The City of Manning hosted a public meeting May 8 at the Manning Fire Department Training Room to share details of a $10 million infrastructure project aimed at replacing 107-year-old sewer lines beneath some of the city’s busiest downtown streets.
The project, funded through the South Carolina Infrastructure Investment Program (SCIIP) with American Rescue Plan Act funds, will replace aging vitrified clay sewer lines originally installed in 1915. The yearlong construction effort will focus on key corridors including Maple Street, Brooks Street, Rigby Street, Boyce Street, and Keitt Street. Work is expected to begin near Weldon Auditorium and progress through downtown in phases, with updates provided by the city along the way.
Doug Clary, president of Hybrid Engineering and project manager, led the presentation alongside city officials. Clary emphasized that the scope of work includes the removal and replacement of 1,577 linear feet of 10-inch and 5,318 linear feet of 8-inch gravity sewer lines, replacement of 20 manholes, service connections, and extensive asphalt repaving and milling.
“We’re not enlarging any lines—they’re already adequately sized—but we are improving the materials and integrity,” said Clary. “These new PVC lines will help avoid major collapses that have cost the city as much as $50,000 for emergency repairs in the past.”
The city’s aging sewer lines have contributed to recurring road collapses, with particularly costly incidents near the intersection of Boyce and Brooks Streets. Clary explained that by replacing the lines before the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) resurfaces roads, the city avoids duplicating costs and minimizes long-term disruptions.
Crews will maintain access to homes, businesses, and government buildings during construction, and service interruptions are expected to be minimal. Where temporary bypass pumping is required, contractors will install hoses between manholes and keep affected customers informed.
“We’re working hard to ensure that no one loses sewer access during business hours,” said City Administrator Scott Tanner. “There may be short periods where we ask for reduced water use, but the idea is that everything is operational again by the end of each workday.”
The city will also use surplus funds to upgrade four wastewater pump stations, including those near Walmart, Nash Street, and SC-261 locations. Improvements include new pumps, piping, valves, and control panels.
A key engineering challenge addressed in the presentation was the existing gravity sewer line running directly beneath Weldon Auditorium. Clary said this line, which has never been fully inspected, will be bypassed by rerouting a new line around the facility via Maple Street. The existing line will remain in place as a service connection under county responsibility.
Though the scope of this project focuses strictly on sewer infrastructure, residents asked whether sidewalk improvements or broader utility upgrades could be incorporated. Clary and city officials noted that federal grant rules limit eligible expenses, but the city remains committed to a long-term capital improvement strategy that includes other neighborhoods and infrastructure needs.
“We know this isn’t glamorous work, but it’s vital to Manning’s future,” said Mayor Julia Nelson. “We’re doing everything we can to prepare Manning for growth and ensure our infrastructure keeps up.”
The project is expected to take approximately 355 days to complete. Updates and scheduling changes will be posted on the City of Manning’s official Facebook page.
For more information, visit www.manninglive.com or follow “City of Manning, South Carolina 29102” on Facebook.
