Road Expansion Project on Leesburg Road Raises Concerns Among Residents

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Road Expansion Project Stirs Community Concerns

There’s a buzz of frustration around Leesburg Road and it’s not just from the construction equipment. The community is voicing its concerns over a significant $50 million expansion project that many feel has flipped their daily lives upside down. Approved by the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) in 2022, the aim is to widen a 4.5-mile section of Leesburg Road. But to some residents, it seems the road to improvement is anything but smooth.

Daily Disruptions and Safety Worries

For long-time resident Sabrina Faircloth, who has called this area home for almost 30 years, the troubles have been numerous since construction began. “It’s just a major disruption,” Faircloth expressed, citing loud noises, pesky drainage issues, and persistent vehicle congestion as part of her daily struggle. “Nobody comes to tell us anything at all, so we don’t know anything anymore,” she lamented, feeling left out of the conversation on a project that directly affects her community.

But the worries don’t stop there. Faircloth and her neighbors are also anxious about the potential for increased speeding, new blind spots that could pose safety hazards, and the introduction of what they deem an unnecessary sidewalk. As construction continues, residents are calling on SCDOT to prioritize better communication and genuinely consider their concerns.

A Call for Better Communication

“I would say two things need to change,” Faircloth suggested. “First, someone needs to check on people after it rains—go check on the low-lying areas where the pipes aren’t done. Maybe they can’t get out of their house, or maybe they’re handicapped. And number two, check on the grass and weeds around the barrels every once in a while.”

It’s these little details that can make a big difference, especially when it comes to road safety. Faircloth expressed her worries about the overgrown vegetation and construction materials causing dangerous blind spots. Reflecting on the early days of the project, she noted, “When they first started, there was one guy, an older gentleman, who introduced himself and said, ‘Hey, if you have any issues, please come to me.’ That was one good thing.” But as the project progressed, that communication seemed to vanish. “Well, now it’s a whole different set of people, and nobody seems to care anymore,” she said.

What’s Next for Leesburg Road?

Inquiring about the timeline for completion and ongoing updates, the SCDOT stated that the project is anticipated to wrap up by late 2026. In their statement, they highlighted that “the goal is never to pause work,” but acknowledged that certain operations can only be conducted under specific temperature conditions, like paving.

Yet, even with these updates, Faircloth is left feeling uneasy about the future of Leesburg Road. “Unfortunately, I have a feeling it’s going to get worse because it’s going to be four lanes—two lanes going each way—with a sidewalk on the side. I think people are going to fly even more,” she stated, capturing the uncertainty and anxiety many residents feel.

As construction barrels on, the hope remains strong among the community for improved communication, accountability, and the return of some peace of mind. They want their voices heard—and their concerns addressed—before the road transforms permanently into a bustling thoroughfare.

For now, residents must navigate the challenges ahead while keeping a watchful eye on the changes taking shape along their street.