Charleston County Launches Central Park Road Improvement Project to Address Tidal Flooding
May 14, 2025 | James Island, Charleston County, South Carolina
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In a recent meeting of the ReThink Folly Road Steering Committee, significant discussions unfolded regarding the upcoming Charleston County Central Park Road project, which is poised to impact Folly Road and the surrounding community on James Island. Project manager John Proruck presented a detailed overview of the initiative, emphasizing its importance in addressing persistent flooding issues and enhancing road safety.
The project, set to commence next month and run through October, will involve a complete closure of Central Park Road between Riverland Drive and Fleming Road. This closure is necessary to facilitate crucial drainage improvements, including the installation of three new culverts designed to increase water flow capacity. Proruck highlighted the frequent flooding experienced in the area, often referred to as "sunny day flooding," which has led to 24 officially recognized road closures in the past five years. By raising the road by two feet and implementing tide control measures, the project aims to mitigate these flooding events and ensure safer passage for emergency vehicles.
In addition to addressing flooding, the project will enhance safety features along the road. New sidewalks, concrete headwalls, and guardrails will be installed, particularly at the curve where Central Park Road crosses James Island Creek. Importantly, the project will also preserve the local saltwater marsh and grand trees, maintaining the area's natural beauty while improving infrastructure.
As the project progresses, local residents will be kept informed through message boards and community updates. Detour plans are in place to guide traffic away from the closure, with signage directing drivers to alternative routes. The committee discussed the need for clear communication to prevent congestion on local roads, particularly at key intersections.
The meeting underscored the collaborative efforts between Charleston County Public Works and the community to enhance the resilience of James Island's infrastructure. As the project unfolds, it promises to bring long-term benefits to the area, addressing both flooding concerns and road safety for residents and visitors alike.
The project, set to commence next month and run through October, will involve a complete closure of Central Park Road between Riverland Drive and Fleming Road. This closure is necessary to facilitate crucial drainage improvements, including the installation of three new culverts designed to increase water flow capacity. Proruck highlighted the frequent flooding experienced in the area, often referred to as "sunny day flooding," which has led to 24 officially recognized road closures in the past five years. By raising the road by two feet and implementing tide control measures, the project aims to mitigate these flooding events and ensure safer passage for emergency vehicles.
In addition to addressing flooding, the project will enhance safety features along the road. New sidewalks, concrete headwalls, and guardrails will be installed, particularly at the curve where Central Park Road crosses James Island Creek. Importantly, the project will also preserve the local saltwater marsh and grand trees, maintaining the area's natural beauty while improving infrastructure.
As the project progresses, local residents will be kept informed through message boards and community updates. Detour plans are in place to guide traffic away from the closure, with signage directing drivers to alternative routes. The committee discussed the need for clear communication to prevent congestion on local roads, particularly at key intersections.
The meeting underscored the collaborative efforts between Charleston County Public Works and the community to enhance the resilience of James Island's infrastructure. As the project unfolds, it promises to bring long-term benefits to the area, addressing both flooding concerns and road safety for residents and visitors alike.
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