Folly Beach initiates Center Street stormwater improvement project to combat flooding
May 14, 2025 | James Island, Charleston County, South Carolina
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A significant stormwater improvement project is set to kick off this month on Folly Beach, aimed at tackling the island's persistent flooding issues. Chris Bizzle, a representative at the recent James Island ReThink Folly Road Steering Committee meeting, outlined the details of the Center Street project, which is designed to enhance drainage infrastructure in response to the challenges posed by king tides and storm surges.
The project will involve the installation of larger underground drains and additional inlets, as well as above-ground enhancements to reduce standing water. Notably, the initiative will incorporate green infrastructure elements, including curbside rain gardens and the replacement of concrete with more permeable surfaces. This multifaceted approach aims to improve the island's resilience against flooding, particularly in areas where rainwater flows from east to west.
Bizzle emphasized the importance of this project, noting that any impacts on Center Street could affect traffic on Folly Road, a major thoroughfare for visitors and residents alike. The work will primarily focus on the East Side Streets that feed into Center Street, with crews already on-site to begin preliminary tasks. However, significant construction on Center Street itself is expected to be postponed until after Labor Day to minimize disruption during the busy summer season.
The project aims to maintain two lanes of traffic throughout the construction period, utilizing the existing center turn lane to facilitate two-way traffic. Bizzle highlighted the need for effective communication with the public, especially given the high volume of visitors to Folly Beach, which sees over 20,000 vehicles on busy days.
As the project progresses, the committee will continue to monitor developments and ensure that the community remains informed about any changes to traffic patterns and timelines. This initiative represents a proactive step towards improving infrastructure and addressing the flooding challenges faced by Folly Beach residents.
The project will involve the installation of larger underground drains and additional inlets, as well as above-ground enhancements to reduce standing water. Notably, the initiative will incorporate green infrastructure elements, including curbside rain gardens and the replacement of concrete with more permeable surfaces. This multifaceted approach aims to improve the island's resilience against flooding, particularly in areas where rainwater flows from east to west.
Bizzle emphasized the importance of this project, noting that any impacts on Center Street could affect traffic on Folly Road, a major thoroughfare for visitors and residents alike. The work will primarily focus on the East Side Streets that feed into Center Street, with crews already on-site to begin preliminary tasks. However, significant construction on Center Street itself is expected to be postponed until after Labor Day to minimize disruption during the busy summer season.
The project aims to maintain two lanes of traffic throughout the construction period, utilizing the existing center turn lane to facilitate two-way traffic. Bizzle highlighted the need for effective communication with the public, especially given the high volume of visitors to Folly Beach, which sees over 20,000 vehicles on busy days.
As the project progresses, the committee will continue to monitor developments and ensure that the community remains informed about any changes to traffic patterns and timelines. This initiative represents a proactive step towards improving infrastructure and addressing the flooding challenges faced by Folly Beach residents.
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