In 2019, after reviewing traffic studies for the Lowcountry Rapid Transit project, Charleston County identified that the three intersections at Hwy 78 at College Park Road, Hwy 78 at Ladson Road, and Ladson Road at College Park Road are main contributors to traffic delays experienced in the Hwy 78 corridor. Conceptual studies for improvements at those intersections were developed to study in more detail as part of the Hwy 78 Corridor Improvements project.
Four alternatives for improvements at the Hwy 78/College Park Road/Ladson Road intersections were evaluated in a traffic study that was completed before the Hwy 78 Project began. It was found that two of the alternatives, known as Alternative 2 and Alternative 4, would provide reduced traffic backups in the design year of 2045. These alternatives were presented to the public as part of the Hwy 78 Project in 2021 [LINK TO 2021 PUBLIC MEETING]. Based on traffic analysis, impact analysis, costs, and public input, Alternative 4 was selected as the Preferred Alternative.
Alternative 4 was included in all of the corridor improvement alternatives for the Hwy 78 Project that were presented to the public in May 2024 [LINK TO 2024 PUBLIC MEETING]. Traffic studies completed for the Hwy 78 Project reinforced that these intersections are experiencing high levels of congestion and delay, contributing to traffic backups on Hwy 78 and that improvements here would have the most substantial benefits to traffic on Hwy 78. Therefore, Charleston County has determined that improvements at these intersections will be advanced.
Widens College Park Road to a 5-lane section between Hwy 78 and Ladson Road.
