Public Meeting #1 Summary
Delemar Highway

Public Meeting Summary

Overview

The Delemar Highway Improvements Project includes the widening of Delemar Highway between Clubhouse Road and Clay Field Trail to accommodate future traffic projections, improve traffic safety, and provide bicycle and pedestrian accommodations. Widening of Delemar Highway between Clay Field Trail and Ashley Ridge High School would be completed as a separate developer-funded project.

An in-person Public Information Meeting (PIM) was held for the Delemar Highway (SC 165) Improvements Project on March 26, 2026, from 5:30 to 7:30 PM at Ashley Ridge High School in Summerville, South Carolina. A total of 139 people attended the meeting. In addition, a project specific website was hosted at https://dorchestertransportation.com/all-projects-overview/delemar-highway, allowing individuals to review materials and provide input at their convenience, thereby expanding access for those unable to attend in person.  Eight stations were arranged around the perimeter of the room, showcasing the project overview & purpose, existing and future traffic, environmental and community resources, proposed typical section, construction plans, noise analysis, project schedule & potential timeline, and comment submission. In addition, large scale roll plots were displayed showcasing proposed design, and nearby parcels. Use the buttons below to review meeting materials.

Welcome        Handout          Background         Environmental & Community Resources

Traffic Data       Typical Section         Traffic Noise Information       Roll Plot Sheet 1 of 2

Roll Plot Sheet 2 of 2

Project team members were at each station to provide an overview, explain proposed improvements, and answer questions. The public was invited to submit comments or questions via the project website, mail, or in person at the PIM.

A total of 104 comments were received during the comment period from March 26, 2026, through April 26, 2026. A range of comments and concerns were noted for topics such as noise, intersection safety, signalization request, flooding and drainage, community character, and right-of-way or property acquisition.

Summary of Public Comments Received

Comment Topics

Traffic Congestion

Comments expressing concern over the risk of increased congestion, citing observed unsafe vehicle passing, pedestrian safety concerns, and frequent accidents especially during school and peak commute hours were received.

  • The planned improvements are expected to reduce congestion compared to the No Build condition. The 2024 traffic study shows that while the corridor currently operates at good to fair levels of service with some localized delays, future traffic growth associated with ongoing development would result in poor operations and substantial delays if no improvements are made. By adding roadway capacity, separating turning movements, improving intersection efficiency, and providing dedicated pedestrian and bicycle facilities, the project is designed to improve traffic flow and maintain more reliable operations throughout the corridor under future conditions. A table of traffic data is available by clicking the button below. 

Traffic Data

 

 

Intersection Improvements & Traffic Signals

Comments noted confusion about the proposal to install a roundabout at the Delemar Highway and Clubhouse Road intersection, as well as questions about why traffic lights are being considered along the corridor. Additional feedback highlighted ongoing difficulty entering and exiting Delemar Highway, particularly at Clubhouse Road, Marsh Harrier Drive, Bobcat Lane, and Homecoming Phases 1 and 2. Many commenters also expressed concern about the overall lack of traffic signals and requested additional traffic control at these same intersections to improve safety and access.

  • A roundabout is proposed at the intersection of Delemar Highway and Clubhouse Road because the traffic study identified this location as a future congestion point with heavy turning movements that would not operate efficiently under stop‑controlled conditions. A modern roundabout provides the best long‑term performance by keeping traffic moving continuously, reducing delay, and significantly lowering the likelihood of severe crashes compared to a traffic signal. With the planned widening of Delemar Highway to a five‑lane section, the roundabout also serves as an efficient transition point that manages speeds and improves safety for all users.
  • Along this corridor, the combination of added roadway capacity, a continuous two‑way left‑turn lane, and a modern roundabout at Clubhouse Road is expected to manage traffic efficiently without additional signals.
  • The widening to a five‑lane section incorporates a 15‑foot two‑way-left‑turn lane along Delemar Highway. These turn lanes are intended to reduce congestion and improve safety by separating turning vehicles from through traffic.
  • A future traffic signal is anticipated to be installed by others at the intersection of Delemar Highway and Homecoming Boulevard once the development reaches a threshold to warrant a signal. Additional traffic signals are not being proposed as part of the widening project, because the traffic study did not identify any other locations along the corridor that meet the engineering warrants for a signal, and because other intersection treatments provide better safety and operational performance for the projected traffic volumes.
  • Outside of the project limits, an additional signal is under development at the intersection with Clay Field Trail. This separate project is expected to go to construction in late 2026.

​​​​​​Additional Resources 

SCDOT Access Management Standards & Information

SCDOT Traffic Engineering Guidelines: Traffic Signal Operations

 

Noise 

Comments expressing concern over increased noise during construction and after completion were received. Many comments expressed concern that more noise walls were not being considered along the roadway.

  • A preliminary noise analysis was conducted in accordance with applicable federal and state guidelines which determined that traffic noise levels will increase in the future, both with, and without the project.
  • An approximate 12-foot tall and 800-foot-long noise barrier wall is being proposed at one location near the Homecoming Phase 2 neighborhood at Marsh Harrier Drive where the analysis revealed a noise wall to be reasonable and feasible. This is the only location where a barrier wall would meet both the reasonableness and feasibility requirements.
  •  Please see the Traffic Noise Information display for more information.
  • Additional information will be shared once the final noise analysis is complete.

Additional Resources 

SCDOT Traffic Noise Abatement Policy (2023)

 

Bicyclist/Pedestrian Infrastructure 

Comments opposing the inclusion of sidewalks and shared use path (SUP) for walking and biking were received. Many commenters wanted them eliminated from the design noting lack of use and safety concerns. Many also suggested reducing the width of the proposed path and sidewalks or limiting the facilities to one side of the road as a way to reduce impacts on private property. 

  • Dorchester County and SCDOT guidelines require roadway projects to include consideration of access and connectivity for all users, including bicyclists and pedestrians.
  • A 10’ shared use path is included in the project. A SUP is a separate path designed for both bicyclists and pedestrians, offering a wide, physically separated space that supports two-way, non-motorized travel.
  • 4’ bike lanes are included in this project, utilizing the dedicated road shoulders and providing a continuation of the existing bike lane facilities on Delemar Highway. A dedicated bike lane is a space in the roadway designed for bicycle use only. It typically runs in the same direction as vehicle traffic and is separated by paint. This allows faster speed cyclists to be separated from pedestrians and slower speed cyclists on the SUP, reducing conflicts and improving safety.
  • The typical section and the placement of the SUP on one side of the roadway was proposed during project development to balance impacts to adjacent properties, improve safety, and enhance bike and pedestrian connectivity. Typically, a sidewalk is proposed on the side opposite of a SUP to provide intermittent connectivity for pedestrians between crossing points. In the case of Delemar Highway, this is important due to the limited crossing opportunities currently within the corridor and especially improves access for students traveling to Ashley Ridge High School. A SUP is only needed on one side of the road since it is designed to accommodate two-way traffic.
  • SUPs are designed for non-motorized users such as pedestrians and bicyclists. “Pedestrian” includes those on foot, wheelchairs, mobility scooters, walkers, etc. ATVs, golf carts, and other motorized vehicles are not permitted.

 

Emergency Services

Comments expressing concern about emergency service accessibility were received.

  • The project team will coordinate closely with local emergency services throughout construction to ensure that emergency access is maintained at all times.

  • Construction phasing will be planned to minimize disruptions to response times and critical access routes.

 

Flooding/Drainage

Comments noting concern over how the project will impact or address existing flooding and drainage issues, particularly at Homecoming Phase 1 and Phase 2, and emphasized the need for improved stormwater management along the corridor. Many comments requesting that drainage improvements be coordinated with adjacent streets to ensure overall effectiveness were also received.

  • The project team has reviewed existing drainage and will address stormwater conveyance within the right-of-way, including new grading to direct water to new and existing drainage infrastructure.
  •  The proposed stormwater management improvements include modern closed pipe systems, adequately sized ditches, new and upsized cross drains, stormwater detention ponds, and water quality features sized for future conditions and increased impervious surface.

Additional Resources 

Dorchester County Floodplain Management Program

 

Utilities

Comments regarding plans to relocate power lines underground or add a new sewer main as a part of this project were received.

  • The current project does not include relocating overhead power lines underground. Relocation decisions and costs related to taking overhead power lines underground will be the responsibility of the utility owner and assessed through the Utility Coordination process.
  • The Delemar Highway improvements project does not include installing a new sewer main.

 

Environmental 

Comments noting concern regarding the removal of mature trees, with particular emphasis on preserving large, historic live oaks were received. Other comments noted the importance of protecting wildlife populations along Delemar Highway and desire to preserve nearby wetlands and streams for their role in storing surface water and reducing storm-related flooding.

  • The County is committed to preserving grand trees and maintaining natural buffers wherever feasible, using methods such as meandering sidewalks and adjusting buffer widths in some segments. However, some trees and vegetation may need to be removed within the construction limits. Any trees removed as part of the roadway construction will be mitigated in accordance with Dorchester County Tree Ordinance.
  • Wildlife resources along Delemar Highway will be protected through compliance with the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA), including adhering to recommended clear‑window periods for any tree clearing or ground disturbance. Surveys for federally or state‑listed species will be conducted to identify any known sensitive resources, and avoidance and minimization strategies will be implemented where feasible to prevent adverse impacts.
  • Wetlands and streams will be preserved to the greatest extent practicable by following the avoid–minimize–mitigate hierarchy required under the Clean Water Act permitting processes. Every effort will be made to avoid impacts; where avoidance is not possible, impacts will be minimized, and any remaining unavoidable impacts will be mitigated in accordance with permit conditions to maintain natural surface‑water storage and reduce storm‑related flooding risks.

 

Safety

Comments expressing concern about pedestrian and cyclist safety, particularly with the addition of more lanes and potential for higher vehicle speeds were received. Safety  concerns regarding Ashley Ridge High School were also received with specific concerns about the widening and its effect on students safely travelling to school.

  • While roadway improvements cannot control behaviors, design features such as controlled access and dedicated turn lanes can help reduce collision risks.
  • The design includes dedicated turn lanes which reduce the risk for rear-end and angle crashes.
  • The design includes a roundabout at Clubhouse Road, which naturally slows vehicle speeds and significantly reduces the likelihood of severe collisions compared to a signalized intersection.
  • The shared use path included in the project will provide separation from vehicle traffic and support safe two-way travel for pedestrians and cyclists.

 

Right-of-Way Impacts

Comments expressing concern over the potential impact of the project on existing residences and businesses along the project corridor were received.

  • In some areas, ROW acquisition will be necessary to accommodate the proposed improvements. Dorchester County works to balance impacts to private property, wetlands, and other existing features throughout the project, to result in the least impactful option. There are no proposed acquisitions of any full properties or homes at this time
  • If your property is affected, you will be contacted directly by a member of the ROW team to discuss the specifics.
  • Property owners are entitled to just and fair market value compensation in accordance with state and federal laws. More information about the right of way acquisition process can be found here: dorchestertransportation.com/about
  • No rezoning is proposed as part of the project.

Additional Resources 

SCDOT ROW Manual 

Uniform Relocation Assistance & Real Property Acquisition Act (1970)

 Property Acquisition FAQ

 

Project Timeline

Questions related to construction duration, temporary traffic disruptions, limited access to driveways, and the need for clear construction phasing if the project progressed were received.

  • Once construction begins, it is anticipated to take approximately 3 years to complete.
  • No detour is proposed at this time. Construction would be phased by expanding a lane on one side of Delemar Highway, shifting traffic onto the newly constructed section, and then completing lane expansion on the opposite side. This approach is intended to keep vehicles moving through the corridor while work progresses.
  • Access to all driveways will be maintained throughout construction. The contractor will be required to provide continuous ingress and egress for residents and businesses, even during lane shifts or active work zones.
  • Decisions regarding construction phasing are pending and will be subject to funding, final plans, and the contractor’s schedule for building the project. 

 

Project Funding

Comments were received expressing concern over the source of funding for this project and whether increased taxes will be required to fund the project.

  • The project will not result in changes to the property tax rates. Taxes will not be increased to fund the construction of this project. The funding is being provided through the 1% Transportation Sales Tax that voters approved in 2022.
  • The project is currently only funded through Preliminary Design Phase. It is being developed to be eligible for federal grants and funding to supplement the project cost and bridge the funding gap for project completion.

Additional Resources 

Dorchester County Transportation Sales Tax Program

 

Project Limits

Comments requesting the extension of this project beyond the existing area were received, as well as concerns related to why other surrounding roadways such as sections of Dorchester Road, Lowcountry Lane, Highway 61 between 17A and the Edisto River, and Cooks Crossroads were not being improved prior to Delemar Highway.

  • The general project limits were identified during development of the Dorchester County Transportation Sales Tax referendum and further refined through completion of the project-specific traffic study and conceptual design alternatives. More information can be found here: dorchestertransportation.com/about
  • Future traffic projections indicate that this segment of Delemar Highway will experience poor traffic conditions and substantial delays, particularly at Clubhouse Road and Homecoming Boulevard, if no improvements are made. This portion of Delemar Highway also has narrow travel lanes and lacks dedicated pedestrian or bicycle facilities, creating additional safety and mobility challenges. For that reason, this segment was prioritized for improvement under the Transportation Sales Tax Program. The County continues to monitor regional traffic conditions, and future improvements to adjacent corridors may be considered as needs and funding opportunities arise.

 

Area Growth & Development 

Comments were received expressing the desire to maintain the “serene country” feel of the area and avoid a “highway” or developed suburban area with concerns that the large construction footprint may lead to changes of neighborhood character.

  • Roadway design traffic projections employed a 2050 project design year to ensure capacity meets long-term growth projections and anticipated demand along the corridor.
  • SCDOT traffic count data and BCDCOG travel demand modeling were used to produce expected traffic counts, travel times, and patterns to aid in traffic congestion management.

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Summary of Public Comments Received

Public Information Meeting (PIM) – March 26, 2026

Public Information Meeting Preparation and Advertisements

The PIM was advertised through mailed postcards, website postings, and media coverage. 2,996 postcards were prepared and mailed to residents within and near the project. A media alert was prepared and distributed via the project website, social media, stakeholder email lists, and press releases. Metal road signs advertising the public meeting were also posted. Ten letters were hand delivered to local residents and one letter was mailed to an out-of-state property owner to inform those that may be benefited by a proposed noise barrier wall at the Homecoming (Phase II) neighborhood at Marsh Harrier Drive.

Public Information Meeting

Total attendees: 139 (not including Dorchester County staff and representative consultants).

Key Discussion Themes

  1. Safety at key intersections along Delemar Highway.
  2. Community impacts related to noise.
  3. Environmental concerns such as potential drainage or flooding issues.
  4. Funding opportunities for the project.
  5. Concern regarding the final proposed design and how specific elements may impact surrounding properties and community character.

Written Comments Received

  • Total comments received to date: 104
  • Comment sheets submitted at the Public Meeting: 44
  • Comment sheets submitted Online: 56
  • Comments submitted through Mail: 1
  • Comments submitted through E-mail: 3

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