Right of way plans have been approved by SCDOT. This project is currently in the right of way acquisition phase. The County anticipates to advertise the project for bid in 3rd Quarter 2025.
The Public Works Department held an online public input period regarding the proposed design improvements from October 15, 2020 to November 15, 2020.
The project team received 59 comments. Below you will find answers to recurring (5 or more) comments/questions.
1. Why do the presented design plans not address the alternate merge?
The purpose of the Old Towne District Improvements project is to improve the level of service and safety for the travelling public; support the use of mass transit; supply access to existing and future businesses; and create walkable, bike-able and connected communities. This project does not include addressing the alternate merge at SC 7 and SC 171. For more information regarding previous attempts to address this intersection, click here.
2. Please ensure landscaping within the project area will not block the driver’s line of sight.
The project team will design the proposed improvements to provide the necessary sight distance. This design will include landscaping choices that will not interfere with a driver’s ability to safely navigate the project corridor.
3. Can additional bike/pedestrian facilities be included in the project? Will there be any type of barriers between the bicyclists/pedestrians and vehicular traffic?
The design includes sidewalk (5-feet wide) connectivity throughout the project’s limits, with proposed shared-use paths (10-feet wide) where there is sufficient right of way. While the project team cannot design outside the approved limits for this project, additional bike/pedestrian improvement projects could receive funding through the Transportation Sales Tax Annual Allocation Program or the County Transportation Committee. Click here to learn more about these programs.
As currently proposed, a curb and gutter will separate vehicular traffic from sidewalks and shared-use paths. Additionally, much of the project area includes a vegetated buffer separating bicyclists/pedestrians from vehicular traffic. The buffer width varies between 1 and 7 feet due to an effort to balance the maximum separation distance while also minimizing property acquisition. The design does not include structural barriers due to limited right of way availability.
4. What will be done to the Sumar Street site (Old Piggly Wiggly)?
The City of Charleston is managing the Northbridge Gateway project. For more information regarding the future development of this site, click here.
