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COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - A major bridge replacement project on Two Notch Road that was scheduled to finish this year will now extend until summer 2027, according to the South Carolina Department of Transportation. The $25.7 million project involves replacing a 90-year-old bridge on US Highway 1 over the railroad near Fontaine Road. The construction has entered its third year, causing ongoing frustration for drivers and local businesses. “It seems like it will never be ended, this construction they are doing,” said Fatih Yildirim, who drives through the area regularly. Daily commuters say the extended timeline is testing their patience. The construction zone near the Richland County Sheriff’s Department features lane shifts, traffic cones and heavy machinery that create confusion and delays. “You know, if you’re in a rush, you know, you’re just gonna be late. But it’s highly annoying. Doesn’t seem like any progress is being made,” said Terrell Jenkins, who has road concerns. Some drivers question whether the project will meet even the extended deadline. “Honestly, I don’t even think it’s going to be finished by then either, the way they’re working. It may take a little bit longer because you have to factor in the weather, finance, and if they want to work or not,” said Pamela Bowen. SCDOT says traffic patterns are expected to change again next summer when cars will shift onto the new bridge and the second phase of construction will begin. Until then, drivers should expect reduced capacity along the corridor. “I feel confused, which lane is the right one to drive on,” Yildirim said. Businesses along Two Notch Road are also feeling the impact. Sharon Robinson, who has operated The Diva Hair Weaver salon for 30 years, has adjusted her hours and added signage to help customers navigate to her shop. “They need to hurry up, ok? They need to hurry up and fix the road so clients can come down,” Robinson said. She said some customers experience anxiety due to the construction environment. “They have anxiety, some of them say, because of all of the trucks and the construction,” Robinson said. SCDOT says the bridge needed to be reconstructed to meet modern safety standards. The department limits major lane closures to nighttime work. “That’s sort of insane. What are our tax dollars going to if not repairing our roads? Kinda crazy. Might need to go sit at a council meeting to see what we could do to expedite that a little bit,” Jenkins said. Have bad roads? Click here to send us a tip or contact “Road Ranger” Nick Neville directly at Nick.Neville@wistv.com. Feel more informed, prepared, and connected with WIS. For more free content like this, subscribe to our email newsletter, and download our apps. Have feedback that can help us improve? Click here.
