One infrastructure project at a time

As I reflect upon the construction occurring for Phase II of Clements Ferry Road, I am grateful for the invitation to give my thoughts. First, as a Berkeley County councilman, I have always attempted to educate constituents regarding the differences in jurisdictions — namely, what the City of Charleston is responsible for as opposed to Berkeley County. For Daniel Island, the county provides sheriff and jail services, the library, EMS services, and mosquito abatement. Of course, the city works hard and is responsible for police and fire protection, trash collection, parks and recreation, zoning and building approvals, and much more.  

 

Additionally, the county has a world class roads and bridges division and has asked the voters twice (2008 and 2014) to increase their responsibility by passing a 1 cent sales tax that would fund transportation projects. When I was elected in 2015, infrastructure was the number one issue – and the priorities were clearly the widening of Clements Ferry Road and the improvement of the intersection of Daniel Island Drive and Seven Farms Drive. On a personal level, the opening of Phase I of Clements Ferry Road has been the most rewarding project during my service.  On the very first day it opened, constituents reported that their drive time decreased from 40 minutes to 11 minutes. That is a tangible improvement in the quality of life of citizens in District 2.  

 

Likewise, although reasonable people had differing views, in my view, the Daniel Island roundabout has been a significant quality improvement. And finally, as this is being written, I am proud of the resurfacing project on Seven Farms Drive — a much needed project that will be the first of many as Supervisor Johnny Cribb, City Councilman Boyd Gregg, and I are committed to working together on the important issue of repaving existing roads. In fact, I am proud that the next resurfacing has already been announced and the contract will be awarded this year for Island Park Drive from River Landing to Fairbank Drive and for Daniel Island Drive from the Seven Farms roundabout to St. Thomas Island Drive. 

 

But last, and most importantly, especially for this edition, Clements Ferry Road widening has been (Phase I) and will be (Phase II) the most transformational infrastructure project that the county will provide District 2. The improvements for both phases include widening two lanes to four and includes, in part, raised planted medians, sidewalks, a multi-use path, lighting and signalized intersections. In the end, the cost of both phases exceeds $100 million for the 8.5 mile widening and has been funded by both federal funds and the one cent sales tax. Phase I began in December 2016 and was completed in August 2019. Phase II’s notice to proceed was issued in December 2020 and work is ongoing. 

 

In the current construction phase, storm drainage has been installed throughout portions of the project; and significant paving, curb and gutter, and sidewalks have been placed, as well. Preparations are being made to shift traffic from the existing roadway to the newly constructed roadway areas and utilities are continuing to be relocated along the entire project. The necessary bridge improvements are projected to begin in the third quarter of this year. To date, 36% of the project has been completed and, importantly, the project is in environmental compliance.  Although the project has a ways to go and cannot be finished soon enough, undoubtedly, for the 14,200 drivers who drive this corridor every day the orange barrels and construction signs demonstrate progress and are much welcomed. Of course, I invite you to follow updates at buildingberkeley.com.  

 

Regarding these projects, I would be remiss to not demonstrate my gratitude. The citizens of Berkeley are fortunate, in my view, to have the leadership of Supervisor Cribb who professionally champions individual infrastructure projects and is uniquely involved in staying updated to proactively address inevitable and unforeseen problems that arise. Moreover, these projects were authorized by the voters and have been paid for by you — so, thank you. That is, thank you for your hard work and citizenship that has created a dynamic tax base able to fund these critical improvements. Finally, thank you for the opportunity to serve as your councilman. 

 

Josh Whitley is a Berkeley County Councilman and representative of District 2 that oversees Daniel Island, the Clements Ferry Corridor, Hanahan, and Goose Creek.