This project consisted of improving SC Hwy 55 to a three-lane section including a center turn lane, paved shoulders and ditches from just west of Green Pond Road to just east of Griggs Road.  Plans included the improvement of geometry and sight distance along with turn lane additions at additional intersections of SC Hwy 55 with Paraham Road, Kingsburry Road, and Bethel School/Baird Roads. CME provided environmental permitting and documentation, public involvement and education, and design management services for this project.

Environmental Permitting
A federal Categorical Exclusion (Type C) for this widening and intersection improvement project was signed on November 30, 2007.

Public Involvement and Education
A design public meeting for this intersection improvement project was held in June, 2007.  Newspaper display advertisements and signage along in the project area were used to inform the public about the public involvement activities.  Newspaper display ads and direct mailings to the project contact list were used to inform the public about design decisions in June, 2008.

Design Management
CME began providing design management services for this project at its inception, and continued these services through the design phase.  We began by determining the scope of work and preparing the Request for Proposals.  CME reviewed the proposals, made recommendations for consultant selection, and negotiated the design contract.  We met with the design consultant throughout the project to monitor progress and to address design, schedule and budget issues.  Design reviews were performed at regular intervals for plans, design calculations, cost estimates and project reports.  Geotechnical, surveying and mapping services for the project were coordinated by CME.