SCDOT and City of Charleston announce Safety Enhancement Project along Morrison Drive

​Today, officials from the South Carolina Department of Transportation and the City of Charleston announced the details of a safety enhancement project along Morrison Drive between Johnson Street and Blake Street in Charleston. This announcement follows a traffic safety review by SCDOT.

The improvements include a dedicated pedestrian crossing on Morrison Drive between Morrison Yard and Sanders-Clyde Elementary School. It also includes a landscaped, raised median between Johnson Street and Cooper Street. With the raised median in place, traffic entering Morrison Drive from Grace Bridge Street, Harris Street, or Jackson Street will be right turn only.

In addition, crews will clear vegetation and debris from the bicycle lanes and the pavement markings and signs will be improved throughout the corridor. All of these safety features are designed to improve safety for bicycle and pedestrian traffic. Work on the project is expected to begin later this year.

Earlier this month, SCDOT approved the developer's plan to move forward with signal design at the Johnson Street intersection and we will continue to work closely together with them on that project.

Secretary of Transportation Justin P. Powell

"The safety of our roadways is our number one priority and today's announcement is another example of a collaborative effort to make local communities safer for everyone on the roads. The Charleston peninsula has long been known as a place where biking and walking are a primary mode of travel - it is a part of what makes the City special. I appreciate the work of our SCDOT traffic engineers to evaluate this corridor and to implement safety enhancements that make our road network better for everyone."

Mayor of Charleston William Cogswell

"The City of Charleston appreciates the urgency in the response from SCDOT. The Department has worked collaboratively to make our City safer, while considering our feedback on what improvements will be effective and enhance the quality of life for our residents. We are grateful for their efforts and for this relationship."