Rock Hill is eyeing several intersection improvement projects aimed at reducing traffic along two of the city's most congested thoroughfares.The Rock Hill City Council on Monday authorized city staff to seek an additional $1.3 million in federal money to help pay for the projects, including three along Celanese Road.
New turn lanes at the intersections of Celanese at Riverview, Riverchase and Mount Gallant roads west of Interstate 77 are part of the plan.
During rush hour, congestion builds on roads feeding Celanese. Vehicles exiting I-77 also jam on the off ramp to Celanese, said Bill Meyer, Rock Hill's planning and development director.
The improvements are aimed at speeding up traffic entering Celanese from side streets, he said, which will improve traffic flow off the interstate.
The completion of Ligon Drive, which connects Riverview and Riverchase roads will provide more options for traffic going to and from nearby neighborhoods.
The city also is seeking support for a project aimed at reducing congestion at East White Street and S.C. 72 and along Dave Lyle Boulevard.
As part of a citywide effort to improve traffic flow along all major thoroughfares, the city will lay fiber-optic cables underground connecting traffic signals along Dave Lyle Boulevard - at Annafrel Street, Willowbrook Avenue and Gateway Boulevard.
Signals near the Rock Hill Galleria and Manchester Meadows already are connected.
Extending the system will help traffic move more smoothly in and out of the city, Meyer said.
"So, hopefully, when you get going," he said, "you hit several green lights instead of stopping at all of them."
With some money already available for the intersection upgrades, Meyer said, the city hopes to get the remaining $1.3 million in the $2.8 million in federal air quality grants allocated to a Rock Hill-Fort Mill transit committee for the 2011-2012 fiscal year.
The grants are set aside for projects that reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality.
As part of the Charlotte metro region, which does not meet federal air-quality standards, York County qualifies for the grants, Meyer said.
The money can be used only for improving traffic flow and not for maintenance or resurfacing, Meyer said.
The city also will seek federal transportation enhancement dollars for sidewalks and curb and gutter improvements along Sidney Street near Finley Road.
The improvements are aimed at speeding up traffic entering Celanese from side streets, he said, which will improve traffic flow off the interstate.
The completion of Ligon Drive, which connects Riverview and Riverchase roads will provide more options for traffic going to and from nearby neighborhoods.
The city also is seeking support for a project aimed at reducing congestion at East White Street and S.C. 72 and along Dave Lyle Boulevard.
As part of a citywide effort to improve traffic flow along all major thoroughfares, the city will lay fiber-optic cables underground connecting traffic signals along Dave Lyle Boulevard - at Annafrel Street, Willowbrook Avenue and Gateway Boulevard.
Signals near the Rock Hill Galleria and Manchester Meadows already are connected.
Extending the system will help traffic move more smoothly in and out of the city, Meyer said.
"So, hopefully, when you get going," he said, "you hit several green lights instead of stopping at all of them."
With some money already available for the intersection upgrades, Meyer said, the city hopes to get the remaining $1.3 million in the $2.8 million in federal air quality grants allocated to a Rock Hill-Fort Mill transit committee for the 2011-2012 fiscal year.
The grants are set aside for projects that reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality.
As part of the Charlotte metro region, which does not meet federal air-quality standards, York County qualifies for the grants, Meyer said.
The money can be used only for improving traffic flow and not for maintenance or resurfacing, Meyer said.
The city also will seek federal transportation enhancement dollars for sidewalks and curb and gutter improvements along Sidney Street near Finley Road.
