The seclusion that kept Kiawah Island pristine and beautiful also made traveling to it dangerous. The only road on and off the island did not have bike lanes or a pedestrian footbridge over the Kiawah River. All non-vehicular traffic was discouraged.
There were other problems with the road. Numerous segments were prone to flooding, and sharp curves contributed to traffic accidents over the years. The road was not adequate for hurricane evacuations, either.
When it passed its comprehensive plan, town council made a commitment to improve transportation on the island. Council decided to make the road safer and, at the same time, offer basic recreational space for residents and visitors. Thus began a long process of improving the road and constructing a bike path running parallel to it. For three years, officials studied construction designs, wildlife mitigation solutions and landscaping. They held town meetings to gather input from the public.
Officials worked with various agencies to avoid harming the ecosystem during or after construction. Charleston County took part to ensure that no damage was done to protected trees. After reducing the scope of the project to mitigate the impact to the saltwater marsh, town officials sent the plan to the state and federal government for approval.
When a master plan was completed and agreed upon, the town and county provided the necessary funding without increasing fees or taking on debt.
The paved bike path runs alongside the road, and a new pedestrian bridge spans the Kiawah River, both protected by handrails and guardrails. Nautical landscaping and irrigation enhance the bike path’s appearance. The dangerous s-curves were lengthened and smoothed, and turn lanes were added to busy points in the road. The speed limit was reduced to 35mph. Signage was added along the road to alert drivers of these changes and direct non-vehicular traffic to the new bike path.
The new bike path does more than increase safety and offer recreation for residents and visitors. It promotes connectivity with off-island communities. Residents and visitors now have a way to get to other areas to eat and shop without getting in their cars. People from outside Kiawah Island have the opportunity to ride their bikes onto the island to do the same. The new bike path also connected with other already established paths in nearby areas.
There has been a sharp decrease in the number of traffic accidents on any given day, the new path is full of joggers, bicycle riders and other happy residents.
Contact Tumiko Rucker at trucker@kiawahisland.org or 843.768.9166.