Aiken, October 13, 2025
News Summary
Aiken city leaders have initiated the Powderhouse Connector Project, aimed at reducing traffic on Whiskey Road, which handles nearly 40,000 vehicles daily. The city expects the new connector will decrease traffic by 18%, alleviating congestion caused by local businesses. Funding for the $38 million project comes from various sources, with construction set to take 16 months for Phase I. Concurrently, options to honor fallen officers through naming roundabouts are being discussed. Public input for Phase II is encouraged at upcoming meetings.
Aiken city leaders have officially broken ground on the Powderhouse Connector Project, an initiative aimed at alleviating the heavy traffic on Whiskey Road, which sees nearly 40,000 cars daily. The city anticipates that this new connector will reduce traffic on Whiskey Road by 18%, effectively eliminating about 8,000 cars per day from that route.
Currently, Phases I and II of the project are fully funded, with Phase I already underway following a groundbreaking ceremony on March 28, 2025. The total construction cost for the project is estimated at over $38 million, with funding coming from multiple sources including $8 million from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, $21.3 million from the State Infrastructure Bank, and $7.6 million from Aiken County’s fourth Capital Project Sales Tax.
The Powderhouse Connector will connect Whiskey Road at the East Gate Drive/Oak Grove Road intersection with improved Powderhouse Road. This area has been declared the most traveled road in Aiken County, just after the highway. The connector is seen as a response to traffic patterns revealed in a 2022 traffic study that indicated Whiskey Road was operating 17% over its capacity.
In addition to addressing traffic congestion, city leaders are discussing ways to honor local fallen officers by considering naming two new roundabouts after officers Scotty Richardson and Sandy Rogers, both of whom were killed in the line of duty. A work session is scheduled for Monday at 5 p.m. to discuss the naming options.
As planning and construction move forward, Phase I is expected to take about 16 months to complete, while Phase II is projected to begin shortly before the first phase concludes, taking an additional 3 years to finish. Public input regarding Phase II will be solicited at a meeting on April 3 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Odell Weeks Activity Center.
The need for the Powderhouse Connector has been evident for over 20 years, with discussions about the project dating back that long. The heavy traffic on Whiskey Road is attributed to several popular stores and restaurants that draw both locals and visitors to the area, making effective traffic solutions critical for public safety and smoother commute experiences.
Funding Breakdown
- Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act: $8 million
- State Infrastructure Bank: $21.3 million
- Aiken County’s fourth Capital Project Sales Tax: $7.6 million
- Aiken County Transportation Committee: $621,000
- City’s budget: $500,000
Project Timeline
- Phase I: 16 months (began March 28, 2025)
- Phase II: 3 years (to begin before Phase I concludes)
Traffic Statistics
- Whiskey Road Traffic: Nearly 40,000 vehicles daily
- Projected reduction: 18% (approximately 8,000 vehicles)
- Traffic study 2022: Whiskey Road operating 17% over capacity
FAQ
What is the purpose of the Powderhouse Connector Project?
The Powderhouse Connector Project aims to alleviate traffic on Whiskey Road, which experiences nearly 40,000 cars daily. It is projected that the connector will reduce traffic on Whiskey Road by 18%, eliminating about 8,000 cars per day.
When did the groundbreaking for Phase I occur?
Groundbreaking for Phase I occurred on March 28, 2025.
How will the Powderhouse Connector be funded?
Funding sources include $8 million from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, $21.3 million from the State Infrastructure Bank, $7.6 million from Aiken County’s fourth Capital Project Sales Tax, and $621,000 from the Aiken County Transportation Committee, in addition to $500,000 from the city’s budget.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Cost | $38 million |
| Traffic Reduction | 18% (approximately 8,000 cars) |
| Construction Time (Phase I) | 16 months |
| Construction Time (Phase II) | 3 years |
| Funding Sources | 5 sources, totaling over $38 million |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Aiken Begins Phase I of Powderhouse Connector Project
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Additional Resources
- WJBF: Aiken Leaders to Discuss Name for New Powderhouse Connector
- Wikipedia: Traffic Congestion
- WRDW: Powderhouse Connector Project Promises Traffic Alleviation
- Google Search: Powderhouse Connector Project
- Post and Courier: Aiken Powderhouse Connector Groundbreaking
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Infrastructure
- WFXG: Leaders Discuss Powderhouse Connector Project in Aiken
- Google News: 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.
