PLAN FOR KANAWHA BOULEVARD, WEST, KEEPS ON-STREET PARKING AND THREE LANES

The City of Charleston is in the final phase of completing the addition of new West Side bike lanes to the Kanawha Trestle Walk and Bikeway System from Magic Island to Patrick Street. The original construction plans sought to maintain residential on-street parking on the north side of Kanawha Boulevard – with newly constructed bump-outs at intersections for safety – and reduced four vehicle lanes down to a narrow 10 feet, 6 inches.

However, after months of two-lane traffic during construction, from feedback during a public meeting on the West Side last month, with observation of traffic flow and through Average Daily Traffic (ADT) counts in the area, engineers determined that three wider lanes (one westbound and two eastbound) would adequately support the ADT, enhance public safety, calm traffic and provide sufficient space for residential parking adjacent to the westbound lanes.

As of today (November 3, 2017), milling operations are in the final stages, and re-paving should begin sometime next week, weather permitting. Final landscaping, striping and lighting installation will take place throughout the remainder of the year as well as the construction of additional parking and green space at the intersection of Lovell Drive approximately at the mid-point of the newly constructed walk and bikeway system.

For additional information related to this project, you may contact the City Engineer, Chris Knox at 304-348-8106 or chris.knox@cityofcharleston.org.