The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) has officially started a major safety improvement project on Ashley Phosphate Road in North Charleston. Local and state leaders gathered for the groundbreaking ceremony, celebrating what many call a long-awaited project that ranks as a top priority for the department.
Safety Improvements Coming to Ashley Phosphate Road
The safety improvements to be made on Ashley Phosphate Road are designed to enhance both pedestrian safety and traffic flow. According to Justin Powell, the Secretary of Transportation at SCDOT, the project will include:
High visibility crosswalks
ADA ramps to improve pedestrian access
Crosswalks with countdown signals
New pavement markings
Flashing yellow arrows for better traffic direction
New traffic signals
Raised medians that help reduce crashes
New lighting across the area for better visibility
These upgrades come after years of public meetings, where local input was used to tailor the project to North Charleston’s specific needs.
History of Accidents on Ashley Phosphate Road
From January 2013 to June 2021, there were nearly 6,000 crashes on Ashley Phosphate Road, including 16 fatalities. These alarming statistics were a major motivator for the safety upgrades. Reggie Burgess, the Mayor of North Charleston, shared that his community had been asking for major safety improvements.
“In my law enforcement background, the worst thing that can happen is a family getting into an accident or a child trying to cross the street on a bike to go to school or a park. We want people to get to their jobs safely without accidents that could stop them from providing for their families,” Burgess said.
Traffic Congestion and Safety Concerns
Many drivers who use Ashley Phosphate Road daily expressed concerns about the heavy traffic. Candice Anderson, a local worker, said, “It’s chaotic from morning to night. The traffic feels like a bumper car derby. Even at night, you have to watch out for people walking across the road.”
Support from Community Leaders
The project has received strong support from various community organizations and leaders. Senator Deon Tedder of South Carolina called the project an investment in the safety of local communities. “It’s not just a road project, it’s an investment that will protect people traveling this busy corridor every day,” Tedder said. “Ashley Phosphate has been one of the busiest, but unfortunately one of the most dangerous roads in our region. This project will create safer infrastructure for both drivers and pedestrians.”
Project Timeline and Impact
Construction will begin next week, and crews will work overnight to minimize disruption during the day. The project is expected to take about ten months to complete. Officials say that the improvements will help reduce accidents and improve traffic flow in this high-traffic area.
With the start of this safety project, Ashley Phosphate Road is set to become safer for both drivers and pedestrians. Local leaders and residents are hopeful that the changes will reduce accidents and improve the daily commute in the area. The project is a step forward in making the road safer for everyone who uses it.
