Public Meeting #1 Summary           

Dorchester Road Improvements Project 

Public Comment - Summary

Overview

On behalf of Dorchester County, the Dorchester Road Improvements Project team is committed to meaningful public involvement early and often throughout project design, development, and implementation. To share information about the proposed corridor improvements and solicit public feedback, a public information meeting (PIM) was held on July 15, 2025, from 5-7 PM at Fort Dorchester High School.

  • This meeting was conducted drop-in style, without a formal presentation, to provide flexibility and maximize opportunities for attendance.
  • Project representatives were present to engage with attendees and answer any questions.

All meeting materials, including handouts and map displays, were also made available on the Dorchester County - Dorchester Road Improvements Project Website. To inform future outreach strategies, an optional survey was distributed at the PIM. Findings indicate the following sources were most effective in sharing PIM info:

  • 65% respondents learned about the PIM through road signage
  • 38% respondents learned about the PIM through postcard mailers
  • 27% respondents learned about the PIM through local news channels

*Many respondents selected multiple sources

Comments regarding the proposed improvements were collected through multiple platforms for a 30-day comment period, ending August 15, 2025. Comments were documented, categorized, and thoroughly reviewed by the project team. Frequently discussed topics have been summarized below. Every effort has been made to address comments in the most comprehensive and transparent manner.

 

Summary of Public Comments

Comment Topics 

Emergency Services 

Comments expressing concern about the potential impacts to North Charleston Fire Station 11 (9002 Dorchester Road) and the accessibility of emergency services in the area were received.

  • The project team is coordinating with the North Charleston Fire Department to evaluate whether maintaining the existing emergency crossover for Station 11 is necessary to ensure rapid response times, or if an alternative, more efficient route can be incorporated into the project design.
  • Dorchester Road is a state-designated hurricane evacuation route. Emergency management representatives noted that this project is expected to improve traffic flow along this critical corridor, enhancing overall public safety.

 

Access Management

Comments expressing concern about neighborhood access in the Kings Grant, Cedar Grove/Trump Street, and Cannondale Drive/Seven Oaks Lane areas were received. Turn lanes and deceleration lanes were requested for parcels such as St. George’s Episcopal Church.

  • Project design will include evaluation of turn and deceleration lanes. Areas with restricted turning and U-Turns will be evaluated for left turn movements.
  • Access management for the corridor was recommended by SCDOT to improve safety and traffic flow.

Additional Resources

SCDOT Access Management Standards, Manuals, & Information

 

Traffic Signals

Comments were received expressing concern over efficiency of traffic lights and signals timing along the project corridor. Many comments asked for additional left-turn arrows at intersections.

  • Project design includes signal coordination and optimization using traffic and historical crash data, aimed to enhance safety throughout the corridor. Project engineers will be examining intersections in greater detail as the project continues into the next phase.
  • The Oakbrook Area alternatives address and seek to improve traffic at the Ladson Road and Old Trolley Road intersections. Specific information will be available once the preferred alternative is chosen.

Additional Resources 

SCDOT Traffic Engineering Guidelines: Traffic Signal Operations

 

Noise

Comments expressing concern over increased noise during construction and after completion were received. Many comments requested noise barriers to protect neighborhoods like Kings Grant.

  • A noise analysis will be conducted for the entire corridor in accordance with the SCDOT Traffic Noise Abatement Policy, which implements the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Noise Standards (23 CFR Part 772).
  • Study findings will be shared with the public, and noise abatement measures will be installed when warranted in accordance with SCDOT and FHWA criteria.

Additional Resources 

SCDOT Traffic Noise Abatement Policy (2023)

 

Bicyclist/Pedestrian Infrastructure 

Comments requesting the inclusion of and updates to multimodal infrastructure and accommodations throughout the project corridor were received. Mid-block crossings were requested near Ashley Phosphate Road.

  • Preliminary design includes a multi-use path on the northeastern side of Dorchester Road and a sidewalk on the southwestern side, both designed to meet ADA standards.
  • ADA-compliant crosswalks will be provided at all signalized intersections.
  • This project is being designed to align with Dorchester County’s Complete Streets initiative to improve multimodal connectivity and community access to provide safe and efficient transportation options for all.

Additional Resources

Dorchester County - Complete Streets Ordinance

 

Public Transportation

Comments requesting improvements to existing bus infrastructure were received. Specific requests included dedicated bus lanes, improved pedestrian connections, and ADA-compliant sidewalks near stops.

  • The project will not provide separate bus lanes; however, the project team is coordinating with the Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA) and the Berkeley-Charleston-Dorchester Council of Governments (BCDCOG) to review existing bus stops along the corridor.
  • Potential improvements, based on site assessments and accessibility needs, may include:
    • ADA-compliant pedestrian connections, landing pads, and benches
    • Stop and shelter relocation beyond intersections for improved safety
    • Addition of amenities (bike racks, trash receptacles, etc.)
  • Bus stops under review:
    • STOP ID 351: Dorchester Road/Archdale Boulevard
    • STOP ID 394: Dorchester Road/Franchise Street
    • STOP ID 407: Dorchester Road/Patriot Boulevard
    • STOP ID 378: Dorchester Road/Park Forest Parkway
    • STOP ID 368: Dorchester Road/Park Forest Parkway

Additional Resources

CARTA - Accessiblity 

 

Flooding/Drainage

Comments noting concern over how the project will impact or address existing flooding and drainage issues along the project corridor were received. Locations mentioned include near Eagle Creek, Old Trolley Road, Westcott Boulevard and the Kings Grant neighborhood.

  • The design team is developing roadway drainage improvements in conjunction with roadway widening. Existing locations of regular flooding and drainage outfalls will be evaluated for improvements as part of this process.
  • Potential improvements may include:
    • Addition of drainage structures such as drop inlets, catch basins, and outfalls
    • Addition of roadway drainage crossings with pipes, box culverts, and/or bridges
  • The Dorchester Road Improvements Project will cross existing U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Civil Works projects including Sawmill Branch and Eagle Creek which will require additional coordination with USACE during project development.
  • Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) regulated streams have been identified in the project area, and coordination has begun regarding these.

Additional Resources

Dorchester County Floodplain Management Program

 

Motorist Behavior/Enforcement

Comments expressing concern over motorist behavior and the use of adjacent neighborhoods as cut-throughs along the project corridor were received. Comments also called for stricter law enforcement to curb speeding and penalize motorists blocking intersections.

  • While roadway improvements cannot control behaviors, design features such as controlled access and dedicated turn lanes can help reduce collision risks.
  • The proposed improvements aim to alleviate congestion, which should reduce the incentive for use of neighborhoods as cut-throughs.
  • Requests for increased enforcement will be shared with the appropriate local agencies.

Additional Resources

Dorchester County Sheriff's Office 

 

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.

  • The design team is continuing to evaluate opportunities to reduce right-of-way (ROW) impacts and minimize relocations where possible.
  • Any ROW acquisition deemed necessary will adhere to SCDOT ROW policies and the Uniform Relocation Assistance & Real Property Acquisition Policies Act (49 CFR Part 24).
  • If a property is directly impacted, the owner will be contacted directly by a member of the ROW team during the ROW acquisition phase to discuss the specifics. Property owners are entitled to just compensation through a third-party appraisal and review process in accordance with state and federal laws.

Additional Resources

SCDOT ROW Manuals

Uniform Relocation Assistance & Real Property Acquisition Act (1970)

 

Project Timeline

Comments expressing frustration with the anticipated duration and completion date of the project were received.

  • Project development prior to construction includes survey and data collection, environmental studies, detailed design, permitting, ROW acquisition (if necessary), utility relocation, and bidding. Dorchester County chooses to engage the public as early in the project development process as possible. This project is still in the preliminary stages of development, and the level of detail and data necessary to properly design a project of this magnitude takes time.
  • The project team is working through these steps as efficiently as possible, and project updates will be shared through the project website.
  • Dorchester County is exploring innovative project delivery methods to accelerate project completion.

Additional Resources

Dorchester Road Improvements Project - Process & Schedule 

 

Project Funding

Comments expressing concern over the source of funding for this project were received.

  • This project is currently funded through the Dorchester County Transportation Sales Tax, which County voters approved to continue in 2022. This 1% sales and use tax will be collected for 15 years, or until $735 million has been collected. $700 million of the funds are allocated towards transportation improvements, and the remaining $35 million is allocated to greenbelt initiatives. For more information about how projects are selected, visit About → FAQ on the program page, linked below.
  • Program progress and spending is updated monthly on the project website linked below. Transparency is of utmost priority in all phases of the project.
  • The County is actively seeking additional state and federal funds to supplement sales tax funds. All activities are being performed to maintain state and federal funding eligibility.

Additional Resources

Dorchester Road Improvements Project

Dorchester County Greenbelt Master Plan (2024)

Dorchester County Transportation Sales Tax Program - About

 

Project Extension

Comments requesting the extension of this project beyond the existing area were received, as well as concerns related to sections along Dorchester Road managed by Charleston County (see link below). These comments and concerns have been shared with Charleston County.

  • Project limits were identified during development of the Transportation Sales Tax referendum and further refined through traffic studies and alternatives analysis.
  • Charleston County is working on a project widening Dorchester Road, funded through the Charleston County Transportation Sales Tax. This will begin at Michaux Parkway and end at the Dorchester County line. Coordination between the counties is ongoing and will continue to ensure that projects align.

Additional Resources

Charleston County - Dorchester Road Corridor Improvements

 

Area Growth & Development 

Comments were received expressing concerns with rapid development in the area and its potential impact on traffic congestion and quality of life for residents.

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

Additional Resources

Dorchester Road Improvements Project - Alternatives & Traffic Data
SCDOT - Traffic Counts
BCDCOG Data - Travel Demand Modeling
Dorchester County Comprehensive Plan (2023)

 

Oakbrook Area Alternatives

Four alternatives for roadway improvements in the Oakbrook area of the project corridor were developed by the project team and presented to the public. Comment forms allowed respondents to indicate a preferred alternative. 250 respondents indicated a preference for an alternative.

Pie chart of Oakbrook Area alternative preferences: Alternative 1A 3%, Alternative 1B 13%, Alternative 2 31%, and Alternative 3 53%

  • Alternative 1A & 1B: Most comments regarding these alternatives stated that, though these options are less costly and impactful, they are a short-term fix with limited long-term benefits.
  • Alternative 2: Many comments expressed strong support for a flyover/overpass, but concerns were presented regarding vehicles merging, pedestrian safety, and noise impacts.
  • Alternative 3: While most comments expressed support for this alternative, some commenters expressed opposition to roundabouts. Those in support of roundabouts remarked that they increase traffic flow, while those opposed to roundabouts expressed concern over local driver education and familiarity with roundabouts for safe and efficient use.

 

 

 

Additional Resources

Dorchester Road Improvements Project - Alternatives Display
Dorchester Road Improvements Project - Alternatives Video
SCDOT - Roundabouts: What, Why, Safety, Air Quality, Aesthetics

 

Next Steps 

  • Based on public input, evaluation of traffic operations, and preliminary impact analysis, the County intends to further develop Oakbrook area Alternative 3 (interchange with roundabouts) as part of the Dorchester Road Improvements Project. This alternative will be further refined based on public input to minimize impacts to the human and natural environment.
  • A second public information meeting is expected to be held in the summer of 2026 to present the refined design for additional public input.

Still have questions?

Email the project team 

To stay up to date on the Dorchester Road Improvements Project:

 

Frequently Asked Questions

General

  • Alternative 1 includes widening to 3 Lanes from Orangeburg Rd to W Butternut Rd & 5 Lanes from W Butternut Rd to Parsons Rd.
  • Alternative 2 includes widening to 5 Lanes from Orangeburg Rd to Parsons Rd.
  • Both alternatives include curb and gutter, enclosed drainage, a 12-foot shared use path, a 5-foot sidewalk, and associated improvements.

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  • Central Avenue Improvements – construction is anticipated to begin in early 2029 and take approximately 3 years to complete.
  • Parsons Road Improvements – construction is anticipated to begin mid-2028 and take approximately 2.5 years to complete.
  • Residents and businesses will be notified of major changes, or disruptions through general project communications, public notices, and/or posted signage. Construction phasing and traffic impacts will be shared in advance to help minimize disruption.
  • Daytime road closures are not anticipated at major intersections such as Central Avenue at Orangeburg Roadway, Old Parsonage Road, West Butternut Road and Parsons Road, and Parsons Road at West Richardson Avenue.

  • 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
  • Widening Central Avenue to US Highway 17A is not included with the project and was not identified as a project under the current Sales Tax Program but may be considered for future programs.

Traffic Congestion

  • Yes. The traffic analysis shows that without improvements, key intersections, including Orangeburg Road at Central Avenue, Butternut Road at Central Avenue, and Parsons Road at Central Avenue, are projected to exceed their capacity and operate in failing conditions by 2050. See table of Traffic Data here: https://dorchestertransportation.com/application/files/8617/4957/4822/Traffic_Data.pdf
  • All alternatives being considered are designed to improve traffic flow and are expected to enhance performance at major intersections within the project area.

Intersection Improvements

  • The decision to propose a roundabout or a traffic signal is based on traffic volume, safety, delay reduction, and long-term operational efficiency.
  • Roundabouts have been shown to significantly reduce serious injury crashes, improve intersection efficiency during peak hours, and accommodate continuous movement, especially in congested corridors.
  • A traffic signal was evaluated as an alternative to the roundabout but did not meet signal warrant criteria as established by the SCDOT.  As a result, a roundabout was presented as an alternative to the current stop-controlled intersection.
  • The stop-controlled alternative would function similar to the existing White Gables Drive intersection, allowing left turns both into and out of the subdivision. This alternative also includes a new left-turn lane onto Carroway Drive, improving upon current conditions. Both roundabout alternatives would maintain all existing turning movements at the intersection.

  • The improvements at Pinewood Drive are needed due to the reconfiguration and added turn lanes on the Parsons Road side of the intersection. To align with the new Parsons Road lanes, the through lanes must be shifted. This shift also creates space for a dedicated left-turn lane, which will help improve traffic flow and overall operations at the intersection.

  • While a traffic signal was not warranted based on the traffic study, turn lane improvements are proposed to address safety and access concerns.
  • A northbound left-turn lane and a southbound right-turn lane are proposed on Parsons Road to improve turning movements onto Mt McKinley Drive and support safer access into and out of the Summit neighborhood.

  • While a traffic signal was not warranted based on the traffic study, turn lane improvements are proposed to improve traffic flow and safety concerns at the following locations:
    • an eastbound left-turn lane from Central Avenue onto Henry Myers Boulevard
    • an eastbound right-turn lane from Central Avenue onto Woodward Boulevard
    • an westbound left-turn lane from Central Avenue onto Woodward Boulevard

Shared Use Path (SUP)

  • A SUP is an off-street facility designed for both bicyclists and pedestrians, offering a wide, physically separated space that supports two-way, non-motorized travel.
  • A dedicated bike lane is an on-street facility designed for bicycle use only. It typically runs in the same direction as vehicle traffic and is separated by paint or flexible posts.
    • Dedicated bike lanes are not included in this project.

  • The typical section and the placement of the SUP on one side of the roadway was recommended during project development to balance impacts to adjacent properties, limit number of driveway crossings, improve safety, and enhance bike and pedestrian connectivity. Typically, the preference is to keep the SUP on one side of the roadway to encourage recreational users on one side and intermittent connectivity of pedestrians via a sidewalk on the other side. The SUP on one side of the road also simplifies crossings at signalized intersections, has fewer conflicts at driveways, and minimizes impacts to residential homes and other roadside features. The design of these facilities is currently being re-evaluated and may be refined in response to feedback received.

  • No. SUPs are designed for non-motorized users such as pedestrians and bicyclists. ATVs, golf carts, and other motorized vehicles are not permitted.

Safety

  • The proposed posted 40 mph speed limit signage on Central Avenue will match existing conditions.  On Parsons Road, the current posted speed limit is 45 mph and the proposed posted speed limit will be reduced to 40 mph and 35 mph approaching the West Richardson Avenue intersection.
  • Safety improvements include:
    • Dedicated turn lanes to reduce rear-end collisions.
    • Design includes a curb and gutter on the outside that has a tendency to slow traffic compared to the open shoulder condition that exists today.
    • Address clear zone along the corridor by removing obstructions within 16 feet of the travel way and providing clear sight lines when turning right and left from sideroads.

  • The project team will coordinate closely with local emergency services throughout construction to ensure that emergency access is maintained at all times.
  • Construction phasing and detours will be planned to minimize disruptions to response times and critical access routes.

  • The proposed design for Parsons Road does realign the roadway to flatten or increase the curve radius for the two curves along the corridor.  By flattening the curves, motorists will have better visibility through the curves and safer conditions.

  • The Central Avenue and US 17 Alt. intersection is outside the limits of the current Dorchester County project. However, the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) is planning safety improvements at this intersection. A roundabout is proposed as part of that project; additional information is available on SCDOT’s project portal: https://projectportal.scdot.org/17ARoundabout.

Drainage & Flooding

  • Yes. The project assesses existing flooding and will address stormwater conveyance within the right-of-way to include new grading to channel offsite surface waters to stormwater inlets or the existing outfalls.
  • A 2022 Drainage Study performed by Town of Summerville has identified a potential issue with the existing culvert under Central Avenue west of Parsons Road.  The study will be used in conjunction with stormwater calculations to determine if an increase in culvert capacity will be necessary.   
  • The proposed stormwater management improvements include an enclosed stormwater system of curb inlets and pipe that will meet SCDOT capacity standards and maintain existing outfall locations.  Stormwater management reports can be available upon request at final design stages of the project.

Environmental

  • The County is committed to preserving grand trees and maintaining natural buffers wherever feasible, however some trees and vegetation will 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 Ordinances.

Noise

  • A noise analysis is currently being conducted in accordance with applicable federal and state guidelines to determine whether the project will result in increased traffic noise for adjacent development.
  • If the analysis shows that noise impacts exceed acceptable thresholds, noise abatement measures, such as noise walls, will be considered where feasible and reasonable.
  • Additional information will be shared once the analysis is complete.

Utilities

  • The current project does not include relocating overhead power underground.  Relocation decisions and costs related to taking overhead power underground will be the responsibility of the utility owner and assessed through the Utility Coordination process.

  • Any existing fiber optic lines impacted by the proposed improvements will be relocated along the corridor.  No new fiber optic lines are proposed as part of the roadway project. 

Right of Way

  • In some areas, ROW acquisition will be necessary to accommodate the proposed improvements. The County is committed to minimizing impacts to private property wherever possible.
  • A preferred alternative has not yet been selected. Once selected, potential impacts to individual properties will be evaluated and calculated.
  • 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 compensation in accordance with state and federal laws.

Other

  • The traffic analysis includes projected growth models for the project area to determine the necessary capacity and operation improvements needed to maintain an acceptable operations and minimize traffic congestion through the design year of 2050.

  • All new developments are required to meet applicable county and state requirements. This includes preparing a traffic impact analysis if the proposed development is expected to meet established thresholds.

Dorchester County

Our Path to Progress​​​​​​​