Rock Hill, August 22, 2025
News Summary
The intersection of India Hook and Celanese Roads in Rock Hill has reopened after upgrades by the SCDOT aimed at improving traffic safety and flow. The enhancements include new pedestrian crosswalks and extended travel lanes. While some residents report better traffic flow, others express concerns regarding a light pole’s position. Additionally, Lancaster County faces traffic restrictions due to construction at U.S. 521 and ongoing projects along Route 1 that could significantly impact driver activity in the area.
Rock Hill, South Carolina — A busy intersection at India Hook and Celanese roads has reopened as of Thursday following recent upgrades aimed at improving traffic flow and safety. The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) temporarily closed the intersection to complete these enhancements, which included adding three new pedestrian crosswalks and extending travel lanes during peak traffic times.
The improvements are part of an initiative by SCDOT intended to reduce congestion and enhance safety for all road users. Early feedback from the community has been mixed, with some residents noting a significant improvement in morning traffic flow, while others have voiced concerns over the position of a light pole within the intersection and the need for clearer signage to guide drivers.
In related traffic news, Lancaster County is experiencing changes due to construction involving the retail developments Costco and The Exchange at Indian Land. Drivers on U.S. 521 are no longer allowed to make left turns onto Possum Hollow Road because of these construction activities. The duration of this restriction remains uncertain, as the county has not provided specific timeframes on when these limitations will be lifted.
The construction at U.S. 521 aims to add new turn lanes and perform intersection upgrades as part of a broader $400 million project that also includes the establishment of over 700 apartments and townhomes. This project has raised considerable concerns regarding traffic conditions in Lancaster County, especially after voters previously rejected a proposal for a 1% sales tax that could have potentially generated $405 million for enhancing road infrastructure along U.S. 521.
Additionally, Lancaster County has refiled for a $40 million grant to improve U.S. 521 through the South Carolina Transportation Infrastructure Bank, which would support ongoing efforts to address traffic issues stemming from these developments.
Another construction effort currently ongoing involves changes to U.S. Route 1 near Rockhill Drive in Bensalem. This $116 million project is focused on reconstructing and widening a three-mile stretch of the highway. Next weekend, from April 25 to April 28, Rockhill Drive will be closed at Horizon Boulevard to facilitate the construction. As a result, the exit ramp for northbound Route 1 to Rockhill Drive, as well as the ramp from westbound Rockhill Drive to southbound Route 1, will also be inaccessible during this period.
Current traffic estimates indicate that approximately 112,000 vehicles utilize Route 1 each day, highlighting the importance of these construction projects. A virtual public meeting regarding the next phase of the Route 1 improvement project is scheduled for April 23, where community members can learn more and provide their input.
Summary of Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Intersection Improvements | Reopened after upgrades; includes new pedestrian crosswalks and extended travel lanes. |
| Traffic Changes in Lancaster | Restrictions on left turns from U.S. 521; ongoing construction for retail developments. |
| Grant Application | County has reapplied for a $40 million grant for road improvements. |
| Route 1 Construction | $116 million project; closure from April 25 to April 28; major traffic volume on Route 1. |
FAQ Section
What improvements were made at the intersection of India Hook and Celanese Roads?
The intersection was upgraded with three new pedestrian crosswalks and extended travel lanes to enhance safety and reduce congestion.
What traffic restrictions have been implemented in Lancaster County?
Northbound drivers on U.S. 521 can no longer turn left onto Possum Hollow Road due to construction at Costco and The Exchange at Indian Land.
How long will the left turn restrictions be in place?
The county has not confirmed the duration of the left turn restrictions on U.S. 521.
What is the ongoing construction project on U.S. Route 1 about?
The project involves reconstructing and widening a three-mile stretch of the highway at a cost of $116 million.
When is the virtual public meeting regarding the Route 1 improvement project?
The virtual public meeting is scheduled for April 23.
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Additional Resources
- WCNC: York County Intersection Reopens
- Wikipedia: Traffic Congestion
- Herald Online: Business News
- Google Search: Traffic Safety Improvements
- Patch: Route 1 Project Update
- Google Scholar: Traffic Engineering
- Patch: Route 1 Roadwork Planned
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Traffic Management
- Herald Online: Local News
- Google News: Traffic Infrastructure
Author: STAFF HERE ROCK HILL
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