Presenter outlines Smith Valley Road Segment 1 widening, right-of-way needs and schedule

A presenter at a City of Greenwood public information meeting described plans to widen Smith Valley Road Segment 1, saying the project is intended to reduce congestion and add pedestrian and bicycle facilities. The segment runs from Browning Drive to about 345 feet west of US 31 and is the first portion to be designed as part of a larger plan that would widen the road from I‑65 to I‑69.

The presenter said traffic studies show delays "are headed for gridlock" and that operations currently function at level of service D in the morning peak and E in the evening peak, with conditions projected to worsen through the study year 2048. "The purpose of the project is to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion along Smith Valley Road while also improving pedestrian and bicycle access throughout the corridor," the presenter said.

The proposed cross‑section would include two 12‑foot travel lanes in each direction separated by a dual left‑turn lane and a center turn lane to improve access to adjacent properties. The plan also proposes ADA‑compliant multi‑use paths on both sides of Smith Valley Road. The presenter said approximately 1.7 acres of permanent right‑of‑way and 0.1 acre of temporary right‑of‑way are anticipated; acquisition activities are expected to begin this summer and impacted property owners will be contacted directly.

Construction is planned in multiple phases to maintain access: Phase 1 focuses on drainage improvements with one lane in each direction remaining open; Phase 2 would build the westbound travel lanes while eastbound traffic is detoured via Averitt Road, West Main Street and US 31; Phase 3 would build the eastbound travel lanes with one lane in each direction maintained during work. The presenter said project bidding is anticipated in fall 2027 and construction is currently expected to begin in spring 2028. The project team is also evaluating utilities, drainage and environmental resources and will document findings as part of the environmental review.

The presenter asked for public input and explained how to submit comments. "Comments are requested by June 26th, so they may be included in the official project record and shared with the project team for consideration," the presenter said. Written comments may be mailed to Sam Smith at Lochmueller Group (address provided in meeting materials) or emailed to sam.smith@lochgroup.com. Project information and updates will be posted on the City of Greenwood project website.

No formal decisions or votes were taken at the meeting; the presentation was informational and the project team indicated design and environmental work will continue as public input and technical analyses are incorporated.