Relocation of Utilities for HWY 246 Widening

Project Overview

This project will entail the relocation of the CPW owned fiber, natural gas, and water systems, with the water system being the most impacted. The Highway 246 and CSX Railroad corridors serve as the primary pathways from the Wise Water Treatment Plant to the Greenwood CPW water distribution system. There are large transmission mains conveying water through this corridor. The segment of the widening project from the Hwy 246 Overpass of the CSX Railroad to Highway 702 posing the greatest concern. In this 1.8 mile length of proposed roadway widening exist 1.8 miles of 30″ transmission water main, 1 mile of 16″ distribution water main, and 0.8 miles of 12″ distribution water main. All are located along or near the shoulders of Hwy 246. Additionally, approximately 4.5 miles of 6″ steel natural gas main is in the same corridor and continues along Hwy 246 to slightly past the intersection of Hwy 72/221 and Hwy 246, along with approximately one mile of fiber optic line from Puckett’s Ferry Road to Emerald Road.

With almost $12 million being funded from the 2016 CPST and an appropriation from the SC Transportation Infrastructure Bank of around $38 million, the Hwy 246 Widening project is ranked as the highest priority widening project on the Upper Savannah Council of Governments Long Range Transportation Plan 2020- 2040.

Greenwood CPW made significant investments in the water system and water treatment plant years ago in order to support and attract industry to this area. By supporting the required relocation efforts through the 2024 CPST, the cost to citizens, businesses and industries will be reduced greatly while benefitting Greenwood County as a whole with increased opportunities for industry recruitment, housing, etc.