Richland County Councilman Jason Branham, (pictured above), offered a brief history of the surrounding area and the importance of the Broad River widening project to the community and what it will mean in years to come.
Construction is now officially underway on the long-anticipated widening of Broad River Road, as Richland County leaders and Town of Irmo officials gathered for a groundbreaking ceremony at East Lake Community Church.
The three-year project marks a significant infrastructure investment funded by the Richland County Transportation Penny Tax.
“This is a perfect example of Richland County’s penny at work,” said Richland County Administrator Leonardo Brown. “Residents and commuters traveling this route will experience improved safety and connection.”
Richland County Councilman Jason Branham called the groundbreaking an important milestone for the community, noting the historic significance of the corridor dating back to early Dutch Fork settlers and its role during the Civil War.
Project Scope and Improvements
According to county officials, the project will expand Broad River Road to five lanes — four travel lanes and a center turn lane — from Royal Tower Drive to Dutch Fork Road. Plans also include pedestrian accommodations and on-street bike lanes.
Additional improvements include:
- Installation of a new traffic signal at Farming Creek and Broad River (nearing completion)
- A new traffic light at Royal Tower and Broad River
- More than 100 required land acquisitions
- Water and sewer modifications, including a protective concrete cap over a major water main
- Utility relocations
- Tree removal to construct a retention pond
- Widening of a runoff outlet near Royal Tower Drive
Director of Public Works Michael Maloney emphasized the complexity of the project.
“This is a healthy project,” Maloney said. “Completion will take roughly three years considering all the details involved.”
Long-Awaited Investment
Nathan Ballentine, who represents Richland District 71, said he understands public frustration over the project timeline.
“I understand the public’s frustration with it taking more than a decade to finally start, but it is finally here,” Ballentine said, noting he has provided updates through his podcast, NathanNews, and has worked alongside county officials on the effort.
The estimated cost of the project is nearly $77 million, with completion projected for February 2029.
Officials say efforts will be made to minimize traffic disruptions, avoiding prolonged single-lane closures when possible and scheduling much of the work after regular business hours.
Once completed, county leaders say the widened corridor will improve safety, traffic flow and connectivity for residents traveling between Irmo and the Dutch Fork area — reinforcing Broad River Road’s longstanding role as a key transportation artery in the Midlands.
