Clemson Seeks To Remove Frontage Road Fence
Plans by the City of Clemson to improve Frontage Road by removing a longtime chain-link fence have hit a snag due to concerns raised by the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT).
“The goal is to remove the fence and replace it with a landscape type of screening that acts as a fence,†said Clemson Horticulturist Tim Johnson.Landscaping Stone “But they’re (SCDOT) concerned about cars and pedestrians coming throughout the area.â€
Johnson said the fence begins at the U.S. Highway 123/S.C. Highway 93 interchange, going toward the railway bridge and ending where Frontage Road bears off. East Clemson Baptist Church and Clemson United Methodist Church are located along that road, which Johnson estimates at less than half a mile.
Initial plans by the city called for the removal of the fence, replaced by various plants common to the area — including Hollies, Red Maples, Crape Myrtles and Cryptomeria. Johnson said the plantings would prove to be both eye-catching and low maintenance and reduce the amount of grass.
“We thought the landscaping would suffice for a fence so that the fence could be removed,†Johnson said.
With the support of local DOT officials, Johnson submitted an encroachment permit to the SCDOT headquarters. Landscaping Stone But state officials informed Johnson that the fence would either have to remain or be replaced by a similar type of fence.
Johnson said there are three distinct sections of the Frontage Road area that would be affected by removal of the fence. He said the middle portion already contains a guardrail to prohibit cars from coming through while the area in front of Clemson United Methodist Church features a concrete culvert that serves as a barrier for cars coming through.
The one area of concern, Johnson added, is an area in front of East Clemson Baptist Church that does not contain a concrete culvert — therefore leaving it susceptible for a collision should a driver lose control of his vehicle. But the horticulturist believes safety can be enhanced with a thorough landscape screening.
While the landscape project was originally estimated at $25,000 for plant materials and labor provided by the city to remove the fence, Johnson said that figure could substantially increase if the fence has to be replaced. In fact, Johnson said he is unsure whether landscaping would even occur should the fence remain in place.
“The (landscape) plan would have to be changed because plantings would take place where the fence is currently located,†Johnson said.
Johnson hopes to begin landscaping this fall, since tree plantings during the summer months are not recommended. He also pointed out that inquiries to the state DOT regarding the replacement of the chain link fence with a split rail vinyl fence or a single cable have gone unanswered.
“These are options we’re trying to pursue if we have to go the fence route Landscaping Stone,†he said.
Mayor Pro Tem Butch Trent said he is anxious for a resolution in order to see a more aesthetically pleasing Frontage Road — especially since that is the area first seen by motorists traveling U.S. Highway 123 South into Clemson.
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Friday, April 11th, 2008
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