In Charleston, an Affordable, Effective Alternative to a Freeway

A Charleston environmental group has suggested an alternative to a proposed expansion of Interstate 526 which solves the congestion problem with refinements to local streets and costs half the price.

1 minute read

February 14, 2011, 5:00 AM PST

By Tim Halbur


Angie Schmitt reports:

"To ease congestion on Savannah Highway, officials in Charleston have proposed an eight-mile, $489 million expansion of Interstate 526 through the towns of West Ashley, Johns Island and James Island. While less expensive, more effective options are available, the South Carolina Department of Transportation has rejected the idea that the best way to reduce congestion is to reduce car dependence. They prefer to build a traffic-generating new highway."

One plan SC DOT rejected was developed by the Coastal Conservation League(...) Their alternative proposal, "A New Way to Work," could serve as a model for how to improve safety and make communities more livable while avoiding the expense and sprawl caused highway expansion."

Thanks to Angie Schmitt

Wednesday, February 9, 2011 in Streetsblog Capitol Hill

courses user

As someone new to the planning field, Planetizen has been the perfect host guiding me into planning and our complex modern challenges. Corey D, Transportation Planner

As someone new to the planning field, Planetizen has been the perfect host guiding me into planning and our complex modern challenges.

Corey D, Transportation Planner

Ready to give your planning career a boost?

MARTA train tracks run in the middle of a six lane highway with an overpass and the Buckhead city skyline of skyscrapers in the background.

How Would Project 2025 Affect America’s Transportation System?

Long story short, it would — and not in a good way.

September 29, 2024 - Marcelo Remond

Aerial view of low-rise neighborhood in Los Angeles, California.

California Law Ends Road Widening Mandates

Housing developers will no longer be required to dedicate land to roadway widening, which could significantly reduce the cost of construction and support more housing units.

September 25, 2024 - Streetsblog California

People in large plaza in front of Zurich Opera House in Switzerland.

But... Europe

European cities and nations tend to have less violent crime than the United States. Is government social welfare spending the magic bullet that explains this difference?

September 26, 2024 - Michael Lewyn

Wood WELCOME sign with Bureau of Land Management name and logo next to concrete stairwell outdoors in Utah.

Western Conservationists, Tribes File Legal Motion to Defend Public Lands Rule

Some states and industry groups have sued to stop the Bureau of Land Management from enforcing the new rule, which promotes the conservation and restoration of public lands and shifts focus away from extractive uses.

October 3 - WildEarth Guardians

Wildfire burning under power transmission towers and large trees at night.

Intense October Heat Wave Raises Fire Risk in California

Unusually high temperatures across the state are prompting power shutoffs and could fuel more destructive wildfires.

October 3 - Los Angeles Times

Damage from flooding from HUrricane Helene in North Carolina.

‘Climate Havens’ Not Safe From Hurricane Helene’s Destruction

Parts of North Carolina previously considered immune to the impact of hurricanes experienced historic flooding in the aftermath of the storm.

October 3 - Scientific American

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.