Doesn’t anyone care about delay on S.C. 707 upgrade?

Since 2011, a sign signifying the widening of S.C. 707 is located on 707 north of U.S. 17 in Murrells Inlet. Nothing occurred between 2011 and 2013. I assumed it was a result of the penny tax being raised to support this project as well as other highway improvements.

The first aspect of construction was tree removal. This was done rapidly over one to two months. A commendation for quick success without interruptions of traffic or closing lanes.

In early 2014 I met the engineer of the contractor doing paving, drainage, and curbing. I found out through our discussion that there were three contractors hired for the project. Contractor 1 was for roadway design and paving; contractor 2 for the connector and bridge from S.C. 31 to 707; and contractor 3 for power lines to be completed.

In October 2014, I again talked to the engineers on Contract 1. I said I was hoping for more progress than what I’ve seen. They indicated in January 2015 there would be a big push and the paving would almost reach Murrells Inlet by June 2015. In August 2015 I spoke to them again and inquired what’s the holdup. The workers agreed it was Contractor 3 who had the work to install the new power lines. When will the project be completed? The answer now is 2018.

The project will have taken at least 5 years to go an estimated 9 miles from Socastee to Murrells Inlet at U.S. 17. To me this is a lack of progress that affects: the people who live along 707 or its side streets for 5 years with mud, barrels and constant slow traffic; businesses along the way trying to stay in business; motorists who must use the roadway for work every day - especially at 5 p.m. (try it); some motorists try to use 17 or 707 depending on the delays on either road’s projects.

Who, whether the state Department of Transportation or Horry County let contracts to three separate contractors? Why wasn’t one the primary contractor? Are they open contracts three or five years? The cost? I challenge the DOT or the counties of Horry and Georgetown to provide more information to the public.

I challenge The Sun News to provide digging up and paving the way for answers to the public. I challenge the contractors to provide maximum days with maximum work.

Don’t let it become a fiasco.

The writer lives in Murrells Inlet.

This story was originally published November 30, 2015 at 8:23 AM with the headline "Doesn’t anyone care about delay on S.C. 707 upgrade?."