McConnell Parkway changes planned

The changes proposed for a busy West Ashley intersection will satisfy traffic needs only until 2015 but will give taxpayers "the most bang for the buck," according to the project manager.

Charleston County presented preliminary plans for the intersection of I-526 and Glenn McConnell Parkway at a public meeting Tuesday. About 60 people attended.

The project is being funded by Charleston County's half-cent sales ax and will cost about $8 million. A long-term solution — one that would satisfy traffic needs until 2030 — would cost about $100 million, said Eric Dickey of Davis & Floyd, the design firm hired by the county.

The improvements currently proposed could be built upon as funding becomes available, Dickey said. "What we're doing is going to be part of that long term solution."

The proposed improvements are:

--Widen Glenn McConnell from a four-lane divided highway to a six-lane divided highway.

--Remove the through/left turn exit from the Lowe's driveway and Charlie Hall Road intersection.

--Widen Magwood Road and provide 4-foot bicycle lanes, sidewalks and dedicated left turn lanes onto Glenn McConnell.

--Remove left turns onto the frontage road from Glenn McConnell.

--Extend the left turn lane onto I-526 northbound from Glenn McConnell.

--Remove the left turn lane onto I-526 southbound from Glenn McConnell.

--Add a free flow right turn lane onto I-526 northbound from Glenn McConnell and widen the ramp to allow merging from three lanes to one lane.

--Upgrade and synchronize traffic signals at Glenn McConnell and Magwood, Glenn McConnell and I-526, and Glenn McConnell and Orleans Road.

Of the 10 or so audience members who spoke at the meeting, three live on Forest Lakes Boulevard which dead ends near Glenn McConnell.

"This used to be a wonderful area until they built Glenn McConnell," said Richard Guarneri. "I can't sleep at night. It's almost unbearable."

Gerald O'Brien, another resident of Forest Lakes, said he would like to invite everyone who worked on the plan over to his house for cocktails some early evening. "We'll see if we can have a conversation without screaming at each other," he said.

In response to their concerns, County Council member Colleen Condon said the project will, without a doubt, include sound barriers for the Forest Lakes subdivision.

Other residents asked that the speed limit along Glenn McConnell be lowered, that crosswalks could be added across Magwood.

Cody Kubinyi said he has lived in the area five years and has seen three pedestrians hit by cars on Magwood. A sidewalk runs along a portion of the road across from the Food Lion, but pedestrians must jay walk to get to and from the grocery.

One resident, Charles Othersen, told presenters they were talking about an intersection that doesn't exist.

The road that intersects I-526 is actually Paul Cantrell Boulevard. Its name changes to Glenn McConnell Parkway farther west.

Othersen recommended that one name be chosen for the entire road.

Charleston County RoadWise, the county's management program for projects funded by the transportation sales tax, will accept comments on the project through July 22.

Dickey said construction could begin late next summer and be completed by winter 2011.

Reach Kristen Hankla at 937-5548 or khankla@postandcourier.com.

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