COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) -- People living in a Columbia community are worried about increased traffic and confusion due to the permanent shutdown of the Bush River Road junction with I-26.
"This poses a risk to the community due to the wires stretching over the street and anyone simply passing through this area," stated Linda Turner, an Arrowood Road resident.
The shutting down of that junction is a component of the Carolina Crossroads initiative, which is a $2.8 billion scheme for enhancing roads.
This closure is merely one of numerous initiatives focused on tackling issues related to traffic, congestion, and safety.
Nevertheless, residents living on Arrowood Road, situated next to I-26, have expressed concern that there are insufficient signage along the streets to alert motorists about the new intersection being installed at Colonial Life Boulevard.
"They require a large blinking sign that reads 'go to Colonial Life to access the interstate,' " stated Turner.
Turner and some of her neighbors are concerned that Arrowood Drive is becoming more crowded as it keeps serving as a shortcut to Bush River Road. Additionally, it has become a turning spot for drivers who mistakenly head towards the blocked intersection.
Turner, who has resided in her house for the past 48 years, informed WIS that she has never witnessed such an abundance of vehicles before.
“They need a big flashing light that says go to Colonial life to get on the interstate,” said Turner.
Lawand Drive connects Arrowood to Bush River Road, it’s there that Turner said she has seen semi-trucks and larger vehicles drive the neighborhood road at high speeds or with a lack of attention to low-lying electrical wires.
Turner said she counted 23 semi trucks in one day driving through the area, including one that stopped and turned around when it realized it was going to hit the wires.
“Cars just fly around here, and it’s a survey, dangerous road; they need to do something about that, too,” said Turner.
Several other residents in the neighborhood voiced similar concerns and are hoping something can be done to keep drivers informed and minimize cut-throughs because of the closed intersection.
A spokesperson with SCDOT told WIS they have had a complaint about signage in the area and are reviewing what’s currently on display within the area.
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