Business Briefs - December 17, 2020
Wed, 12/16/2020 - 9:35am
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Berkeley County breaks ground on Clements Ferry Phase 2
Berkeley County joined state, community, and project leaders to break ground on the Clements Ferry Road Phase 2 widening project that will add two lanes to Clements Ferry Road, for approximately 4.5 miles, from Jack Primus Road to South Carolina Highway 41 near the Wando River. The improvements also include a multi-use path and a raised planted median.
“This project will improve the quality of life for thousands in the Lowcountry. It will mean a safer trip to school. It will provide safe recreation and pedestrian opportunities. It will improve congestion along the corridor,” said Johnny Cribb, Berkeley county supervisor, in a statement.
Phase 2 will pick up at the end of the Clements Ferry Road Phase 1 widening project which expanded Clements Ferry Road from I-526 to Jack Primus Road, approximately 4 miles. Phase 1 was completed in August 2019.
Berkeley County Council awarded the project contract to Banks Construction Company in November 2020.
“We are ready to see this project get off the ground. It has been a competitive and thorough process to get to this point and I look forward to seeing great work from our capable project team,” said Berkeley County Councilman Josh Whitley in a statement.
While residents may not see roadway and bridge construction until the middle of 2021, important preliminary construction work has begun, including clearing and grubbing, drainage improvements, and utility relocations. Construction is expected to be complete by November 2024.
This project is primarily funded by the 2014 Berkeley County One-Cent Sales Tax Program with additional federal funds. It is expected to cost $64 million, including right-of-way acquisition, permitting, construction and more.
Gas smell investigated, source unidentified
On Dec. 10, Dominion Energy received an alert from Daniel Island regarding an odor that smelled synonymous with a gas leak. The energy company was notified via several calls from concerned residents.
Dominion Energy senior communications specialist Paul Fischer said they checked on the smell and while the source could not be identified, the energy company determined there was no leak and concluded the investigation.
“Safety is our top priority, and we take reports of gas leaks very seriously,” Fischer said on Thursday. “We add a distinctive and pungent odor to natural gas that smells like rotten eggs to help detect a potential gas leak. The foul-smelling odor is not harmful, but is designed as a warning that something may be wrong. If customers suspect a gas leak, we encourage them to call Dominion Energy at 800-815-0083.”
Dominion Energy also received similar notifications in Mount Pleasant, according to Fischer. The calls from Old Village residents came at approximately the same time as Daniel Island.
— compiled by Boots Gifford, boots@thedanielislandnews.com