Riverview Road Closure Set to Improve Traffic Flow in Rock Hill
In Rock Hill, residents and commuters are in for a bit of a change starting this month, as a significant section of Riverview Road will be closed for road widening operations. The South Carolina Department of Transportation has announced that the closure began on September 16 and is expected to last until October 28.
What’s Happening?
This closure is part of a larger effort by York County to enhance roadways around one of the area’s busiest intersections – where Riverview Road connects with Cherry and Celanese roads. This junction isn’t just busy by chance; it’s right at the heart of a heavily trafficked interchange on Interstate 77. The upcoming changes aim to alleviate the congestion that many have likely experienced at this spot, especially during peak travel hours.
Future Plans for the Area
While this particular closure is focused on Riverview Road, it’s worth noting that there are even bigger plans in the works. State and local road officials mentioned a project that could cost up to $200 million, targeting the interstate in this area. These efforts are critical, especially considering the growth and traffic demands in the region.
The Role of Pennies for Progress
The widening work on Riverview Road is part of the Pennies for Progress initiative, a voter-approved 1-cent sales tax dedicated to improving roads within the county. Since its inception, York County voters have shown their support by passing four different Pennies campaigns since 1997. The most recent referendum, which will appear on the ballot this fall, will continue the program, showing how invested the community is in resolving transportation challenges.
An earlier referendum in 2011 allocated $7.9 million specifically for the widening of Riverview. Fast forward to now, and the project’s estimated cost has soared to $25.2 million, reflecting the steep climb in construction costs that has been noticed particularly since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
What About Traffic During This Closure?
For those who depend on Riverview Road for their daily travels, the good news is that there’s a well-marked detour in place. The detour is approximately half a mile long and utilizes both Cherry and Celanese roads, allowing travel under the interstate twice. This should help keep traffic flowing, at least to some extent, as roads are rerouted around the construction area.
Business Access Remains Uninterrupted
One question on many minds might be how this closure will affect local businesses. The state transportation department has assured everyone that while Riverview will be closed to regular traffic, access to nearby businesses will not be impacted. This section of Riverview is home to a mix of amenities, including three hotels, two restaurants, and two gas stations, all of which will remain reachable during the construction period. Additionally, it connects to Riverchase Boulevard and Ame Lane, where even more businesses await patronage.
Looking Ahead
As Rock Hill continues to grow, projects like the widening of Riverview Road are essential for keeping up with the demands of increasing traffic. While disruptions like road closures can be inconvenient, they often lead to better, more structured travel environments in the long run. Residents are encouraged to stay updated on the progress and plan their trips accordingly during this construction period.
The improvements planned for Riverview Road are a sign of the community’s commitment to enhancing local infrastructure. This is a positive step for Rock Hill’s future!
