Construction crews will begin underground work on the east side of Folly Beach as part of the ongoing Center Street drainage project, a long-awaited initiative designed to address persistent flooding issues.
Project Overview and Timeline
The Center Street drainage project, which began this spring, aims to reduce flooding that has been a regular concern, especially along the main roadway of the island. While the project is still in its early stages, officials are warning residents and visitors about temporary water and utility service impacts from July 21-25 on 8th Street E and the first block of East Cooper Avenue.
Flooding Problems and Solutions
Folly Beach’s Center Street has been prone to flooding for years, particularly during high tide and heavy rainstorms. Eric Lutz, the Public Works Director of Folly Beach, mentioned how such conditions significantly affect both visitors and businesses during the summer months. “Center Street has been flooding on a regular basis for quite some time. It’s a pretty big impact for visitors and the businesses,” Lutz said.
Key Features of the Project
This project has been in the works for nearly 15 years, with the current phase starting five years ago. The main goal is to enhance stormwater management on the island. The improvements will include:
Larger stormwater pipes on both sides of Center Street and on the east side of the island.
New stormwater inlets to improve drainage.
Green infrastructure elements, including six rain gardens and 39 permeable parking spots that will allow water to infiltrate the ground, reducing runoff into the stormwater system.
Permeable paving: The parking spots will be constructed using impervious materials that let water pass through to the ground, increasing the system’s capacity to handle stormwater.
Impact on Traffic and Business Access
During the construction period, residents and visitors should expect changes to traffic patterns, pedestrian walkways, and business access. While these temporary inconveniences are expected, Lutz believes the final result will be well worth it.
Future Benefits
Once completed, the drainage system improvements should have a significant impact on reducing flooding in critical areas of the island. “It should be huge,” Lutz said. “We should see a big difference because you won’t have that critical flooding down there at that intersection. That gets really bad right now sometimes, hopefully, this will minimize to make it ankle-deep instead of knee-deep.”
Expected Completion Date
The Center Street drainage project is expected to be completed by June 2026, and it’s anticipated to drastically improve the island’s ability to manage stormwater and reduce flooding, providing long-term benefits for both residents and businesses.
