PUBLIC HEARING
View materials and provide your input from April 17 to May 17, 2023!
The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) held a public hearing for the I-526 @ Long Point Road Interchange Improvements project on Tuesday, May 2, 2023 from 4 - 7 p.m. at Mount Pleasant Town Hall (100 Ann Edwards Lane).
Beginning at 6 p.m. on May 2nd, there was a formal presentation and verbal comment session. Anyone who wanted to make a verbal comment (in-person or virtually), had to sign up before 5:55 p.m. on May 2nd.
All materials presented at the in-person public hearing are available on this webpage and you can provide your comments through May 17th! You may also watch the live recording of the formal comment session on this webpage below.
The purpose of this public hearing is to:
Present the Environmental Assessment
Present the Recommended Preferred Alternative
Show the potential right-of-way impacts and completed noise analysis
Provide an opportunity for you to voice YOUR input
Public Hearing Overview
Recommended Preferred Alternative
The Recommended Preferred Alternative, Alternative 2, would provide new access to Long Point Road for port-related traffic and improve the existing ramps. New roads would be used to help separate port-related and local traffic. Alternative 2 meets the purpose and need of improving operations and reducing conflicts between port-related and local traffic and is compatible with a future I-526 widening.
Proposed Improvements
Retains left turn at Belle Hall Parkway
Improvements on existing ramps
Roads to separate port-related and local traffic
Recommended noise barriers
New access ramps to Long Point Road
Click the images below to enlarge and learn more.
View and download the PDF design file of the Recommended Preferred Alternative and corresponding renderings
Recommended Preferred Alternative
Potential Impacts Comparison
In 2022, SCDOT completed a Planning & Environmental Linkages Study for I-526 from Virginia Avenue in North Charleston to US 17 in Mount Pleasant. That study identified existing and projected transportation issues within the corridor through analysis and public and stakeholder engagement. Building on that analysis and public input, the I-526 @ Long Point Road Interchange Improvements project is helping address one of those needs. The I-526 @ Long Point Road Interchange project is going through the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process, a federal review of the natural and human environments.
Click the images below to enlarge and learn more.
Project Background
What is the purpose and need of this project?
The I-526/Long Point Road interchange provides access to homes, businesses, schools, parks, restaurants, and commercial and industrial facilities along Long Point Road. The interchange provides access to SC Port’s Wando Welch Terminal which serves as a hub for the distribution of freight from the Port throughout the southeastern United States. In the image labeled “Anticipated Traffic Operations,” the amount of red and orange shown in the graphics on the top line demonstrate the high congestion levels along this corridor by 2050 if no improvements were made. The graphics on the bottom line show the congestion reduction if the Recommended Preferred Alternative were constructed. Traffic operations reflect future I-526 mainline widening.
Click the images below to enlarge and learn more.
Growing Traffic Congestion Concerns
What may traffic be like in 2050 with and without improvements?
How would truck traffic shift in 2050 with the Recommended Preferred Alternatives vs. No-Build?
The project team evaluated the alternatives through a three-step process to identify the Recommended Preferred Alternative. Greater detail in analysis came with each level of evaluation. At the same time, the total number of alternatives decreased as those that were lowest performing were eliminated. The range of alternatives were presented to the public at the Public Information Meeting in summer 2022.
Click the images below to enlarge and learn more.
Alternatives Analysis
How are the alternatives evaluated?
Range of Alternatives 1-3
Range of Alternatives 4-6
Understanding Traffic Noise Impacts
The SCDOT Traffic Noise Abatement Policy addresses the impact of highway traffic noise on residential neighborhoods and in other noise-sensitive areas, such as churches, schools, hospitals, and certain public recreational areas. This policy is based on FHWA regulations, 23 CFR §772. The noise analysis was completed as part of the Environmental Assessment. Any design changes made as a result of public comments will require a review of the noise analysis. Noise ballots will also be sent out to those who would benefit from the noise wall for their input.
Click the images below to enlarge and learn more.
How is noise evaluated?
Where are the recommended noise walls?
Right-of-Way Process
The official right-of-way acquisition process does not typically start until the federal environmental review process (NEPA) is completed, and the Federal Highway Administration issues a decision. If a build alternative is selected, meaning something new would need to be constructed, SCDOT would develop final right-of-way plans and acquisition activities would begin. Learn More.
When will I hear about right-of-way?
Learn more about the SCDOT right-of-way process
Next Steps
SCDOT is taking this important project through an Environmental Assessment as required by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process. We are seeking YOUR INPUT on the Recommended Preferred Alternative as well as the potential right-of-way and environmental impacts of the proposed improvements. Following the public hearing, we will incorporate your feedback, as well as input received from federal and state agencies, to revise the project. If approved by the U.S. Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), we would begin right-of-way acquisition with the goal of starting construction in 2025. Please see here for the latest schedule.
How to Comment
The official public comment period for this public hearing ended on May 17, 2023. Meaningful input is our number one priority. All formal comments received during the comment period will be evaluated and included in the project record. All formal written comments received during the comment period will be considered and responded to if requested.
In-Person
At the Public Hearing on May 2 from 4-7 pm at Mount Pleasant Town Hall (100 Ann Edwards Lane)
SCDOT
Post Office Box 191
955 Park Street
Columbia, SC 29202-0191
All formal comments received during the comment period will be evaluated and included in the project record. All information provided will be published and subject to disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act.