Blythewood Residents Raise Safety Concerns Over Kelly Mill Road Widening Plan

BLYTHEWOOD, SC — A proposed road widening project in Blythewood has sparked concern among local residents who fear it could pose new safety risks — especially for children crossing the road near area schools.

The project, which focuses on Kelly Mill Road between Hard Scrabble and EJW Roads, is part of Richland County’s long-running Penny Tax initiative. It proposes a three-lane expansion, new sidewalks, and improved drainage — but some neighbors worry the changes may do more harm than good.

Community Raises Red Flags Over Student Safety

Residents in nearby neighborhoods, including Crickentree, have spoken out at public meetings and to the media, urging county officials to better manage the construction process and factor in pedestrian safety.

“I think a lot of community members are concerned that they want these projects to be done correctly and in a way that is a little bit more better managed than it has been with some more recent projects,” said Justin Keally, a Crickentree resident.

Keally also pointed out how the road’s proximity to three schools raises serious questions about crosswalk safety.

“That road is very busy. They’re not going to put speed bumps in, that creates some safety concerns for the kids that might be trying to cross… or parents dropping their kids off,” he added.

Project Leaders Reconsider After Public Meeting

The Kelly Mill Road widening was approved as part of Richland County’s voter-backed Penny Tax program in 2012. County officials claim the shift to three lanes would reduce rear-end collisions, based on traffic studies.

Michael Green, the project manager for the county, stated the team is now re-evaluating parts of the plan after hearing concerns at a public meeting earlier this week. The road’s final design may still change, depending on discussions with the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT).

“We’re going to look at the comments made tonight… and consult with the DOT to make sure that they’ll sign off on whatever decisions we’re making,” Green said, as reported by WLTX.

What Comes Next for Kelly Mill Road?

While no firm changes have been announced yet, construction is tentatively scheduled to begin in early 2026, assuming plans are finalized and approved.

Local residents say they’ll continue to stay involved, voicing their perspectives in hopes of influencing a safer, more community-focused design.

What do you think about this road project? Do you believe safety has been fully addressed? Let us know in the comments below — only on SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.