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

FULL STORY: In Charleston, an Affordable, Effective Alternative to a Freeway

Wednesday, February 9, 2011 in Streetsblog Capitol Hill

Infrastructure Land Use South Carolina Sprawl Charleston South Carolina Highway Expansion View More

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