Georgetown infrastructure project working to alleviate traffic congestion

GEORGETOWN COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD)–The population in Georgetown is booming, which means roadways are becoming more congested during rush hour. Still, county leaders are working to change that by improving the infrastructure.

Brick Chimney Road connects to Downtown Georgetown and the surrounding areas, making it an important access point for drivers in Georgetown. Around this time last year, crews finished the first phase of the improvement project, paving the road that was once dirt and adding two lanes along Browns Ferry Road.  

“The first phase of three phases that we anticipate happening in this part of the county is to improve an existing dirt road that we used to use, fully crossing the county and bypassing downtown Georgetown,” said Ray Funnye, the director of public services for Georgetown County.

Before the project, the road was a serious safety concern. There were no streetlights, and drivers had to navigate dangerous turns.

“We had so many accidents on this road because we had some bad turns and curves, and this was an opportunity for us to make the roadway safe for our users. I think the work that we’ve done has made a tremendous impact on safety,” said Funnye.

The second phase will focus on creating an alternate commute going to Conway. Officials said the primary focus for this project was to alleviate heavy traffic flow for residents in Georgetown and to make quicker pathways to surrounding areas. 

“The goal was again to be smart about developing this road so that we could not only have a route or alternate to make traffic better for the city of Georgetown, but like I said, again increased that connectivity and people that didn’t have to come through the city limits they would have a route to pick up one of the major routes which are 521 and 17 alternate,” said Jacob Mesmith, the manager of public works and construction services for Georgetown County.

Officials told News 2 that they were wrapping up the design plans for the second phase and planning to release information regarding the project soon.