Residents of Berkeley County’s Gibbes Forest neighborhood can expect smoother and safer roads soon, as part of a new resurfacing project funded by the Berkeley County One-Cent Sales Tax program. After engineers identified a need for improvements in the area, the county is moving forward with road resurfacing efforts to enhance driving conditions. This project, set to begin on August 4th, will focus on several key streets in the Goose Creek area, marking a significant step toward addressing long-standing concerns from the community.
Road Resurfacing in Gibbes Forest
The resurfacing project will affect several roads within the Gibbes Forest neighborhood, including:
Belleplaine Drive
Carter Drive
Prospect Way
Sully Street
Saxton Court
This initiative is part of the third seven-year referendum since 2008, under the Berkeley County One-Cent Sales Tax program. County Supervisor Johnny Cribbs emphasized that this referendum stands out due to its focus on road resurfacing. A significant portion of the program’s funds—20%—is allocated to improving road conditions, which addresses public concerns about deteriorating streets in the county.
Why Road Resurfacing is a Priority
Cribbs explained that the demand for road resurfacing has been particularly strong, with residents expressing frustration over the poor conditions of certain neighborhood roads. “The everyday driver is concerned about their neighborhood roads and the roads they drive on,” Cribbs said. Many residents, especially those who travel local roads frequently, have voiced concerns about the impact of rough road conditions on their vehicles.
Vince Gainey, a resident of the neighborhood, shared his personal experience with car issues caused by the poor road conditions. “We’ve already had the issues with the tires, just replacing those,” Gainey said. “Even her older vehicle, there were issues with the balance, the alignment, and stuff was always kind of off.” Gainey’s account highlights how deteriorating roads can cause mechanical problems for everyday drivers, making resurfacing a much-needed improvement.
Efficient Use of Funds and Engineering Analysis
Cribbs noted that addressing road maintenance before conditions worsen is a more cost-effective solution. “If you wait for potholes and if you wait for failing and the alligator cracking that you see in the road, it’s a very expensive fix,” he explained. With the help of a third-party engineering firm, the county has been able to evaluate its roads, identifying those in danger of deteriorating further. This proactive approach allows for road preservation projects that can cover more ground and prevent costly repairs down the line.
Community Support for the Project
While some streets in the Gibbes Forest neighborhood have already been repaved, others still require attention. Cribbs acknowledged that some roads were in better condition than others, but the resurfacing initiative will help address the remaining areas that are in need of improvement.
Gainey, although acknowledging that the road conditions were not the worst, expressed his support for the project. “Replacing the roads would definitely be a blessing,” he said. His sentiment reflects the positive response from many community members who have long awaited road improvements to ensure safer and smoother travel.
Expected Start Date and Impact
The resurfacing work is set to begin on August 4th, and county officials are hopeful that it will significantly improve the driving experience for residents in the affected areas. With ongoing support from the community and careful planning, the project will address the pressing issue of road deterioration and contribute to a safer and more efficient transportation network in the region.
The upcoming road resurfacing project in the Gibbes Forest neighborhood is an important step toward improving transportation infrastructure in Berkeley County. Funded by the One-Cent Sales Tax program, the initiative is set to benefit both residents and commuters by addressing the condition of local roads. With strong community support and proactive planning, the project is expected to bring much-needed improvements and greater peace of mind to drivers in the Goose Creek area.
