News Summary
York County is set to transform its infrastructure with an investment of over $400 million in road construction projects under the Pennies for Progress program. Voters approved a hefty $410.7 million in November 2023, generating funds for vital road work. Major projects include widening S.C. 160 in Fort Mill and S.C. 557 in Lake Wylie. An additional $80 million will be designated for repaving nearly 80 miles of roads. The initiative received strong community support, ensuring smoother and safer commutes for residents.
Big Changes Ahead in York County: Over $400 Million in Road Construction Projects Underway!
Attention, York County residents! Exciting news is coming your way, and it looks like our roads are about to get a much-needed makeover. With an impressive investment of over $400 million, York County is kicking off a series of road construction projects, all thanks to the popular Pennies for Progress program! This initiative involves a 1-cent sales tax that has been dedicated to road work since it was given a thumbs-up by voters back in 1997.
The Power of Pennies
You might be wondering where all this money is coming from? The answer is simple! Every seven years, new project lists are rolled out, and in November 2023, York County voters rallied behind the fifth Pennies campaign, approving a whopping $410.7 million. It’s fantastic to see our community coming together to support such critical infrastructure improvements!
What’s in Store?
So, what can we expect from these extensive projects? Patrick Hamilton, the program director for Pennies, has been busy updating residents on both ongoing and future works. Here are a few major projects that are already making headway:
- S.C. 160 East in Fort Mill: A significant widening project is taking place, extending it to three lanes from Springfield Parkway to the Lancaster County line. This project is on track for completion this summer and is expected to cost around $11.8 million.
- Riverview Road in Rock Hill: The installation of curbs and sidewalks is nearing completion. As part of this project, the road will be widened from Eden Terrace to Celanese Road, with an estimated completion date set for this year. The total cost? About $25.2 million.
- U.S. 21 and S.C. 51 in Fort Mill: This mighty project is making strides with clearing already finished and utilities being relocated. The plan is to widen the highways from Springfield Parkway to the North Carolina state line, all for a price tag of $85 million. The work is expected to wrap up this year, making a big impact on traffic flow.
- S.C. 557 in Lake Wylie: Residents will soon see five new lanes being created from Kingsburry Road to S.C. 49, along with a brand-new bridge. The bridge deck is slated for pouring in early 2024, with a total project cost of $60.1 million, expected to be completed next year.
- S.C. 72: This widening initiative is set to realign Rawlsville Road and accommodate a mixture of three- to five-lane modifications. Currently, utilities relocation is in progress, and the complete work is anticipated to be finished next year at a cost of $40.8 million.
Repaving Roads Across the County
But that’s not all! An incredible $80 million is designated for repaving almost 80 miles of roadways throughout York County. Construction bids for the resurfacing work will kick off in spring, giving crews the green light to start in the summer. Many local drivers are sure to appreciate smoother rides on these newly resurfaced roads!
Early Progress and Financial Plans
To speed up the process, York County Council has approved a $20 million loan to jump-start some of that early work, which will be repaid using future tax revenues. However, it’s worth noting that the first revenue from these tax collections won’t be accessible until October, so a little patience might be needed.
A Community-Driven Initiative
While some counties across the state saw their capital sales tax initiatives getting declined last November, York County had a remarkable voter approval rate of 71%, reaffirming the community’s commitment to better roads. More than half of the new funds will cater to carryover projects that saw delays due to pandemic-related cost hikes.
Stay Informed!
Curious to learn more about all the exciting changes coming to York County? Detailed information on upcoming projects is readily available at penniesforprogress.net. Get ready to hit those freshly paved roads and enjoy a smoother drive!
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Additional Resources
- Herald Online: Local News
- Wikipedia: Infrastructure in the United States
- ABC 27: PennDOT Roundabout Project
- Google Search: York County road construction projects
- York Daily Record: Route 30 Repairs
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Transportation in the United States
- Penn Live: Route 30 Closure Updates
- Google News: York County road repaving
- QC News: York County Road Closures