Improvements include constructing four 12-foot travel lanes with landscaped medians and dedicated turn lanes at intersections throughout the corridor. A roundabout is proposed at the intersection of Wescott Boulevard at Ballantine Drive. Other improvements include curb and gutter, drainage improvements, a 12-foot shared use path, and a 5-foot sidewalk.

• Construction is anticipated to begin in early 2028 and take approximately 18 months to complete.
• The community 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.
• No off-site detours are anticipated during construction. Temporary lane closures may be utilized throughout the construction phase.

• Yes. The traffic analysis shows that without improvements, key intersections, including Wescott Boulevard at Ballantine Drive and Wescott Boulevard at Patriot Boulevard, are projected to exceed their capacity and operate in failing conditions by 2050. See table of Traffic Data here: https://dorchestertransportation.com/application/files/6117/5975/9996/4._Traffic_Data.pdf
• The proposed improvements are designed to improve traffic flow and are expected to enhance operations at major intersections within the project area.

• The decision to propose a roundabout or a traffic signal is based on traffic volume, safety, and long-term operational efficiency.
• Roundabouts have been shown to substantially reduce serious injury crashes, improve intersection efficiency during peak hours, and accommodate continuous movement, especially in congested corridors.

• A traffic study was performed along the corridor including traffic counts at Harroway Road, Ayscough Road and Wildflower Way to determine if these side roads would need a new traffic signal by the year 2050.  The placement of traffic signals is based on traffic volumes at each intersection, looking at both through movements and left turning movements.  Based on the traffic study performed, the percentage of left turning traffic onto Wescott Boulevard was not large enough to warrant a signal at these intersections.

• Dorchester County is proposing improvements along Patriot Boulevard between Wescott Boulevard and Weber Boulevard as a separate project that is anticipated to begin construction Spring 2027. Design and construction of these two projects are being coordinated.  More information regarding Patriot Boulevard project updates and schedule can be found here: Patriot Boulevard: Dorchester County Transportation Sales Tax Program

• The 12 foot off-street shared use path included in the project will provide separation from vehicle traffic and support safe two-way travel for pedestrians and cyclists.  In addition, it is proposed that landscaping will be provided between the roadway and shared use path to provide a visual buffer.

• A shared use path is an off-street facility designed for both bicyclists and pedestrians, offering a 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.

• Golf carts and other motorized vehicles are not permitted by law on shared use paths, which are designed exclusively for pedestrians, cyclists, and other non-motorized users.
• Golf cart rules are typically handled through police enforcement

• The proposed 30 mph speed limit on Wescott Boulevard will match existing conditions. 
• Safety improvements include:
  • Dedicated turn lanes to reduce rear-end collisions.
  • Design includes curb and gutter which has been shown to slow traffic compared to the open shoulder condition that exists today.

• The County will evaluate existing lighting and consider adding or upgrading roadway and crosswalk lighting where needed. Final lighting locations will be determined during detailed design.
• The proposed design will remove obstructions to sight lines and provide clearer views when turning right or left from side streets.

• 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.

• Yes. 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 using open channels and the addition of curb and gutter.

• 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 City of North Charleston Tree Ordinances.

• At this time, CARTA has not proposed any new bus routes along Wescott Boulevard. Transit service decisions are made independently by CARTA based on ridership demand, system planning, and available funding.

• Dorchester County is not proposing any new residential developments as part of this roadway project. Any future private development would be subject to the City of North Charleston’s standard planning and zoning review processes, including required approvals, public notifications, and compliance with existing zoning regulations.

• No zoning changes are included as part of the Wescott Boulevard Improvements Project. The roadway project is focused solely on transportation needs and does not modify land use designations or zoning classifications. Any future zoning proposals would go through the City of North Charleston’s separate public review process and would require approval by Planning Commission and City Council.