Spiffing up the ‘back door'

Construction is almost completed on the widening of S.C. 901, Rock Hill's 'back door'

The project to widen S.C. 901 and create a “back door” to Rock Hill has cost much more than first anticipated, but chances are good that the investment ultimately will pay off in more development of southern York County.

The highway, which provides a southern route into downtown Rock Hill, had been neglected for decades before the improvements were approved in 1997 as part of the county's “Pennies for Progress” one-cent sales tax program. It now is one of the final four uncompleted projects from the 1997 list.

But that will change soon, as workers put the finishing touches on the project, which should be completed by spring. Crews are entering the final stages of widening the highway to create a gateway that cuts across south Rock Hill, offering multi-lane access between Interstate 77 and Interstate 85 in the west, thanks to a connection with S.C. 161.

This also will offer another option to drivers exiting I-77 and hoping to avoid congestion on Cherry Road and Dave Lyle Boulevard as they enter the city.

Another significant improvement in this project was the modernization of the intersection at Saluda Street and Albright Road. That crossing was both confusing and dangerous, with only a yield sign governing traffic at an awkward fork in the road. That has been transformed into a standard for-way intersection with double turn lanes and traffic lights.

Local officials hope that the widening of the highway coupled with new sidewalks, street lights and landscaping along Saluda Street will encourage more investment along that southern corridor. At the least, it will give drivers a more attractive entrance to the city.

The project, originally estimated at $5.4 million, will come in at about $13 million on completion. Officials blame rising steel and oil prices over the past decade for the increase.

Right-of-way acquisition also has created some disgruntled residents along the route of the construction.

In the end, however, it was important for both the city and county to improve this route. To have done nothing would have simply invited more neglect and decay.

By contrast, the improvements could spur new development once the economy turns around. With the completion of the project next spring, the infrastructure will be in place for future projects.

Planners have long regarded the Saluda Street corridor as a central entryway to the city, a back door that deserves to proper upkeep and improvement as the city grows. We're glad that, after more than a decade, the end of this project finally is in sight.