Bluffton to kick off Streetscape project to improve ‘walkability’ in the historic district
Walking along Bridge Street in Bluffton will soon get a lot easier.
A $1.1 million Streetscape project seeks to improve “walkability,” pedestrian flow, stormwater runoff and safety along the street, which runs through Bluffton’s historic district.
Construction is set to begin Tuesday and continue through the end of next summer, according to a news release.
The project includes better sidewalks, parking, street lighting and stormwater drainage, plus the addition of Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant crosswalks.
The project will be completed in two phases with Phase 1 starting at Burnt Church Road and ending at Calhoun Street. This phase will create an opportunity to capture, treat and reduce stormwater runoff while also reducing bacteria and other pollutants into the May River, according to project manager Constance Clarkson.
Phase 2 starts where the first ended, running from Calhoun Street to Heyward Street.
Motorists should expect periodic lane closures and possible water shutdowns. Lane closures are especially likely for work taking place between Boundary Street and Pritchard Street, Clarkson said.
Residents who could be affected by closures or shutdowns will be notified by door hangers and letters, according to the town. A map of the affected areas will also be provided once they are identified during construction.
Currently, the street’s walkability varies with sidewalks mostly lining one side of the street.
A Streetscape project was done on May River Road in 2018, which added many of the same improvements that are being added to Bridge Street.
The project is being paid for through tax increment financing funds, stormwater fees, general obligation bonds and a federal grant, according to the town.
