Frustrations Rise Among Residents Over Traffic Congestion in Lexington
LEXINGTON, S.C. — If you’ve ever sat in traffic in Lexington, you’re definitely not alone! Residents across the county are sharing their everyday struggles with traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours. With schools and local businesses bustling, it seems like the roads can’t keep up. To tackle this ongoing issue, the Central Midlands Council of Governments hosted a public workshop on Wednesday evening, inviting community members to join the discussion.
Residents Speak Up
During the workshop, concerned residents had the opportunity to express their thoughts and ideas about the state of local roads. Burt Keeney, a resident who lives near River Bluff High School, shared, “This is every day, so my prayer and hopes are that they will get something done in this area.” Keeney isn’t just speaking for himself; many in the community feel this way, especially during the busier times of day.
Reginald Simmons, deputy of the Central Midlands Council of Governments, elaborated on the purpose of the meeting, stating, “We want to hear from the public and hear what they feel like their needs are, on top of what we have already identified.” This hands-on approach aims to get more insight directly from the folks who drive these roads every day.
Mapping Out Solutions
As part of the evening’s events, several maps were on display for residents to examine. Keeney took a close look at the map and noted, “We live in this area right here, Frye Road, and this says right here this is a serious injury crash zone, and I have literally seen the crashes in that one spot.” It emphasizes just how critical these discussions are, especially when safety is a concern.
He continued, “If you come between 3:30 PM and 5:30 PM, you’ll sit up on HWY 378 down to Frye right there at the high school. It will take you 20 minutes because it’s just bumper to bumper, and it’s like this every day.” Sounds all-too-familiar, right? Endless delays and frustration while commuting home or dropping the kids off at school are daily headaches many share.
Getting to Work on Solutions
Simmons discussed that prior research had already identified some areas needing improvement. In addition to the workshop feedback, focused studies on Corey Mill Road and SC 6 are being conducted, aiming to explore ways to alleviate traffic in those corridors. “We are doing a study on Corey Mill Road and looking at ways to try to improve that corridor. We are doing a study of SC 6, and so those are more focused studies; this is a more regional-based study.”
It’s evident that local authorities are committed to finding solutions, but it will take time and ongoing community input. If you’re feeling frustrated and couldn’t make it to the meeting, don’t fret! There’s still a chance to make your voice heard. Residents can fill out a survey that’s available on the council’s website. This feedback will help to shape the future of Lexington’s roadways, so your thoughts matter!
In Closing
As Lexington residents continue to share their experiences and concerns, the community’s collaborative efforts might just lead to smoother commutes and a safer driving environment for everyone. With the frequency of traffic gridlock being a daily reality, it’s a hopeful time for change in the area. So whether you drive, cycle, or walk, stay tuned for any upcoming improvements that could ease those dreaded traffic jams!
