Dorchester County is moving ahead with a major $110 million project to widen Delemar Highway as development along the road continues to increase. The project, which aims to address growing traffic concerns, will help accommodate the expected rise in daily traffic.
Project Details
The expansion will cover the stretch of Delemar Highway from Clubhouse Road to Clay Field Trail, improving traffic flow and ensuring safer travel for residents and commuters in the area.
According to Mackenzie Kelley, transportation manager for Dorchester County, the project is crucial to meet the needs of a rapidly growing community.
“We’re projecting by 2050, it’s going to almost triple the amount of daily traffic out there,” Kelley said.
The widening will expand the road from two travel lanes to four lanes, with a median in the center. The project will also include sidewalks and bike lanes to provide safe options for pedestrians and cyclists. These improvements are expected to enhance both safety and mobility.
Community Impact
The addition of sidewalks is particularly important for students in the area. Chris McClure, executive director of Bike/Walk Summerville, emphasized that the sidewalks will make it safer for students to walk or bike to nearby schools, including Ashley Ridge High School.
“Sidewalks for students to be able to walk or bike,” McClure said. The infrastructure could also help reduce the number of cars on the road, easing traffic congestion.
Public Information and Input
Dorchester County is holding a public information meeting on Thursday at Ashley Ridge High School from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The meeting will provide details on the project and allow community members to ask questions and voice their concerns.
Additionally, a 30-day public input period is available online for residents who are unable to attend the meeting in person.
