The City of Greenville is set to break ground on the first phase of its long‑awaited utility undergrounding project along Augusta Street on October 12. The $8.6 million effort will replace the aging overhead poles with buried power and communication lines, a move aimed at boosting driver safety, enhancing power reliability, and modernizing the corridor for the surrounding neighborhoods and businesses.
Project scope and timeline
Phase one covers the high‑traffic stretch from Lupo Street to Melville Avenue. Crews will work overnight from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. to limit disruptions, with nightly road closures and detours expected. While traffic will be redirected, businesses along the street will remain accessible, and residents have been warned they may hear construction noise throughout the year‑long effort, weather permitting.
City leadership’s perspective
Engineering Services Director Clint Link explained that Augusta Street was identified as the top corridor for undergrounding when Greenville launched its utility undergrounding program in 2009. “This is our most challenging undergrounding project that we have done, but we’re very excited about it,” Link said. “It’s going to be a great project. We just need a little bit of time to get it done.”
Construction details
The city hired Carolina Conduit Systems to install a duct bank within the road right‑of‑way. The underground system is slated for completion by mid‑summer 2027. After the duct bank is in place, Duke Energy and other communication providers will relocate their lines and remove the existing poles.
When the underground work is finished, new pedestrian pathways and overhead street lighting will be installed. Augusta Street will also be resurfaced and restriped, giving the corridor a refreshed appearance.
Funding sources
The South Carolina General Assembly allocated $5.8 million in the FY 2023‑24 budget for the project. Duke Energy is contributing an estimated $2 million, while the city’s own utility undergrounding fund will provide about $1.2 million.
Future phases
City officials plan to begin phase two—extending undergrounding from Melville Street to West Faris Road—once phase one wraps up in fall 2027. Staff are finalizing engineering plans and securing additional easements for the next segment.
Residents and business owners are encouraged to stay informed about nightly closures and detour routes through the city’s website and social‑media channels. The project reflects Greenville’s commitment to modern infrastructure that supports safe travel, reliable utilities, and a vibrant downtown core.
Original reporting: Greenville Journal — read the source article.
