Mauldin residents will have to wait another year before any construction begins on the long‑promised upgrades to Butler Road. During a regular City Council meeting on September 21, City Administrator Seth Duncan reported that the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) has delayed the “Building a Better Butler” project due to cost overruns in the initial bidding process.
Why the delay?
After issuing a request for proposals (RFP) earlier this year, SCDOT received two bids for the 1.7‑mile stretch of Butler Road that runs from the Mauldin Senior Center entrance to North Main Street. Both proposals came in over the budget that the city had allocated. Because of the higher‑than‑expected costs, SCDOT will revise the project’s design specifications and issue a new RFP in 2027, Duncan explained.
Project background
The “Building a Better Butler” initiative was first introduced to the public at a November 2021 information session. The plan calls for a series of improvements intended to enhance safety, traffic flow, and overall roadway conditions along Butler Road. Specific upgrades include resurfacing, new sidewalks, upgraded drainage, and improved lighting at key intersections.
Funding and council action
Earlier this year, Mauldin City Council unanimously approved the use of a $2.9 million fiscal‑year‑2026 budget surplus to fund the project, transferring the money to the city’s capital improvement account. Council members expressed strong support for the improvements, noting the importance of modern infrastructure for families, seniors, and local businesses.
“We remain committed to delivering a safer, more reliable corridor for our community,” Council Chairman Jeff Smith said. “While the delay is disappointing, it reflects our responsibility to ensure taxpayer dollars are spent wisely and that the final design meets our long‑term needs.”
What residents can expect
Although construction will not start until after the new RFP is awarded in 2027, city officials assure residents that the project timeline will be accelerated once funding and design are finalized. In the meantime, the city will continue routine maintenance on Butler Road to address any immediate safety concerns.
For more information about the project, including upcoming public meetings and the revised schedule, residents can visit the official website at buildingabetterbutler.com.
Community response
Local business owners and neighborhood groups have voiced mixed reactions. The Mauldin Chamber of Commerce praised the city’s dedication to infrastructure, while some residents expressed frustration over the additional wait.
“We understand the budgeting challenges, but our businesses rely on smooth traffic flow,” said Maria Lopez, owner of a downtown café. “We hope the revised plan will still deliver the promised improvements without further delays.”
City Administrator Duncan reiterated that the administration will keep the public informed throughout the redesign process and remain open to community input.
Next steps
The revised RFP will be released in early 2027, with a target award date later that year. Once a contractor is selected, the city expects a construction start date in late 2027 or early 2028, depending on weather and permitting timelines.
Mauldin officials encourage residents to stay engaged by attending future council meetings and reviewing updates on the project website.
Original reporting: Greenville Journal — read the source article.
