Background:

The project corridor extends along Burnt Church Road approximately 1.3 miles, from Alljoy Road/Bridge Street northeast to Bluffton Parkway. The project was identified for further evaluation and design based on the local community’s prior support of bicycle and pedestrian enhancements in the corridor, and identification of needed improvements in the Beaufort County Comprehensive Plan. Proposed improvements include the addition of a center turn lane, bike lanes, sidewalks, enhanced pedestrian crossings, and landscaping. A single-lane roundabout is planned at the intersection of Burnt Church Road and Bruin Road.

1^st Public Meeting:

The first public input meeting was held November 17, 2022. The meeting was attended by 46 local residents and 44 written comments were received at the meeting or during the month-long comment period. Concerns raised included property impacts, pedestrian safety, and vehicle speeds within the corridor. To address these comments, the project team has adjusted the preferred roadway alignment and reduced the proposed facility width.

2^nd Public Meeting:

The second public meeting for the proposed improvements to Burnt Church Road was held November 9, 2023, at the Bluffton Recreation Center gymnasium and was attended by 94 local residents. Representatives from the project team were available to answer questions and receive input from the community regarding the proposed project. A total of 65 written comments were received at the meeting or submitted via email or the online comment form during the month-long comment period. Participants were overwhelmingly in favor of the proposed improvements, specifically citing that the bike and pedestrian facilities are very needed in the corridor. The most common concerns focused on pedestrian safety and vehicle speeds along Burnt Church Road. More specific comments included requests to:

• Add flashing lights at cross walks where possible to ensure pedestrian safety
• Maintain existing access to the commercial establishments at Bruin Road/Burnt Church Road intersection
• Ensure that the proposed roundabout is properly sized to accommodate trucks coming from Stroup Lane
• Bury overhead powerlines
• Extend fencing along Lake Linden
• Reduce speed limit for entire corridor
• Install traffic light instead of roundabout at Bruin/Burnt Church Road Intersection

The project team has reviewed the comments received and is incorporating them into the final design as appropriate. The team continues to coordinate with the SCDOT regarding the proposed roadway section (below).

Next Steps:

Click here for information from previous November 09, 2023 meeting.

Click here for information from previous November 17, 2022 meeting.