News Summary
Dorchester Road in Charleston, SC is experiencing significant traffic congestion, prompting local officials to organize a public meeting for community feedback on improvement plans. The proposed project includes widening the road, enhancing safety, and redesigning interchanges. With an estimated budget of $181 million funded by a transportation sales tax, the construction is expected to begin in 2029 as traffic volumes are projected to rise significantly by 2050. Community engagement is crucial for shaping effective solutions.
Charleston, SC – Dorchester Road is facing significant congestion issues as the area continues to grow and attract new residents. Traffic along this key roadway has deteriorated notably, especially during peak travel hours in the morning and evening, prompting local officials to seek solutions. This road connects Summerville with the southern part of North Charleston and runs parallel to Interstate 26, serving as a vital alternate route to major local facilities such as Bosch and Joint Base Charleston.
To address these growing concerns, Dorchester County officials are organizing a public meeting on July 15, from 5-7 p.m. at Fort Dorchester High School. This meeting aims to gather community feedback on planned traffic improvement projects along a 5.6-mile stretch of Dorchester Road, stretching from Old Trolley Road to the Charleston County line. The initiative is part of a broader effort to alleviate congestion and enhance safety in the region.
Plans for the project include widening the roadway from two to three lanes and providing dedicated spaces for bicycles and pedestrians. Furthermore, the proposed improvements involve redesigning the interchange at Old Trolley Road and Ladson Road, with four alternatives under consideration. These options include two at-grade alternatives and two grade-separated options, one of which includes a potential overpass. The grade-separated option is favored for enhancing traffic flow; however, it is anticipated that this could increase project costs and create disruptions for commuters during construction.
Funding for the Dorchester Road improvements stems from a transportation sales tax that was approved by county residents in 2022. The project’s estimated budget is $181 million, with plans for additional funding if an overpass is incorporated. A recent traffic study indicated that approximately 40,000 vehicles currently travel daily on the roadway section managed by Dorchester County, a number projected to rise to 53,000 by 2050. In comparison, Charleston County reports 52,000 daily vehicles on its portion of Dorchester Road, with current plans to widen the road from four to six lanes, set to commence construction in 2028.
The construction timeline for the Dorchester County improvements is expected to begin in 2029, with a projected completion period spanning two to three years, contingent on the selected option for the interchange improvements. In addition to the roadway upgrades, a separate pedestrian safety initiative from the South Carolina Department of Transportation is also planned for a section of Dorchester Road. This project aims to improve safety without expanding the road’s capacity.
Residents who wish to contribute their feedback on the Dorchester County project are encouraged to visit the county’s website, where comments will be accepted until August 14. Charleston County has previously shared its expansion project plans at a public meeting, which generally received community support along with additional suggestions for improvements.
Despite the positive reception of improvement plans, residents have voiced concerns regarding potential noise levels and whether the proposed upgrades will sufficiently resolve ongoing traffic bottlenecks. With traffic management featuring prominently in local discussions, Dorchester County officials hope that community feedback will play a pivotal role in shaping the forthcoming improvements to Dorchester Road.
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Additional Resources
- ABC News 4: Dorchester Residents Consider $181M Plan
- Post and Courier: Dorchester Road Traffic Widening Plan
- Live 5 News: Traffic Lanes Open After Flooding
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Traffic Congestion
- Google Search: Dorchester Road Traffic Widening
Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON
The CHARLESTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREcharleston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charleston, Charleston County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Spoleto Festival USA, Charleston Wine + Food Festival, and the MOJA Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce and the Charleston Museum, plus leading businesses in tourism and maritime industries that power the local economy such as South Carolina Ports Authority and the Charleston Visitor Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaiken.com, HEREbeaufort.com, HEREchapin.com, HEREcharleston.com, HEREclinton.com, HEREcolumbia.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, HEREgreenwood.com, HEREgreenville.com, HEREhiltonhead.com, HEREirmo.com, HEREmyrtlebeach.com, HEREnewberry.com, HERErockhill.com, HEREspartanburg.com, HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
