Bees Ferry Road Widening

The project, which is expected to be completed April 2014, will include improvements to the entire 4.5 mile length of Bees Ferry Road from Savannah Highway (U.S. 17) to Ashley River Road (S.C. 61). The project was requested by the City of Charleston and was funded by the Charleston County Transportation Sales Tax Program. Partial funding for the project was approved by voters in the second Transportation Sales Tax bond referendum.

 

Bees Ferry Improvements Video

 

 

The major improvements provided by the project are:

  • Widening Bees Ferry Road from two lanes to four lanes for the majority of the project with left and right turn lanes at intersections where warranted.
     

  • Widening Bees Ferry Road from four lanes to six lanes between Grand Oaks Boulevard and the future West Ashley Circle intersection to the north of Glenn McConnell Parkway.
     

  • Installing a 10-foot wide multi-use path for bicyclists and pedestrians on the west side of Bees Ferry Road, which that will tie into the multi-use path along Ashley River Road, and a five-foot wide sidewalk along the east side of the road.
     

  • Realigning the intersection of Bees Ferry Road and Savannah Highway to a 90-degree angle and installation of a new stoplight. The new intersection will be shifted east, in the direction of Main Road, about 1,500 feet from its present location.
     

  • Upgrading stoplights on Bees Ferry Road where it intersects with Ashley River Road, Glenn McConnell Parkway, West Ashley Circle, and Main Road/Hunt Club Run. The upgraded stoplights will consist of decorative poles with mast arms and include pedestrian “walk and stop” signals to improve crosswalk safety.
     

  • Constructing two left-turn lanes at the intersection of Bees Ferry Road and Ashley River Road for drivers traveling north on Ashley River Road toward Summerville.
     

  • Constructing a free-flow, right-turn lane at the intersection of Bees Ferry Road and Savannah Highway for drivers traveling south on Savannah Highway toward Savannah.
     

  • Constructing a landscaped median from Savannah Highway to Glenn McConnell Parkway and wherever possible with consideration for road access.
     

  • Improving roadway and offsite drainage that will include new drainage boxes, ditch clearing, curb and gutter, larger drainage pipes, and water quality structures that remove debris and pollutants from storm water runoff before it is released.
     

  • Protecting numerous grand oak trees within the limits of the project.
     

  • Replacing the existing bridge over the Church Creek Canal with a new longer, wider bridge complete with bicycle and pedestrian accommodations.

New Landscape Plantings include the following:

 

CANOPY TREES

Quantity

Common Name

2

Southern Magnolia

136

Overcup Oak

283

Highrise Live Oak

84

Nutall Oak

155

Chinese Lacebark Elm
 

UNDERSTORY TREES

Quantity

Common Name

123

Oklahoma Redbud

67

Chinese Fringe Tree

75

Fosters Holly

30

Eastern Red Cedar

214

Natchez Crepe Myrtle

9

Little Gem Magnolia

17

Wax Myrtle

154

Palmetto
 

SHRUBS

Quantity

Common Name

19

Yaupon Holly

22

Japanese Privet

 

 

Project Status

Construction began in January 2012 and is estimated to be completed by April 2014.

 

 

Current Highlights

  • January 2012 installation of traffic control devices; such as barrels and construction warning signs.
  • February 2012 speed limit reduced to 35mph for safety.
  • February 2012 clearing activities began to allow earthwork installation for widening.
  • March 2012 utility relocations to begin.

 

Past Public Meetings

Information handed out during past public meetings is not necessarily representative of current project plans that may have changed based upon public input during the meetings. However, we are including any handouts/graphics/information for historic reference so the public can see what was provided during the meeting(s).

 

A public hearing was held to review the Environmental Assessment document and impacts of the proposed roadway improvements on May 4, 2009 from 6-8 p.m. at the West Ashley High School. 48 citizens were in attendance.

 

The comment period has ended for the Bees Ferry Road Public Hearing. Citizens who submitted comments received a formal written response in the mail.

 

Click on the links below to view the information presented at the meeting:

Project Schedule