Charleston, September 5, 2025
News Summary
Charleston is considering converting one-way streets into two-way traffic to enhance safety and reduce congestion in its downtown area. Roads like Coming Street, Rutledge, and Ashley Avenues are under review. Traffic engineering consultant Kimley-Horn has been enlisted to study the implications, while a public meeting has been held to gather community feedback. The move aims to create a safer environment for pedestrians and cyclists while addressing concerns about traffic flow. The proposed changes will require approval from the City Council and the South Carolina Department of Transportation.
Charleston Considers Converting One-Way Streets to Two-Way Traffic
Charleston officials are exploring the possibility of converting several one-way streets on the peninsula to two-way traffic, a move that could significantly alter the flow of traffic in the downtown area. Streets under consideration include Coming Street (from Calhoun Street to Race Street) and Rutledge and Ashley Avenues (between Calhoun Street and Septima P. Clark Parkway). The city has enlisted the expertise of traffic engineering consultant Kimley-Horn to conduct a study focusing on the implications of such a change, including costs, impacts on on-street parking, and congestion levels.
A public meeting was held on September 4, 2025, allowing city officials to present findings regarding existing traffic conditions, which included traffic counts and collision data. Proponents of the conversion believe that the shift to two-way traffic will enhance safety for pedestrians, bicyclists, and drivers. Conversely, critics have raised concerns about potential increases in travel times as a result of the changes.
City officials aim to create a “natural traffic calming effect” with this project, supporting the notion that two-way streets can lead to safer, more pedestrian-friendly environments. The Cannonborough Elliottborough neighborhood association is particularly vocal in favor of the conversion, with residents expressing a long-standing desire for this change. Past conversions in the area, such as those of Spring and Cannon Streets, have yielded positive results, enhancing safety and overall walkability.
Historically, the original design of these roads allowed for two-way traffic. However, street configurations were altered to create one-directional pairs to facilitate faster commuting. This trend began in the mid-20th century, a time when automobile travel became the dominant mode of transportation in cities like Charleston. With the surge in downtown residency and a decreasing reliance on cars, the conversation around street configurations has evolved.
A previous study in 2000 evaluated the feasibility of converting several peninsula roads. At that time, parts of Rutledge and Ashley Avenues had already been converted south of Calhoun Street. City Council had recommended converting Coming Street in 2012, although funding of $300,000 was not allocated for that project.
Any proposed changes to the roadways will require approval from both the City Council and the South Carolina Department of Transportation. The public is encouraged to give feedback, which will help guide the direction of the project moving forward. There is currently no definitive timeline for implementation; any changes will depend on community input and collaboration with state transportation officials.
Frequently Asked Questions
What streets are being considered for conversion?
Why is the city considering this change?
What are the next steps in the process?
Key Features of the Proposed Project
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Streets Involved | Coming Street, Rutledge Avenue, Ashley Avenue |
| Consultant | Kimley-Horn |
| Main Focus | Costs, on-street parking, congestion |
| Community Involvement | Public meetings and feedback encouraged |
| Approval Needed | City Council and South Carolina Department of Transportation |
| Timeline | Dependent on community response |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Count On 2 News
- ABC News 4
- Post and Courier
- Live 5 News
- Charleston City Paper
- Wikipedia: Traffic Calming
- Google Search: City of Charleston traffic study
- Google Scholar: Two-Way Traffic Streets
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Traffic Control
- Google News: Charleston one-way to two-way traffic
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