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Richland County outlines major road, right-of-way and greenway projects; Penny 2 timing undecided
Summary
Director Michael Maloney told TPAC the county has multiple road widening, signal and right-of-way acquisition efforts underway and that launching projects tied to a successor “penny” will depend on County Council and financing decisions; some work is expected through 2025 and beyond.
Director Michael Maloney, Richland County transportation director, told the Transportation Public Advisory Committee during its December meeting that several road widenings, right-of-way acquisition efforts and greenway projects are moving forward and provided timelines for construction, bidding and land purchases.
Maloney said projects authorized to enter right-of-way acquisition include Spears Creek Church Road, Pine View Road and the Broad River corridor, and that Bridal (Broad) River Road negotiators have contacted property owners. “We have over 70 property owners or 70 properties that have accepted offers with 56 paid,” Maloney said. He added that water‑main easement documents for Broad River Road are approved by City of Columbia Water and that Norfolk Southern and CSX are reviewing railroad agreements needed for some projects.
The county plans several near-term construction and procurement steps. Maloney said traffic signals will be installed early at Pine View Road and American Italian Way and at Broad River Road and Farming Creek Road; Atlas Road utility relocation clearing begins Dec. 18 with a groundbreaking ceremony planned; Perceval Road sidewalk construction begins in January; and portions of Blythewood Road widening are scheduled for completion between July and September 2025. Sunset Drive sidewalk work is under construction and includes deep storm sewer and reinforced concrete retaining walls, with completion expected in spring–summer 2025.
Why it matters: these projects affect traffic flow, safety and future development across multiple Richland County neighborhoods and require coordination with external utilities, railroads and the city.
Maloney described work at different project stages: projects in design (Shop Road extension phase 2), projects in bidding and several in construction (including dirt road packages and paving in District 1). He said the county has implemented systems to track incoming right-of-way acquisitions and that some earlier projects from a 2012 needs assessment are being re-evaluated for launch.
On funding and sequencing, Maloney said the ability to begin projects tied to a successor sales-tax program (“penny 2”) will depend on County Council decisions and financing. “That ability to do that would depend on Richland County Council,” he said, adding that some projects could be launched before new revenue collection begins if the council authorizes bond financing. Maloney also said revenue collection for the current penny is projected to end and shift to Penny 2 in December 2026.
Maloney noted timing uncertainty for individual projects: some work could extend to 2028–2029 depending on scope and funding. He told TPAC staff will share a list of 2012 projects and their status with the committee and continue internal coordination with planning, economic development and SCDOT as needed.
Maloney also said the county plans to seek staff augmentation contracts (May timeline) that could include consultants with expertise in bike facilities and greenways based on recent work such as Saluda River Phase 2.
Meeting attendees asked for an updated list of projects and any changes to the sequencing. Maloney said he would provide that list to TPAC so members can track which projects are prioritized for launch.
The county did not report any formal votes or actions on these projects during the meeting; the discussion was informational and focused on status updates, coordination needs and timing.
Supportive details: Maloney reported that Bridal (Broad) River Road acquisiton has appraisals complete; about 50 water‑main easements were required on Broad River; some railroad approvals are complete from Norfolk Southern while CSX review is ongoing; Pine View Road at American Italian Way will receive permanent signals; construction clearing for Atlas Road begins Dec. 18.
Next steps: staff will share the 2012 projects list and provide updates to TPAC; council decisions and bond authorizations will affect the pace at which Penny 2 projects can begin.
