News Summary
Starting May 19, significant road work will begin in downtown Charleston, including concrete repairs and resurfacing operations that may disrupt access to sidewalks. Traffic will be maintained in construction zones, and drivers are advised to seek alternative routes. Additionally, Charleston County is advancing a separate project aimed at improving the US-17 and Main Road intersection, with extensive plans and community involvement in the pipeline.
Charleston – The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) has announced that significant road work will commence on May 19 in downtown Charleston. This project will include crucial concrete repairs, curb work, and resurfacing operations, taking place daily from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. The work is anticipated to extend through June, and during this time, access to sidewalks and curbs will be disrupted in designated areas. Although traffic will be maintained within the construction zones, drivers are advised to seek alternative routes and exercise caution in the vicinity of work crews and signage.
In addition to downtown developments, Charleston County is progressing with the Main Road Segment A project, which aims to enhance the safety and efficiency of the US-17 and Main Road intersection. Project leaders are currently conducting analysis and pile testing in the marsh area south of US-17 and east of Main Road while continuing with the permitting and right-of-way acquisition processes, which are expected to run into the summer months.
As part of the project planning, Charleston County has submitted 60% of their design plans for regulatory approval and is coordinating with various railroads and utility companies to prepare for construction efforts. Utility relocation will be among the initial phases of this extensive four-year project, which has an estimated completion date before 2029. The construction contract for the Main Road Segment A project, valued at $354 million, was awarded last September, with key goals focused on reducing congestion at the intersection and enhancing access for both commercial and residential properties. Additionally, the project will integrate provisions for cyclists and pedestrians, as well as planned improvements to stormwater drainage management.
To keep the community informed about the progress of the Main Road Segment A project, quarterly public meetings will be held, starting with the first session scheduled for Thursday from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at St. John’s High School on Johns Island.
Moreover, the Charleston County School District (CCSD) is working in collaboration with the City of Charleston to implement essential safety improvements on River Road, ahead of the opening of the new Johns Island Elementary school in August 2025. In response to safety concerns raised in prior meetings, CCSD is required to construct a roundabout and turn lanes at the intersection of Brownwood Road and River Road. These modifications are designed to ensure smooth traffic flow near the new school’s location, with the aim of alleviating potential congestion compared to alternative sites.
Additional considerations include the possibility of installing new pipes near the school’s entrance to improve safety due to existing deep ditches along River Road. City officials and representatives from the school district emphasize the importance of shared responsibility and cooperation to ensure that the road improvements are appropriate for the local geography and responsive to community needs.
This infrastructure improvement initiative is part of Charleston’s broader strategy to enhance transportation safety and efficiency within the area and is crucial to accommodating the growing needs of residents and visitors alike.
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Additional Resources
- WSAZ: Update on Diamond Building in Charleston
- Live 5 News: Charleston County Seeks Feedback on Major Road Project Plans
- Charleston City Paper: Update on Ashley River Crossing Project
- Count On 2: City of Charleston Discusses Updates on Johns Island Elementary Project
- Live 5 News: Charleston County Updates Community on Palmetto Commerce Interchange Project
- Wikipedia: Charleston, South Carolina
- Google Search: Charleston infrastructure projects
- Google Scholar: Charleston development projects
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Charleston
- Google News: Charleston construction updates
