Bennettsville Tackles Road and Utility Upgrades Amid Driver Frustrations

Bennettsville drivers are navigating rough road surfaces and multiple construction detours as city leaders work to address decades of deferred maintenance on local streets and underground infrastructure.

Residents report widespread issues across town, including cracked asphalt, bumpy surfaces, and potholes. While some patches have been applied, drivers express frustration over vehicle wear and recurring travel disruptions. City officials acknowledge that many city-owned roads have lacked consistent upkeep for decades.

Recent progress has been made using County Transportation Committee (CTC) grant funds, which financed the repaving of four selected city streets with assistance from the South Carolina Department of Transportation. However, City Administrator William Simon noted that Bennettsville lacks the necessary funding to address all remaining city-owned roads and is currently seeking additional state and agency grants.

In addition to road surface problems, drivers face widespread detours caused by concurrent infrastructure projects. Utility crews are actively cutting into streets to complete water and sewer line upgrades funded by a 2021 South Carolina Infrastructure Investment Program (SCIIP) grant. Because city utilities run beneath local roadways, street cuts and temporary lane closures are unavoidable during the installation process.

City officials emphasize that while the simultaneous work creates major traffic headaches, the upgrades are vital for replacing aging utility systems that have gone without significant investment for decades. Most of the ongoing utility and road projects are scheduled for completion by the end of the calendar year.

Residents with specific questions or concerns about local road conditions and construction zones can reach Bennettsville City Hall by calling (843) 479-9001 or visiting the city's official website.