Charleston’s Ashley River Crossing Project Faces Design Changes Amid Safety Concerns

Charleston Prepares for Ashley River Crossing Project

Charleston, S.C. is buzzing with news about the upcoming Ashley River Crossing project, set to kick off in November. However, some changes are on the horizon that might surprise those who have been following the project’s development. Mayor William Cogswell has proposed a shift in the original design, particularly concerning the bridge intended for cyclists and pedestrians.

Proposed Changes Ahead

Originally, the bridge was designed to provide direct access to the bustling Medical District, which many see as a critical connection for residents in West Ashley. Now, the plan suggests alternative routes instead of that aimed connection. The bridge will still span the Ashley River and connect with the West Ashley Greenway, but it will redirect traffic either north to Brittle Bank Park or south to the City Marina. The hope is to alleviate safety concerns, particularly at the busy intersection of Bee Street and Lockwood Drive.

An Important Connection

According to Katie Zimmerman, executive director of Charleston Moves, direct connectivity between West Ashley—the city’s most densely populated area—and the Medical District is imperative. “This connection for West Ashley commuters was a major selling point for the project back in 2019,” she noted. In her view, having easy access to important employment hubs like the Medical District enhances the quality of life for residents.

Logan McVey, the chief policy officer for the mayor’s office, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of safety. “While we want to provide that access, we believe **Calhoun Street** is the right route. Ensuring people can get there safely is crucial,” McVey remarked. Moreover, the proposed adjustments could save the city over $1 million and keep the project on schedule, a win-win situation from a financial perspective.

Rising Safety Concerns

Despite the potential benefits, advocates for the project have raised significant concerns about the changes. Zimmerman noted that Calhoun Street stands as one of the deadliest corridors in South Carolina, raising alarm about directing hundreds of cyclists onto it without any plans to improve safety measures. “As it stands, there are no proposals on making Calhoun safer for cyclists,” she stated, clearly worried about the implications of this new direction.

Linking Charleston

In light of this, city officials are making efforts to connect the Ashley Riverwalk project—a series of floating docks—into the mix. The idea is to create a more integrated experience for those traversing the area. “We’ve reimagined our maps, showing inner West Ashley and the peninsula connected by the A.R.C. Bridge and the Ashley Riverwalk. It’s going to look different, but we aim to provide an even richer experience,” McVey revealed.

The Bigger Picture

Although construction is set to begin soon, not everything is smooth sailing. The estimated cost for completing the overall project has ballooned from around $22 million in 2019 to nearly $100 million today. In light of these changes, Mayor Cogswell’s proposal will be presented to Charleston’s City Council for a vote, steering the future of this vital infrastructure project.

As Charleston gears up for this ambitious endeavor, the balancing act between safety, connectivity, and budget is on everyone’s mind. While many are enthusiastic about what lies ahead, the road to making the Ashley River Crossing a shining success continues to evolve.