Delemar Highway Improvements Begin

School officials, contractors and government officials gathered Monday at Ashley Ridge High to kickoff the Delemar Highway improvements, which are underway now.

Delemar Highway is also known as Highway 165, and is the road that carries on from Bacons Bridge Road southwest past Highway 61. 

Surveying has begun, but a final plan for the road won't be completed until two or three public hearings, according to Dorchester County Councilman Larry Hargett. Hargett said those public hearings could start as early as June. 

Construction on the road is expected to be completed before the next meeting of hometown rivals Summerville Green Wave at the Swamp — fall of 2014. This past fall when Ashley Ridge hosted Summerville, traffic along the two-lane road was dicey. 

Dorchester County School District Two Superintendent Joe Pye called the road improvements "a dream come true" Monday.

The state infrastructure bank has dedicated $13 million to the project. SIB Chairman Donald D. Leonard said Monday that the county's elected leaders helped to make the project possible, adding that they "made our job easier."

Dorchester County Councilmembers and Rep. Jenny Horne were among those recognized for their efforts.

are currently underway.