CHAPIN — The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) has scheduled a public hearing Tuesday, March 13, concerning the proposed widening of Interstate 26 from approximately 1.6 miles west of the SC 202 (Exit 85) interchange to near the US 176 (Exit 101) interchange.
The public hearing will be 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Chapin High School, 300 Columbia Avenue, Chapin.
The purpose of the hearing is to provide information and solicit feedback concerning the proposed widening of I-26 from the US 176 (Exit 101) interchange to approximately 1.6 miles west of the SC 202 (Exit 85) interchange. The purpose of this project is to increase capacity, improve safety and upgrade to current design standards. The project proposes to add capacity, improve various interchanges, improve exit ramps and replace overpass bridges. Another purpose of the hearing will be to gather information from the public or any interested organization on historic or cultural resources in the area.
From 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., the hearing format will be informal. Large aerial displays of the entire project will be available for viewing, and project team members from SCDOT will be present to discuss the project with interested citizens, on an individual basis.
At 6 p.m., SCDOT will make a brief, formal presentation about the project purpose and need, schedule, and potential natural and human impacts to the community. Immediately following the presentation, residents will have the option to make formal, verbal comments regarding the proposed project. Anyone who wishes to verbally comment must sign up between 5 p.m. and 5:55 p.m. when entering the public hearing. Each comment will be limited to two minutes and time may not be transferred. The informal portion of the public hearing will continue during this time.
Project details, including environmental documentation of the project’s effects, will be provided. Maps and conceptual drawings of the proposed improvements will be available, and citizens may ask questions and provide comments regarding the possible effects of the project. Property and business owners within or adjacent to the project area are urged to attend. Project information, including meeting materials and comment forms, will also be available on the SCDOT website: www.scdot.org/inside/i26-widening.aspx
Related maps or drawings, the environmental assessment, and other pertinent data will be available for public review at least 15 days prior to the public hearing at the SCDOT Headquarters Office, 955 Park Street, Columbia (803) 737-1861. In addition, the environmental assessment is located on the SCDOT website at www.scdot.org.
For more information, the public may contact SCDOT Program Manager Michael Hood at (803) 737-3485. Persons with disabilities who may require special accommodations should contact Betty Gray at (803) 737-1395.