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The American Council of Engineering Companies of South Carolina (ACEC-SC) hosted the 2025 Engineering Excellence Awards Gala where Davis & Floyd received the State Finalist Award for widening Glenn McConnell Parkway.

Needed Improvements

As a key roadway running through West Ashley, SC, Glenn McConnell Parkway provides central connections to neighborhoods, shopping centers, and highways. This critical access route faced heavy congestion between Bees Ferry Road to Magwood Drive with severe delays due to traffic and flooding issues. Glenn McConnell Parkway also experienced frequent flooding and drainage issues with the infrastructure unable to handle peak flow rates. Safety concerns involved lack of paths for walkers and bikers, forcing them to use the road or grass, as well as lack of crosswalks at the intersection for pedestrians to access bus stops or other facilities.

Charleston County sought to improve the area with the request to widen 2.5 miles of Glenn McConnell Parkway from four to six lanes and add a shared-use path for bikers and pedestrians.

The County used funding from its 2016 Transportation Sales Tax (TST), which stipulated no new right-of-way could be acquired. We took on this challenge, addressing all of Charleston County’s needs.

Roadway Improvements

To ease traffic flow and enhance capacity, our team used the existing median to expand the eastbound lane inward, only adding a westbound lane outward. This approach minimized disruptions to nearby areas and stayed within existing right-of-way. In addition to widening the road, we addressed longstanding drainage issues that previously caused roadway flooding and runoff problems. By reshaping existing ditches and strategically placing control structures, we improved the parkway’s drainage capacity to be capable of managing peak water flow effectively.

Addition of Shared-Use Paths

Before the project, there were no dedicated paths, forcing people to walk or bike along the road’s edge or in the grass. Our team designed a multiuse path along the back of drainage ditches where possible, allowing pedestrians and cyclists to travel safely, separated from the busy road. At intersections, we installed crosswalks and worked with the Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA) to add bus pull-outs, shelters, bike racks, and trash cans at bus stops, creating safe, comfortable spaces for riders.

Results

This project demonstrates a blend of innovative engineering and careful planning, maximizing traffic capacity, safety, and pedestrian access without encroaching on additional land. By staying within the existing right-of-way, we met the County’s funding requirements while delivering a transformative upgrade to Glenn McConnell Parkway.

Today, drivers enjoy improved traffic flow, pedestrians have safe pathways, and bus riders have better facilities, all contributing to a more connected community.