Lexington County to Receive Nearly $29 Million for Road Safety Improvements

Lexington, SC 11/8/2026 - Some of Lexington County’s most dangerous roads are slated for nearly $29 million in safety improvements after the county was notified it will receive a federal grant.

The $28,775,204 grant comes from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Safe Streets and Roads for All program, according to a Public Works memo in County Council’s meeting packet for Tuesday. The project is called “One Lexington. Zero Fatalities.”

The money will fund improvements along high-injury corridors identified in the county’s safety plan, including U.S. 321, U.S. 76, S.C. 21, U.S. 1 and U.S. 378, the memo says. The county applied for the grant in May with local municipalities. Council will receive an update Tuesday; no vote on the grant is required.

Since 2017, 400 people have been killed while driving, walking or biking on Lexington County roads, according to the county. In 2024, the county received a $240,000 federal grant to develop a safety action plan, which council adopted in February.

Other items on the council agenda

Council is scheduled to consider a six-month spay-and-neuter voucher pilot that would provide 50 vouchers a month, each worth $100 toward spaying or neutering a dog. The program would cost $30,000 for the pilot and would be limited to two dogs per household. Residents would need to provide proof of residency and have an appointment with a participating veterinarian. Depending on demand, the program could cost as much as $60,000 annually, according to a committee report.

Council also will vote on hiring Charleston-based MRB Group to conduct a countywide housing study and assessment, at an estimated cost of $60,000.

An ordinance allowing cell towers on rural lots of at least 1.5 acres that are not in platted subdivisions will receive its first reading. The county says the proposal aims to improve cell coverage for residents and first responders while providing income opportunities for rural landowners.

On second reading, council will consider rezoning three parcels on Bush River Road from neighborhood commercial to general commercial.

Council also will vote on granting Dominion Energy a right of way for a new natural gas line through county property in the Saxe Gotha Industrial Park.

Committee meetings begin at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, followed by the full council meeting at 4:30 p.m. in council chambers at 212 S. Lake Drive in Lexington. The meetings will stream on the county’s meeting portal.