Transportation director details Atlas Road extension, right‑of‑way work and upcoming Polo Road public meeting

Michael Moloney, Director of the county transportation program, gave a multi‑project construction and right‑of‑way update to the Transportation Planning Advisory Committee.

Moloney said Atlas Road Phase 1a is largely operational while remaining utility relocations continue; because some Phase 1b activities overlap, the substantial completion deadline for the combined work was extended to Sept. 14 to allow final coordination with utility relocation and remaining construction tasks. He described two railroad crossings and a major drainage crossing as areas of specific need for the Atlas work.

On Bridal River Road, Moloney said crews last week placed reinforcement for a concrete cap to protect a 54‑inch water main that will run longitudinally under the road for about 300 feet and that contractors are clearing areas for a detention basin.

Moloney said contractors expect a lull in June and plan to use the downtime to relocate old Dutch Fork Road and perform other activities in June–July; large‑diameter steel power poles for the corridor are scheduled to arrive in August. He reported that subsurface utility relocation on the Unclub Road (Decker Woodfield neighborhood improvement) uncovered conflicts between an existing water main and the design storm sewer and designers are adjusting plans to avoid the water main.

Moloney said the road package E that began construction in October 2025 is about 43% complete and that Adam Scott Road is paved. The Percival sidewalk underwent final inspection on March 24 and a punch list was created; staff are attempting to set a ribbon‑cutting date in June. Resurfacing package U is substantially complete and a final walkthrough is being scheduled. Saluda River Phase 2 Greenway boardwalk sections are mostly installed; staff coordinated with city park rangers about temporary closures and pedestrian safety to allow contractors to access north/south sides of bridges.

Asked about procurement and whether smaller contractors could bid only for concrete work, Moloney explained the county typically awards general contracts and subcontractors perform trade work under the general contractor; multi‑trade bidding approaches exist but can be complicated to administer. He listed multiple right‑of‑way acquisition projects (Bluff Road Improvement Phase 2, Broad River Corridor safety project, Crane Creek Greenway, Pineview Road widening, Spears Creek Church Road widening, and others) and said some items include condemnations.

Moloney reiterated that a public information meeting on Polo Road design is scheduled for May 26 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at North Presbyterian Church, 601 Polo Road. He described section‑by‑section design choices: some areas were descoped from full three‑lane widening to intersection improvements while other sections retain three‑lane segments because of turning movements; the project includes extending shared‑use paths, adding five‑foot bike lanes and sidewalks and adjusting curve geometry at Running Fox per DOT recommendations for improved sight distance.

A meeting participant identified as Lee suggested workarounds used in other jurisdictions to shorten crossings and avoid moving storm drainage, noted the city’s six‑foot bike‑lane standard and urged adding crosswalks and pedestrian refuges near the gas station area. Moloney agreed and said staff will review those types of design accommodations.

The committee did not vote on project actions during the meeting. Chair noted the group remained short of a quorum and adjourned; the next meeting is scheduled for June 15, 2026.