Mr. Burris, a Chapin resident, was accompanied by Leland Colvin, DOT Deputy Secretary for Engineering, with members of the DOT team Brad Reynolds and Joey McIntyre. Also in attendance was Bill Dukes, Chapin resident, SC Airport Commissioner and owner of the Blue Marlin. They presented a slide show explaining several elements of the project, including the new overpass and interchange at the Chapin exit. The session was very interesting and informative.
A few days later I received a letter from Robert Dickinson PE, District One Engineering Administrator, advising us that the Peak Street bridge was to close for nine months starting February 15.
The DOT has proposed the following alternative route from Chapin to US 176:
- Road 48 East to Martin Road at St. Jacobs Church, to 176
Additional options to US 176 are:
- Peak Street to Old Shealy Road, right on Beagle Run (near Chapin Pet Lodge) then right on Holy Trinity Church Road over the new bridge to 176.
- Drive East on Columbia Ave. over the bridge, left on Dan Comalander Road, then left onto 176.
Regarding the latest on the Covid epidemic, it appears that it is currently at its highest peak ever (in spite of the mask requirements, social distancing advice, etc.) One of President Biden's many executive orders requires all travelers using public transportation to wear face coverings. One news report stated that only 59% of the public is wearing masks; regardless of the accuracy of such reporting, I am pleased to note that in my observations, with very few exceptions, our Chapinites are compliant everywhere I go, especially the staff personnel in food service and retail.