ROCK HILL — The first phase of road work is finished on Rock Hill’s West White Street near downtown.

The entire street will be open for several months until phase two begins by Sealand Contractors of Charlotte. During phase two, drivers will still be able to use West White Street but there will be lane restrictions from Wilson to Adams Street.

“Pennies for Progress” – York County’s 1-cent sales tax which pays for road improvements – is paying for the bulk of the West White Street construction work.

Improvements such as road widening, adding off-street parking and burying utility lines are expected to be finished in November 2014. Recently completed improvements included new curbs, right, and gutters.

The work is part of Rock Hill’s efforts to upgrade the “Textile Corridor,” linking Winthrop University and the downtown area. City leaders want to pave the way for new businesses to move into the area, while redeveloping the former Rock Hill Printing & Finishing Co. site, also known as the Bleachery.

- Anna Douglas