The comment period for the public workshop has ended (January 12, 2010). If you would like to submit a general comment about this project or any other Transportation Sales Tax Funded project, click here. (Note that any comments received after January 11, 2010 will not be included in the Public Comment Summary Report.)
Click here to view the Public Comment Summary Report from the December 7, 2009 workshop
Background
In 2001, Charleston County Council authorized a study to gather public input on ways to relieve traffic concerns on Johns Island. Maybank Highway, Bohicket Road and River Road are the boundaries of the area that was studied.
In 2006, Charleston County Council authorized an update to the original 2001 study. The update was funded by the County's Transportation Sales Tax.
Charleston County Council held a public meeting on Thursday, June 19, 2008, to gather input on the idea of building a road, then known as the Sea Islands Parkway, across Johns Island, and whether or not Council should pursue asking the S.C. Department of Transportation to begin considering a limited-access toll road option. Council chose to re-evaluate the Cross Island Road concept in relation to comprehensive traffic solutions for Johns Island.
On September 1, 2009, County Council approved the following directives:
- To perform an alignment study for the Sea Islands Greenway
- To prepare a Request for Proposals (RFP) for potential public-private financing and construction of the Greenway
- To move forward with the Maybank Highway improvements, based upon the “pitchfork” concept at the intersection of Maybank Highway and River Road
- To study and seek funding for improvements at seven Johns Island Intersections
- To study the widening of Bohicket and Main Roads as an alternative to the Sea Islands Greenway project.
Sea Islands Greenway
The idea of the greenway is being offered as a potential alternative to widening River Road or Bohicket Road because it would provide another option for travelers crossing Johns Island, and, therefore, take pressure off of the current road system. The greenway would stretch across Johns Island from the area of the Maybank Highway and River Road intersection to Betsy Kerrison Parkway. The proposed road concept envisions a rural roadway, buffered on both sides and protected from development. The buffering concept would be similar to the Colonial Parkway in Williamsburg, Virginia. Colonial Parkway in Williamsburg, Virginia
Project Funding
Currently, no funding has been identified for the acquisition of right-of-way or construction for the Greenway. On September 1, 2009, County Council authorized staff to prepare a Request for Proposals (RFP) for potential public-private financing and construction of the Greenway. At this early stage of the project, all sources of funding will be considered.
Public Workshop Held Dec. 7, 2009
A public workshop was held on Monday, Dec. 7, from 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. at the Johns Island Regional Library (3531 Maybank Highway). The workshop was conducted to obtain public input on the Sea Islands Greenway component of an overall study on improving the Johns Island road network. The workshop included a presentation about the Greenway concept by County staff and consultants that was given at the following times: 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 2 p.m., 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. The public was invited to drop in, comment and give input at any time throughout the day.
Citizens interested in learning about the project had the opportunity to discuss their questions and comments directly with members of the project study team. Maps showing various environmental resources and preliminary alternative alignments were available for review. The preliminary alternative alignments for the Greenway shown during the meeting will be studied, along with other alternatives that will be developed based on feedback from the public and organizations.
Click here to view/print a copy of the public workshop handout.
Click here to view the public workshop Project Information Poster
