A new road project in Charleston County, South Carolina, has moved one step closer to becoming reality. The planned Airport Connector Road is designed to reduce traffic near the Charleston International Airport and the Boeing manufacturing facility. With key environmental clearance now granted, the project is gaining momentum and expected to begin construction in 2026.
What Is the Airport Connector Road?
The Airport Connector Road is a five-lane road project planned in Charleston County. Its main goal is to reduce traffic jams in the busy area around Charleston International Airport and the Boeing plant. This new road will create separate lanes for airport travelers, Boeing employees, and local commuters. It is also expected to handle future traffic growth as the area develops further.
Major Environmental Approval Granted
The project recently received an important approval from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). The FHWA issued a “Finding of No Significant Impact,” also known as FONSI. This means that after a detailed environmental review, officials found that the project will not seriously affect people or the environment.
This decision marks the end of the environmental review process and allows the project to move forward to the next stage, which is buying land for the road construction.
A Big Step Forward for Charleston County
Charleston County Public Works Director, Eric Adams, shared his thoughts on this important milestone. He said the project has been in the works for years, with lots of careful planning and cooperation between various teams.
“With this approval in hand, we’re one step closer to delivering critical infrastructure that will improve traffic flow, support economic growth, and provide a safer, more efficient connection to and from the airport,” Adams said.
What’s Next for the Project?
Now that the environmental review is complete, the next phase will involve acquiring land for the road. After that, the final design plans will be completed. Construction is expected to start in the third quarter of 2026 and will take around two years to finish.
The Airport Connector Road is seen as a key investment in the area’s infrastructure. It will not only reduce traffic problems but also support business and job growth in Charleston County.
The approval of the Airport Connector Road project marks a major step in improving transportation in Charleston County. By creating a smoother, more efficient route for airport and Boeing traffic, the road is expected to ease congestion, boost economic development, and prepare the region for future growth. With construction set to begin in 2026, residents and travelers alike can look forward to better traffic flow and safer travel in the near future.
