Residents traveling along Clements Ferry Road in Charleston, S.C., may soon see improvements as the City of Charleston and Berkeley County work together to address growing traffic concerns. With new developments on the horizon, local residents have expressed worries that the area, already experiencing heavy traffic, will become even more congested.
Common complaints include traffic backups at the intersection to merge onto I-526, accidents caused by unprotected turns, and delays from large 18-wheelers coming from the ports, adding to the strain on this frequently traveled road.
Plans for Traffic Signal Improvements
Starting in late September, the City of Charleston will begin reviewing and adjusting traffic signal timings along the entire Clements Ferry Road corridor. The goal is to improve traffic flow and enhance safety. Additionally, discussions are underway for the installation of new traffic signals, strategically placed to ensure safer access and smoother traffic movement.
Roadway Widening and Multi-Use Paths
In partnership with Berkeley County and the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT), the City of Charleston is working on finalizing key roadway widening projects and the addition of multi-use paths along Clements Ferry. This effort aims to accommodate the growing population and make the road more accessible for all users.
Berkeley County recently completed a $130 million widening project along Clements Ferry, and ongoing discussions with SCDOT are focusing on further improvements to keep up with the area’s growth.
County’s Commitment to Growth-Related Infrastructure
Berkeley County Supervisor John Cribb emphasized the county’s commitment to ensuring that new growth helps fund infrastructure improvements. “We’re going to make sure new growth pays for new growth,” Cribb stated, noting that this approach has been popular with long-time residents who don’t want to bear the full cost of development.
Coordination Between Local and State Agencies
Clements Ferry Road is maintained by several jurisdictions, including the City of Charleston, Berkeley County, and SCDOT. News 2 reached out to SCDOT for further comments but has not yet received a response. Currently, SCDOT is working on a long-term project to widen I-526, with the next phase focusing on right-of-way acquisition.
With these efforts in motion, there is hope that traffic flow and safety along Clements Ferry Road will improve in the near future.
