News & Events

Davis & Floyd recently completed Charleston County’s $25 million Glenn McConnell Parkway Widening project. Located in West Ashley, SC, Glenn McConnell Parkway faced heavy congestion from Bees Ferry Road to Magwood Drive.

Widening Glenn McConnell Parkway

Charleston County sought to improve this situation by widening a 2.5-mile stretch of Glenn McConnell Parkway from four to six lanes with a multiuse path between Bees Ferry Road and Magwood Drive to reduce traffic congestion. Charleston County selected Davis & Floyd to prepare design and construction documents within the existing right-of-way limits.

Lindsey Keziah, PE, associate, senior transportation engineer, and project manager at Davis & Floyd, shared her thoughts on the project: “It truly was a group effort,” she said. “We got to utilize Davis & Floyd to the fullest extent. Transportation, stormwater, landscape architecture, structural, survey, and environmental…we used everyone.”

Everyone had something to contribute to the project at different points. Take the bridges for example. Our structural and transportation teams found the bridges were already wide enough to accommodate the parkway’s widening. This meant they just needed to be restriped to three lanes. Our structural team also added a barrier wall between the road and multiuse path on the bridges for safety.

Because Bees Ferry Road southbound already had six lanes, widening Glenn McConnell Parkway to six lanes made it possible for a triple left turn at the intersection. This allows traffic to flow more smoothly, further reducing congestion.

Beyond the Road

Safety played a key role in the project. Pedestrians frequently walked or biked the road when there was no path. Charleston County recognized the community’s needs and requested the design include a multiuse path. Our team accommodated this along with providing aesthetically pleasing landscaping and drainage.

Charleston County also requested Davis & Floyd coordinate with CARTA about bus stop improvements.

“There used to be only signs for the CARTA bus stops, but there was no safe way to get to them since there were no sidewalks connecting to the intersections,” commented Lindsey. “So, we met with them and asked if they wanted to adjust, move, or remove any bus stops. We communicated, coordinated, and allowed CARTA to review and comment on the design. From there, we adjusted to include what they needed.”

Now, the bus stops have pull-outs, connected sidewalks, shelters, bike racks, and trash cans.

“Davis & Floyd is proud to have delivered another successful project to our community,” said Lindsey. “I drive this road twice a day and understand the congestion firsthand. Being a transportation engineer, I get to experience the benefits of our work and see everyone else enjoy it.”