FLORENCE COUNTY, SC (WBTW) – Heavy rains hit the Pee Dee this weekend, and many people who live in Florence County say they’re having problems with dirt roads once again.
However, the problems with these roads aren’t because of the recent flooding. In fact, many say it’s something they’ve been dealing with for years.
If you drive down Hawkins Landing Road in Effingham, it’s going to be a bumpy ride.
Al Timmons lives on the dirt road and says he’s fed up.
“It’s getting old,” said Timmons.
Timmons says he reached out to Florence County Public Works, but they continue to put clay down which, he says, only makes things worse after it rains.
“That’s what it turned into (pointing at the road), basically a big mud pit,” said Timmons.
The ruts on Hawkins Landing Road are more than a foot deep in some places. It’s the only way in and out for some residents, and it’s causing a huge problem for drivers.
Reggie Baxley with Florence County Public Works says he’s using all he has.
“I have dirt from the pit. I have sand clay and I have sand. The other stuff has to be approved by council, and I use what I’m given to use,” said Baxley.
That’s why Timmons decided to take his questions to councilman Mitchell Kirby.
Timmons says he contacted Kirby multiple times and got no response.
“We are tired of having to deal with this and pay taxes and nothing ever get done,” said Timmons.
News 13 reached out to Councilman Kirby, and he did respond.
Kirby says he’ll look into fixing Hawkins Landing Road.
Meanwhile, nearby Meadow Prong Road will get paved as part of a voter-approved penny sales tax.
“They say ‘Oh, look at our pennies at work’, but I don’t see it. I mean, if this is our pennies at work, then I’d rather not give the pennies,” said Timmons.
Councilman Kirby says they are having to prioritize the roads because there are several in the county that need to be fixed but not enough funding.
As for the next move on Meadow Prong Road, Kirby says they’re hoping to begin construction this March.
Count on News 13 to keep you updated on those repairs.
