A detailed project to improve traffic flow on North Springs Road in northeast Richland County is moving forward.
Crews working for Richland County Transportation will soon install traffic control signs at the intersection of North Springs and Harrington roads.
Construction will follow closely behind. This part of the project involves widening part of North Springs Road to add 150-foot left turn lanes in both the northbound and southbound directions. The new turn lanes will improve traffic flow and reduce congestion from motorists turning left onto Harrington Road and Patrick Drive in heavy traffic.
“This intersection improvement on North Springs Road will be a tremendous benefit to the motorists who travel this way twice a day. The increase in traffic and cars turning in and around this area has created significant backups at peak times,” District 9 Councilman Calvin “Chip” Jackson said.
An intersection on North Springs Road will be widened to include left turn lanes on both sides of the road for motorists turning onto Harrington Road and Patrick Drive.
Contractors will also widen part of Harrington Road to create longer turn lanes there, reducing traffic backup for drivers turning right onto North Springs Road.
An existing sidewalk, south of Harrington Road along North Springs Road, will be replaced. The new structure will be set farther from the road and added after road widening is complete. To further help pedestrians, another new, short section of sidewalk along Harrington Road will connect existing sidewalks.
"The improvements Richland County is making to this intersection are going to help keep traffic flowing on North Springs Road and make this area safer for both pedestrians and motorists," said District 8 Councilman Jim Manning.
Transportation officials warn motorists in the area to slow down and use caution during construction.
The intersection improvements are expected to be mostly complete by this fall.