AIKEN --- The second phase of Interstate 520 -- known as the Palmetto Parkway in South Carolina -- is about 82 percent finished and moving ever closer to its Dec. 31 completion date, officials say.

"We're still a little better than 5 percent ahead of schedule," said Claude Ipock, the project manager for the South Carolina Department of Transportation. " ... Overall, we've really been blessed from a road building standpoint. The weather's been good."

Mr. Ipock said a lot of progress has been made lately involving the 61/2-mile extension of I-520 from its terminus at U.S. Highway 1 to Interstate 20.

"As far as I-520 itself, we've completed the concrete paving," he said.

Other work is continuing.

"The main focus at this point are the U.S. (Highway) 25 bridges over I-20," he said. "We just recently completed removing the old bridges over I-20."

When it's finished, the parkway will provide a loop around the southern end of Augusta, providing convenient access to Fort Gordon, North Augusta and downtown Augusta.

"This will complete the corridor," Mr. Ipock said.

Construction began in May 2007 on the second phase, which cost more than $127 million. Its completion date remains year-end.

Reach Preston Sparks at (803) 648-1395, ext. 110, or preston.sparks@augustachronicle.com.