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Florence to start phased improvements at Attaway–Hunt intersection; short weekend closure expected
Summary
Town staff say phased work at the Attaway and Hunt Highway intersection will start around Feb. 17, adding turn lanes and limited closures; officials say a scaled plan cuts previously estimated costs and should be substantially complete before June.
The Town of Florence will begin phased construction at the Attaway and Hunt Highway intersection around Feb. 17 to add turn lanes and ease congestion, Mayor said on the town podcast. Public Works Director Andy Smith said the initial, larger design proved unaffordable and staff reworked the plan to deliver similar service in phases.
Smith said the immediate work will add right‑turn lanes from Attaway to Hunt and from Hunt to Attaway, plus a left‑turn from Hunt to Attaway as a first phase. "We can do for about 3 and a half to $4,000,000 with this project," Smith said, describing the scaled approach as a way to provide relief faster while preserving funds for other projects. Senior Engineer Lindsey Bridal framed the work as a first phase rather than a complete reconstruction.
Why it matters: Residents have long complained about congestion at the intersection, and nearby development increases traffic demand. Town officials said the phased plan aims to provide near‑term relief and to be compatible with later widening efforts.
Schedule and traffic effects: Staff told residents most work can be performed off‑site, the intersection will remain open during construction except for a single weekend closure of two days, and the phase is expected to be finished before June. The town has contracted Banneke Construction to carry out work and said the contractor is experienced with local festival traffic patterns.
Context on costs: Officials said rising prices for materials since 2020 drove earlier budgets well above original estimates. The mayor noted that an $8 million project estimate from prior planning grew in updated pricing discussions; staff said reworking the design reduced the immediate phase to about $3.5 million–$4 million.
Next steps: Staff will pursue additional funding and phase subsequent widening work later, including widening the corridor in front of the fire station toward Attaway. Public outreach and coordination with nearby festivals and county traffic control will continue as construction begins.
