Charleston to Open New Traffic Lanes on Glenn McConnell Parkway
Charleston, South Carolina, is set to inaugurate new traffic lanes on Glenn McConnell Parkway starting on Friday. Construction crews are set to begin the process of removing orange traffic barrels in preparation for the extended lanes to open, signaling near completion of the widening project.
The Widening Project
The much-anticipated completion of the project marks the end of significant construction work on a two-mile stretch of the parkway, extending from Magwood Drive to Bees Ferry Road. Once the final lanes are open, the project will be deemed “substantially complete,” announced Kaitlin Jordan, spokesperson for Charleston County.
Community Response
Charleston County Council members Brantley Moody and Kylon Middleton expressed their satisfaction with the project’s timely and budget-respecting completion. “I am thrilled this project is being completed on time and within the budget,” Moody said. Middleton, on his part, remarked that residents are looking forward to easing traffic congestion in the heavily traveled areas.
Project Goals and Future Plans
The primary objective of the Parklands widening project was to relieve traffic congestion on Glenn McConnell Parkway and facilitate better bike and pedestrian access throughout the project corridor. Charleston County helmed the initiative, which was given the green light in 2016 with a $25 million budget. The project was scheduled to reach completion by March 26.
Although the lanes will be opened shortly, drivers will notice ongoing landscaping work around the area — a sign of the continued refinement on the Parkway.
Impacts on Traffic and Commuters
The additional lanes are anticipated to significantly improve the flow of traffic in the area, which has long struggled with congestion, especially during peak hours. The newly created bike and pedestrian pathways are expected to encourage alternative modes of travel, thus contributing to a more sustainable urban plan for Charleston residents.
