Construction continues on Gardens Corner

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By Jaime Dailey - bio | email

BEAUFORT COUNTY, SC (WTOC) - Over the years, dozens of people have lost their lives along Highway 17 near the Gardens Corner intersection in the Lowcountry.

"It was a safety issue coming to work," said Eric Larson. "There was always an accident, at least one a month it seemed like and they were really bad accident."

But crews are in the process of widening an eight-mile stretch of this deadly highway from Gardens Corner to Lightsey Plantation, from two lanes to four.

They're also making improvements at the Gardens Corner intersection making this almost infamous stretch of highway, unrecognizable.

Something many in this community have been waiting years for. "I really think all of it needs to be done because Highway 17 is a death trap," said Mary Young.

Young is a local pastor and knows just how important this project is to keeping the roadway safe.

"I had a babysister that was 6-years-old and got killed on this highway and I think the highway coming through is a blessing to everyone who lives in this area," said Young.

Despite the detours and construction, many who live in this area say it's worth it.

"It's been going on for quite awhile but I think when they finish it will be a lot better here," said Harold Grant. "This has been a very dangerous road."

"It's irritating sometimes but I'm glad for it because people have passed on this road so it's well worth it," said Christine Hale.

Engineers say the project is more than 75 percent complete and expect the project to be finished in October of next year.

Officials with the South Carolina Department of Transportation says the remaining deadly stretch of highway in Colleton County from Lightsey Plantation to Jacksonboro is now fully funded, thanks to federal dollars and the State Infrastructure Bank.

The State Highway Commission still has to give final authorization to move forward. They're expected to meet next month.