition: Staff reported active right-of-way acquisition and that payments are being processed. The presenter said "we have 56 paid on Broad River Road" and that additional properties have accepted offers, though the exact accepted-offer total was not specified in the meeting record. Staff noted they have implemented new tracking processes with the accounts payable office to manage approvals and payments.

- Traffic signals and bidding: There is an opportunity to advance traffic signal procurement for two locations (one at Broad River Road tied to a bridge decking project and one on Pine View Road near American Italian Way). DOT has approved the plans and the signals are in the procurement/bidding stage.

- Smith Rocky Branch/Greenway trail: Plans approved by Norfolk Southern are under initial review by CSX; staff said CSX typically follows Norfolk Southern once the first railroad approves. Land acquisition for the trail is beginning.

- Dirt-road paving program and "package U": Staff described a prorated approach to accelerate paving in areas that have lagged behind other council districts. The packet lists many projects concentrated in District 10 because that district has fallen behind the county average. Councilmember Weaver highlighted conditions in District 6, saying some roads "need an all-terrain vehicle to get down," and asked how additional district roads could be added to future packages. Staff said the current list reflects a scaled-back package to match available resurfacing funds and estimated the next bid package in the roughly $2.5 million to $3 million range, with approximately $5 million to $6 million remaining in available resurfacing funds (figures presented as staff estimates).

- Sunset Drive sidewalk and closures: The packet lists a completion date of spring 2025 for the Sunset Drive sidewalk. When asked whether the road would be closed from Main to the work area, Director Maloney replied, "Yes, sir. It will be. It will be." The committee did not adopt any formal closure order during the meeting; this was provided as project schedule information.

- Sarah Matthews Road: Paving is held until a steep private access issue is resolved; staff said a landowner has signed permission to extend access, and pavers are expected to return once the private access solution is in place. Staff estimated completion could be by the end of January, subject to that private-access work.

- Atlas Road Phase 1A: Utility relocation and clearing begin the week of the meeting; staff described this as a multi-year construction effort that will include sewer and water installation along the corridor and aligns with a December 19 groundbreaking.

- Completed projects and closeouts: Alpine Road sidewalk and resurfacing are complete pending closeout documentation; a ribbon-cutting was scheduled for December 18 at 10:30 a.m.

- Reporting and lists: The packet included the quarterly report, a list of Penny 2 projects (the staffing note explained that some projects had been cut previously for reasons such as fees), a feasibility list of dirt roads that will not be paved for technical reasons, and district quarterly reports showing completed miles and projects.

What the committee asked staff to do

Committee members asked staff to circulate more detail about a city-requested change on Croson (Croson/"Gross and Road" in the packet) tied to Gills Creek Watershed Association restrictions; staff said they would follow up with the council member representing that area. Councilmembers also requested the county continue to explore adding additional District 6 roads to future packages and for staff to share the full packet and details with council offices.

No formal committee action was taken on the projects during the meeting; staff concluded the update and took questions from members before moving to the next agenda item.

Ending

Staff summarized that design, right-of-way acquisition and bidding continue across multiple corridors and that certain projects depend on approvals from external parties (railroads, DOT, private landowners). Committee members asked for more detail by email and for follow-up on district-level prioritization.