Nighttime Lane Closure for Rivers Avenue Sidewalk Improvement Project, Aug. 29 - Sept. 30

Charleston County Government announces the following traffic alert regarding nighttime lane closures for the Rivers Avenue at Northwoods Sidewalk Improvement Project in North Charleston:

• Drivers should expect lane closures on Rivers Avenue (U.S. Highway 52) between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. each night from Wednesday, Aug. 29 through Sunday, Sept. 30, except on Friday and Saturday nights when there will be no closures. 
• The lane closures will occur in either direction of Rivers Avenue between Ashley Phosphate Road and Northbrook Boulevard. 
• Only one portion of the road will be closed at a time. 
• Workers with flags will direct traffic through the closures. 
• The closures are necessary due to the construction of new sidewalks, crosswalks and pedestrian signal improvements on Rivers Avenue. 
• All road work is dependent on weather. If the weather is poor during Aug. 29 – Sept. 30 and more work is needed, it will continue on the next weather-permitting night (other than a Friday or Saturday). 

The project is funded by the Charleston County Transportation Sales Tax Program’s 2011 Bike and Pedestrian Allocation Projects.

Drivers traveling through the project’s construction zone are asked to be aware of equipment and crews working in the area at all times. The public is also asked to notice traffic control signs, message board information, and to note that all road work is dependent on the weather.

The goal of the project, which is expected to be completed November 18, 2012, includes sidewalk, crosswalks and pedestrian signalization improvements along the west and east ends of Rivers Avenue from Ashley Phosphate Road to Northbrook Boulevard.

The public can get more information about all Charleston County Transportation Sales Tax road projects at the official website at www.ccroadwise.org.

Public planning effort for Boeing and neck areas

The Berkeley-Charleston-Dorchester Council of Governments (BCDCOG) invites all residents of Charleston and North Charleston to participate in the Partnership for Prosperity planning effort to shape the future of tri-county region's core area between the new Boeing complex in North Charleston and US 17- Crosstown in Charleston.   The first Community Forum to launch this planning effort will be held Thursday, May 19, 2011 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. in the cafeteria of the Military Magnet Academy, located at 2950 Carner Avenue.

North Charleston Mayor Keith Summey, who chairs the BCDCOG, reflected on the importance of this partnership and its planning effort, citing the growing attractiveness of the region to new businesses and residents. “The opportunities in and around the Neck area are great,” said Summey. “The challenge is generational, and we are laying that groundwork for change today. As we create value, we change the concept of how this vital area is perceived.”

According to BCDCOG planner Jeff Burns, the study is a great opportunity for community members to work together shaping the future for themselves and their children.   “What do we want the core of our entire region to look like in 10 years - 25 years- 50 years? And how can we leverage public dollars with private investments to reach the goals of this area spanning two municipalities?”

Building on several local and regional planning efforts conducted over the past few years, the Partnership for Prosperity master planning effort provides an opportunity to gather the various ideas and initiatives into a coherent strategy for development that supports community character and vitality.

At the May 19th forum, staff from the BCDCOG and a consultant team headed by Renaissance Planning Group will ask participants to help identify the strengths of the region, including places they want to preserve and opportunities for growth and change. “It’s important for us to take a fresh look at what’s truly special about this area so we can capitalize on its best assets,” said Burns. “The Neck area and its surrounds feature a unique blend of industry, community, history, and nature. We need to capitalize on these assets in order to build – and rebuild – its communities into places that people cherish.”

Summey urged the leaders and citizens of Charleston and North Charleston to use this opportunity to truly form a “partnership for prosperity” in this vital core area for growth. “The goal is unification of the two cities around positive economic change. We no longer live in isolation. Every area has a direct effect on its neighbors, and there is a direct tie-in economically for the whole region by changing areas in a positive way.”

For more information about the May 19th Community Forum or the Partnership for Prosperity initiative, visit the BCDCOG website at www.bcdcog.com, contact Jeff Burns at (843) 529-0400 or jeffb@bcdcog.com.