Charleston County Invites Community Input for Vital Dorchester Road Enhancements

Charleston County Residents Encouraged to Share Ideas for Dorchester Road Improvements

In Charleston County, officials are eager to hear from the community about potential improvements along Dorchester Road. This Wednesday evening, the Charleston County Public Works team will host a community meeting aimed at gathering feedback from residents on the roadway’s enhancements. The targeted area for this project spans from the county line down to Michaux Parkway.

Why the Project is Important

Recent data highlights the necessity for these improvements. Between 2018 and 2022, Dorchester Road was the site of a staggering 1,419 car accidents, resulting in nine fatalities and 563 injuries. Alarmingly, over half of the deaths were pedestrians. The area is experiencing significant growth, and with that growth comes an expected 20% increase in traffic volume over the next 27 years. This dire situation is prompting the county leaders to develop the Dorchester Road Corridor Improvement Project in hopes of enhancing safety, easing congestion, and boosting the street’s overall capacity.

Possible Enhancements on the Table

During the community meeting, Charleston County representatives will discuss various ideas for improving Dorchester Road, such as widening lanes and introducing pedestrian upgrades, including a multi-use path. However, it’s essential that the community drives this project. Mackenzie Kelley, the project manager, insists that this initiative is fundamentally for the residents of the area, stating, “We know that Dorchester is a high traffic area, we want to hear from the residents that either maybe walk or bike or sit in traffic every day, get their feedback on what improvements they’d like to see.”

The project is funded through the county’s second transportation sales tax, which further emphasizes the importance of public input in shaping the outcome. “It’s their taxpayer money that’s going into this project, so they should have a say in it,” Kelley noted.

Join the Conversation

The community meeting, which was postponed originally due to Hurricane Helene, is now set for 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Jerry Zucker Middle School, located at 6401 Dorchester Road in North Charleston. This drop-in style gathering welcomes anyone interested in giving their input. Attendees will have the chance to review initial concepts and ask questions directly to the project team.

Kelley assures that community feedback will be taken seriously. “We will definitely – if there is a lot of comment, maybe for the sidewalk to be on one side of the road or the other – we will definitely take that into consideration,” she said. “If there is something we didn’t consider or see, we want to hear from the public that travels it every day or lives there.”

Still Want to Participate?

If you can’t make it to the meeting in person, there’s still a chance to voice your thoughts. Written and online public comments will be accepted until November 7. You can contribute comments in person at the meeting or through the project website. Alternatively, feel free to email the project team at info@DorchesterRoadImprovements.com, or mail your insights to their dedicated address.

What’s Next?

Following this meeting, project planners will move forward by creating design plans, obtaining permits, and finalizing construction plans. Construction is anticipated to begin in 2028 and may take two to three years to complete.

Additional Updates

In addition to the Dorchester Road Corridor Improvement Project, the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) will also be at the meeting to provide updates on another project – the SC 642 Dorchester Road Road Safety Audit. This audit targets the area from Michaux Parkway to Kent Avenue, shining a light on additional safety measures being put in place.

With various improvement initiatives already in the works for Dorchester Road, the need for community collaboration has never been more essential. So, mark your calendars and get ready to partake in shaping the future of Dorchester Road!