Midlands Residents Demand Road Resurfacing, Call Patches Inadequate

A Longstanding Struggle with Montgomery Road

In the quiet neighborhood along a two-mile stretch off Monticello Road in Richland County, residents have long faced challenges with the condition of Montgomery Road. This dead-end road has become a focal point for frustration among those who live there, as they continue to deal with its deteriorating state.

Patsy Pathel, who has lived on Montgomery Road for decades, shared her concerns about the road’s neglect. She and her family built their home on this road 40 years ago, and over time, the road has become a source of constant worry. “It’s been patched for many, many years,” she said. “You can actually go up and down the road and count the black patches that you see on the road.”

Residents report that the pavement has crumbled, with potholes multiplying and temporary fixes failing to hold up. Pathel and her husband have repeatedly called to report issues, but the repairs have not been lasting. In some cases, the mixture used for repairs is so loose that it can be kicked aside by foot.

Susie Newton, who has lived in the area for more than 30 years, described the road as hazardous. “It’s like you’re riding on a roller-coaster,” she said. “They come and fix the potholes and leave it worse than it is.” Newton added that the road has caused damage to her family’s car, including broken motor mounts and tie rod ends.

WIS followed up on a news tip about Montgomery Road and found cracks in the pavement, bumpy patches, and one large raised swell. Margaret Edwards, a resident for over 50 years, referred to the swell as a “volcano.” She explained that drivers must go around it because if they don’t, the low clearance of their cars could cause serious damage underneath.

Some residents are unsure who to contact for permanent repairs. The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) confirmed to WIS that Montgomery Road is state-maintained and is slated for resurfacing. However, no official timeline has been announced. Officials anticipate that the project could happen in 2026.

According to SCDOT records, crews patched several portions of the damaged pavement in 2022, and neighbors say more potholes were filled earlier this summer. Despite these efforts, locals still wait for a full repaving, believing the current state of the road is not safe or sustainable.

“I expect it to get paved just like anybody else’s road,” Edwards said. “We’re people too.” Neighbors feel the project is not prioritized because their road is not heavily traveled. “We pay taxes just like everybody else,” Pathel said. “We really need to have our road taken care of and give it a little love and care.”

WIS asked SCDOT how it determines which roads are prioritized for resurfacing. An SCDOT spokesperson said it is a data-driven process based on factors like pavement condition, safety, and traffic volume.

If you have road issues in your community, consider reaching out to local authorities or media outlets. Residents can email WIS at counton@wistv.com or contact Nick Neville directly at Nick.Neville@wistv.com.

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