FLORENCE, SC (WBTW) – The Pamplico Highway widening project is one step closer to becoming a reality
Florence County Council met Thursday morning and agreed on a $47.8 million bid to Palmetto Corporation of Conway.
The project is a part of the Florence County Forward Project and the Capital Sales Tax 1.
The first phase of the widening project will be between Claussen and Hyman Roads in Florence County.
Residents and businesses who will be impacted by the construction say it’s only fitting that Pamplico Highway have more than two lanes for traffic.
Michael Atkinson has lived on Pamplico Highway for more than 20 years. He says the road in front of his home is more like an interstate.
“I’ve seen a lot of wrecks right here, ya know where people pulling out. They come by my house sometimes running 70 miles per hour,” Atkinson said.
On a typical weekday Atkinson says cars are driving bumper to bumper.
The widening project is expected to take 10 feet of property from homeowners and businesses property.
The Lunch Box Stop sits feet away from Pamplico Highway.
Ron Gorman and his wife own The Lunch Box Stop. The restaurant sits feet away from the busy highway.They are hoping to open the restaurant next month despite the construction that will soon begin.
“We’ve been informed that it’s not going to take the building obviously. There is going to be room enough in front for a walkway,” mentioned owner of The Lunch Box Stop Ron Gorman.
The Highway 51 widening project is progress for Florence County and some say it may be worth the cost.
“More controlled traffic probably than it is with the two lanes…the four lane is going to help with the flow of traffic,” Gorman said.
According to Florence County Council Vice Chairman James Schofield, the bid will be granted in November to Palmetto Corporation of Conway and construction will start in 30 to 45 days.
