Project redesign to limit right-of-way impacts completed. Revised right of way plans have been resubmitted to SCDOT for review and comments. Right of way acquisition is anticipated to start early 2025. Anticipate advertisement for construction in mid-2025.

Following a presentation by staff, Council approved modifications to the project to reduce right-of-way impacts and provide some drainage improvements. The 4-foot existing sidewalk along Central Park Road will remain in place and be repaired as necessary. Starting at Lucky Road, a new 5-foot sidewalk will be constructed and transition to a 10-foot multi-use path once it crosses County property, continuing to the Lowcountry Senior Center. No changes have been made to the proposed right turn lane from Riverland Drive onto Central Park Road. Staff will be working to update the plans and obtain the necessary environmental permits. Right-of-way acquisitions are anticipated to occur in 4th Quarter 2024 with project advertisement for bids scheduled for mid-2025. Click here to view the presentation.

Staff presented a project update to Council in June and suggested modification to the project scope to reduce right-of-way impacts to surrounding properties and provide some drainage improvements. Council asked staff to inquire with impacted residents about their support for the project with the proposed right-of-way reductions. Staff has sent letters, graphics, and surveys to residents seeking comment on the revised project.

Following a project update presentation to the Public Works Committee, Council requested that staff re-evaluate the project to limit right-of-way acquisitions and reduce width of proposed sidewalk/multi-use path where necessary to stay within existing right-of-way where possible.

Right of way acquisitions began.

SCDOT approved right of way plans.

• Drafted Roadway and Drainage design for right of way plans.
• Tree preservation plan discussions and preparations.
• On-going utility coordination efforts.
• Wetland Delineation and Critical Line Certification.
• Permitting submittal and review.

Preliminary plans were submitted to SCDOT for review.

County moved forward with the project per Charleston County Council’s recommendation. Additional survey was conducted due to the new project limits.

Additional survey was conducted due to the new project scope per County Council’s recommendation.

Staff provided an updated presentation to Council addressing requested information from June 8. Click here to view the presentation.

County Council voted to rescind the Council's action from November 20, 2020, where it approved the design of Alternative3. The Council also voted to redefine the project purpose and need as follows; "To improve safety at the intersection of Riverland Drive and Central Park Road for all modes of transportation while minimizing impacts to adjacent property and grand trees." The Council authorized staff to proceed with the design and installation of painted crosswalks in each direction at the existing Central Park Rd stop sign. There is also approval for the installation of a flashing light on Riverland at the crossing after Council evaluates the feasibility of adding a short right turn lane with refuge on Central Park to allow traffic to turn right as cars are waiting to turn left. Council has requested that staff bring information back within 30 days. The Council has also authorized staff to proceed with construction of the Riverland Drive sidewalk/path extending to the design-phase Woodland Shores sidewalk and Camp Road Sidewalk/Riverland Drive multi-use path. It authorized the use of eminent domain to the extent necessary to affect the same which will promote connectivity by tying the County's sidewalk project to the recently completed SCDOT round-about project. Lastly, Council authorized staff to evaluate reducing the speed limit on Riverland Drive from 35mph between Maybank Hwy and Camp Road and bring recommendations back to Council within 30 days. Click here to read the full County action summary.

Staff presented to the Planning and Public Works Committee on the project. The Committee made recommendations regarding the intersection project to Council.

Council Member Darby requested County Council reconsider the decision made at the November 2020 meeting to move forward with design Alternative 3. Council voted down the reconsideration and upheld the recommendation that staff move forward with Alternative 3.

At a joint Committee and Council Meeting, County Council voted to move forward with design Alternative 3. Click here to view the council directive.

At a Council Finance Committee meeting on November 7, staff provided Council with the differences between the conceptual design plans and 30% design plans. Click here to view the presentation. At the same meeting, Council deferred staff's recommendation 90 days while the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) reviews design Alternatives 1 and 3. The same action item went back to Council at a Finance Committee meeting on November 21, and Council deferred staff's recommendation 90 days so that the SCDOT could review a new design alternative.

Staff anticipated taking this project back to County Council for direction on a path forward in March 2020, but due to the COVID-19 crisis, this action was postponed.

County Council directed Transportation Development staff to take both Alternatives 1 and 3 design plans to a 30% level of completion. At the time of this meeting, conceptual plans were only at approximately 10% level of completion. While taking the designs to 30%, staff had time to coordinate with South Carolina Department of Transportation, utility companies providing services within the project area, and the County’s Zoning and Planning Department. With a more complete design, and coordination with the previously listed entities, staff had a better understanding of current project unknowns. Identifying these unknowns better defined the project’s footprint and associated impacts to the property owners for both alternatives.

Charleston County Council and the Transportation Development Department held a Public Comment Meeting. Click here to learn more about this meeting.

A public meeting took place to present three possible design alternatives. Click here to learn more about the alternatives and to view a summary of the public comment period.

Presented design alternatives at a stakeholder meeting.

Conducted a land survey and tree assessments to develop possible design alternatives.

Contract for engineering and design services executed.