News Summary
Aiken County officials have officially broken ground on Phase I of the Powderhouse Connector Project, aimed at reducing traffic congestion on Whiskey Road. The project, projected to decrease traffic by 18%, involves a total cost of approximately $14 million and is set to begin construction soon. The connector road will enhance traffic flow and accessibility in the area, benefiting local residents and visitors.
Aiken Kicks Off Phase I of Powderhouse Connector Project to Address Whiskey Road Traffic Congestion
Aiken County officials have officially broken ground on Phase I of the Powderhouse Connector Project on March 28, 2025, aiming to significantly reduce traffic congestion along Whiskey Road, which currently accommodates nearly 40,000 vehicles daily.
The new connector road is projected to decrease traffic on Whiskey Road by 18%, potentially eliminating around 8,000 cars from the busy thoroughfare each day. This construction is expected to improve both traffic flow and accessibility in the area.
The total cost of the project is approximately $14 million, which is divided into two phases. Phase I is set to begin construction on April 14, 2025, and is projected to take around 16 months to complete. Following Phase I, Phase II will be undertaken, with an estimated completion timeline of three years.
Project Details and Features
The Powderhouse Connector will create an ‘L’-shaped road that will link Whiskey Road with Corporate Parkway. It will feature a roundabout designed to facilitate smoother traffic flow, along with an intersection at East Gate Drive. Enhancements will also be made to Powderhouse Road near Old Powderhouse Road.
Funding and Planning Timeline
The Powderhouse Connector Project has been in planning for over 20 years. Initial discussions regarding the project began around 2006. Funding has been secured from various sources, totaling over $38 million. This includes $8 million from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and $21.3 million from the State Infrastructure Bank.
Traffic Background
Whiskey Road is currently the second-busiest road in Aiken County. Its high traffic volume is largely attributed to its proximity to numerous popular retail stores and restaurants, as well as its significance as a main commuting route for local residents. The implementation of the Powderhouse Connector aims to enhance the driving experience for both residents and visitors.
Community Involvement and Mixed Reactions
A public input meeting regarding Phase II of the project is scheduled for April 3, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Odell Weeks Activity Center. Local officials are eager to engage with the community during this session.
Residents have shared mixed feelings about the Powderhouse Connector. While many are optimistic about the anticipated reduction in traffic congestion, some are concerned that the project may lead to increased congestion in other areas as a result of redirected traffic.
Local Leadership Representation
The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by notable local officials, including S.C. Senator Tom Young Jr. and Aiken County Council Chairman Gary Bunker, emphasizing the significance of this infrastructure development for the local community.
As construction progresses, Aiken officials remain committed to updating the community and addressing any concerns that arise. The successful execution of the Powderhouse Connector is vital for alleviating current traffic issues and enhancing the overall transportation infrastructure in Aiken County.
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Additional Resources
- WFXG: Leaders Discuss Powderhouse Connector Project in Aiken
- Wikipedia: Powderhouse Connector Project
- WRDW: Powderhouse Connector Project Promises Traffic Alleviation
- Google Search: Powderhouse Connector Project
- Post and Courier: Aiken Powderhouse Connector Groundbreaking
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Traffic Congestion
- WFXG: Phase 1 Update on the Powderhouse Connector Project
- Google News: Powderhouse Connector Project
- WJBF: Groundbreaking in Aiken County for Powderhouse Connector Project
Author: STAFF HERE AIKEN
The AIKEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAiken.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Aiken, Aiken County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Aiken Horse Show, Aiken Bluegrass Festival, and polo matches at Whitney Field. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Aiken Chamber of Commerce and the Aiken County Historical Museum, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and tourism that power the local economy such as Bridgestone and the Aiken County Visitors Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
