The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) has proposed a series of safety improvements along a five-mile stretch of Folly Road on James Island. This project aims to reduce crashes and improve safety for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists in one of the region’s most accident-prone corridors. However, the proposed designs have sparked a strong reaction from the local community, with many residents warning the changes could cause traffic chaos and disrupt local businesses.
Background: A Dangerous Stretch of Road
The push for changes on Folly Road follows a comprehensive road safety audit by SCDOT, covering the period from May 2023 to May 2024. The audit found a troubling number of crashes along this corridor — over 2,100 vehicle crashes, 15 pedestrian incidents, and 21 bicycle crashes between January 2018 and December 2022. Tragically, these accidents resulted in six fatalities and 525 injuries.
In response, SCDOT is now proposing multiple safety measures intended to reduce collisions, improve pedestrian safety, and provide better facilities for cyclists.
What’s Proposed?
Among the main elements of the project are:
- Installation of high-visibility crosswalks to make pedestrian crossings safer and more noticeable.
- New pavement markings designed to improve traffic flow and reduce confusion.
- Flashing yellow arrow signals to enhance intersection safety.
- Raised medians, which act as physical barriers to reduce angled crashes and limit unsafe left turns.
The raised medians, in particular, have become the most contentious aspect of the proposal. SCDOT plans medians that could be as wide as 12 feet in some sections, which they say will help prevent dangerous crash patterns.
Community Concerns: “It’s Just Going to Cause Chaos”
Despite the safety intentions, many local residents have voiced concerns about the project. A common worry is that the raised medians will make left turns difficult, potentially restricting access to local businesses and increasing traffic congestion on Folly Road.
One resident commented, “It’s just going to cause chaos. We are worried it will create more backups during peak hours and make it harder for customers to reach shops along the route.”
Others question whether the funds for this project could be better allocated to other pressing community safety needs. Some residents feel the current plans do not adequately consider the day-to-day realities faced by those living and working on James Island.
Project Timeline and Next Steps
SCDOT is currently in the environmental and preliminary design phase of the project. Construction is anticipated to start in late 2026, pending final approvals and community input.
Residents are encouraged to review the proposed plans and submit feedback before the public comment period closes on June 6, 2025. Input can be given online or at scheduled public meetings hosted by SCDOT.
How to Get Involved
Community members who want to learn more or share their opinions can visit the official SCDOT project page here:
https://scdot.org/folly-road-safety-project
Providing feedback is critical to ensure the final design balances safety improvements with community needs.
The Bigger Picture: Balancing Safety and Convenience
Folly Road is a key route on James Island and has long been identified as a high-crash area. The safety of pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers remains a top priority for SCDOT, who stresses that these improvements could prevent further injuries and fatalities.
However, the project highlights the challenge of balancing safety upgrades with maintaining smooth traffic flow and accessibility for local businesses and residents.