News Summary
Greenville is enhancing its downtown area through significant roadway improvements and redevelopment projects. Key changes include a ‘road diet’ on Pendleton Street and resurfacing of South Main Street, aiming to improve safety and traffic flow. Coupled with the ambitious redevelopment of County Square, projected to be a billion-dollar investment, these initiatives seek to modernize urban spaces in Greenville. While funding remains a challenge, city officials are actively exploring solutions to support these critical infrastructure projects.
Greenville is currently undergoing significant roadway improvements and redevelopment projects that aim to enhance traffic flow and modernize urban spaces in the downtown area. These initiatives include crucial changes on Pendleton Street and South Main Street, both of which were announced on April 29 and have been reduced to one lane in each direction for repaving purposes.
The roadwork includes a “road diet” on Pendleton Street between South Main and Academy streets, a strategy designed to reduce vehicle lanes to improve safety and accommodate various transportation modes. The resurfacing of South Main Street from Falls Park to Pendleton Street will occur first, followed by the repaving of Pendleton from South Main to South Academy. In addition to these efforts, the intersection at Pendleton and Vardry streets is nearing the completion of its realignment.
All roadway improvement work is projected to be completed by May 10, aiming to minimize disruption and enhance travel safety for all users.
In a larger context, the redevelopment of County Square is also becoming a focal point in Greenville’s urban planning efforts. Spanning over 37 acres, this redevelopment is poised to be a billion-dollar investment that could take up to ten years to fully complete. The strategic location of County Square places it within walking distance of popular attractions such as Falls Park and Fluor Field, making it an ideal candidate for urban renewal projects.
City officials view County Square redevelopment as a pioneering initiative that will serve as a test bed for future urban design. The focus will be on integrating the new developments smoothly with the surrounding areas, contributing positively to the local landscape. However, a potential zoning change may be necessary to accommodate the development plans.
Funding for ongoing and future projects is also a pressing issue for the Greenville County Council. After a proposed 1% sales tax referendum to fund road improvements was rejected, the council is actively seeking alternative funding solutions. Member Ennis Fant is working on a proposal to repeal the $25 road maintenance fee on vehicles, a fee that generated approximately $12 million for road upkeep last year.
The council’s discussions include considerations for conducting a comprehensive audit of the county’s budget to identify potential areas where funds can be reallocated to support transportation projects. Additionally, dialogue continues regarding the possible imposition of impact fees on new developments, which could generate further resources for road improvements.
Furthermore, the South Carolina Department of Transportation recently held a public meeting to discuss improvements for Old Buncombe Road, a project that invites public comments through December 31. Local projects that have received funding from the state include enhancements along the Cultural Corridor, Wade Hampton Corridor improvements, and various city-wide initiatives aimed at improving pedestrian safety.
Other noteworthy projects in the pipeline include upgrades to the Queen Street Bridge, streetscape development on East North Street, and the undergrounding of utility lines on Augusta Street. The city has also earmarked $20 million from hospitality tax revenue for the construction of Unity Park while actively seeking additional private funding to enhance this community project.
The collective impact of these roadway improvements and redevelopment efforts underscores Greenville’s commitment to creating a more efficient and aesthetically pleasing urban environment. As projects progress, residents can anticipate a more accessible city landscape that promotes safety, convenience, and community engagement.
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Additional Resources
- Greenville Journal: Downtown Greenville Road Improvements
- Fox Carolina: City Update on Downtown Road Improvements
- WFMJ: PENNDOT Resumes $8M Greenville Road Improvement Project
- Independent Mail: Anderson County Roadway Improvements
- Fox Carolina: SCDOT Accepting Comments on Roadway Improvement Project
- Wikipedia: Greenville, South Carolina
- Google Search: Greenville road improvement projects
- Google Scholar: Greenville road improvement projects
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Greenville
- Google News: Greenville road improvement projects
