Charleston County Invites Taxpayers to Share Opinions on Palmetto Commerce Project
Charleston County leaders are actively working to alleviate traffic congestion issues and improve the commuting experience for the residents. The Palmetto Commerce Interchange project, which gained traction in August 2023, is one such endeavour. This project is currently engaged in construction, with plans of reaching a significant completion point by early 2026.
The Palmetto Commerce Interchange is a proposed “urban diamond” interchange situated between Highway 78 and Ashley Phosphate Road. An urban diamond interchange design requires less space, offering closely placed ramp intersections for efficient traffic management. It aims to establish a direct route from I-26 to Palmetto Commerce Parkway.
Progress of the Project
Project Manager Mackenzie Kelley recently highlighted the advancements made in recent months. Extensive drainage work and utility relocation have been completed. Also, the construction of Mechanically Stabilized Earthen Walls, forming the base of the interchange, is nearing completion.
According to Kelley, the objective of the Palmetto Commerce Interchange project is to decrease congestion, boost access to the present and future developments, and promote a more efficient commuting system. This will result in reduced travel times and enhanced mobility within the county.
Steps Toward Completion
In the coming week, project workers plan to shift the traffic outwards to initiate the placement of the barrier wall, change the road pavement markings, and restripe the route. To carry out these procedures, authorized temporal single-lane closures will be in effect from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., with traffic staggered between eastbound and westbound lanes.
Public Input Invited
The Palmetto Commerce Interchange project is entirely funded through the second transportation sales tax, making the taxpayers a significant stakeholder in the project. Recognizing this, county leaders have arranged a public meeting to seek the community’s views and opinions on the project.
The meeting is scheduled for Wednesday evening at the Northwoods Gym and Community Center located at 8348 Greenridge Road in North Charleston. It will begin at 6 p.m. and will run for an hour. Interested individuals can learn more about the project, pose questions, and express any apprehensions with project leaders in a direct interaction.
Future Goals
Kelley expressed optimism about the project’s potential positive impacts on the community. Once completed, it is expected to significantly reduce travel times, enhance connectivity and mobility among commuters, and improve commuting experience for Charleston County citizens. Further updates regarding the project will be shared quarterly.
For more information about the project and the upcoming public meetings, interested parties can reach out to the project team.
