This project consists of the construction of a new 3.9-mile, two-lane roadway on a new alignment, with provisions for future widening to five lanes once traffic needs warrant. The purpose of the project is to provide an alternate route for traffic that typically uses SC Hwy 160 from I-77 through the  low-speed business district in Fort Mill. Plans call for paved shoulders and ditches, provide for bicycle traffic, and include a new bridge to cross the existing railroad at the Fort Mill Parkway. CME provided environmental permitting and documentation, public involvement and education, and design management services for this project.

Environmental Permitting
The CME team conducted fieldwork and performed analysis for jurisdictional waters, protected species, cultural resources, hazardous materials, traffic noise, air quality, and relocations for this four-mile-long, two-lane facility on a new location. A federal environmental assessment was prepared. SCDOT and FHWA review of this environmental assessment led to a decision to redefine the project as an ultimate multi-lane facility. As a result, CME initiated re-scoping of the environmental documentation for an ultimate five-lane facility.

Public Involvement and Education
Location public meetings were held in January 2006 and January 2007 for the originally proposed two-lane facility. Newspaper display advertisements, signage throughout the project area, and direct mailings sent to the project mailing list of approximately 1,000 people were used to inform citizens about the plan for this project and its public involvement activities.

Design Management
CME began providing design management services for this project at its inception, and continued these services through the preliminary design of Phase I.  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 project stakeholders and the design consultant throughout the concept and preliminary design phase of 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.