Can you think of a feature in your home that you use every day but rarely pay attention to? If you said your home's flooring, you'd be spot on. Most homeowners overlook their floors unless they're unkempt or dirty. However, the truth is that your flooring is the largest design element of your home, making it a crucial feature that deserves attention. As one of the first features we notice subconsciously, it must look great and impress guests.
While aesthetics is always important, your flooring must also be functional. Different rooms require different demands, and your flooring should meet those demands to prevent early wear and tear. For instance, high-traffic areas like hallways and kitchens need durable flooring materials that can handle daily use. Conversely, areas like your utility room, kitchen, and bathrooms need flooring options that are resistant to water. By balancing practicality and design, you can have a beautiful home that is stunning but also stands the test of time.
The challenge for most homeowners is choosing the right flooring materials and finding a flooring company that can help oversee that process. That's where Heritage Flooring Company comes into play. Whether you're looking to invest in high-quality hardwood flooring for a new construction project or you need to remove and replace your current design, Heritage Flooring is the expert to call.
As a locally owned and operated flooring company in South Carolina, we provide customers with a personalized experience that epitomizes customer service, quality, and hard work. Backed by over 40+ years of floor covering experience, we pride ourselves on quality you can stand on. Relationships are the foundation of our business. We are committed to delivering on our promises and strive to provide premium products at competitive prices.
Rooted with strong ties to Dalton, GA, our direct buying capabilities and low overhead allow us to provide you with wholesale flooring prices. That way, you can have peace of mind knowing you're buying high-quality flooring that will last for years to come. The best part? You don't have to break the bank to get the type of flooring you need.
We offer a range of flooring options for homeowners in the Lowcountry and beyond, including:
Whether you're renovating your bathroom and need tile flooring options or want soft, plush carpet for your living room, our staff are ready and waiting with a smile to help.
When you visit our showroom, you can expect to find some of the most beautiful and functional flooring options available in South Carolina. We also provide a range of flooring services to choose from, depending on your needs. Those services include:
Our team of highly skilled professionals provides top-notch flooring installation services, utilizing various methods such as nailing, stapling, gluing, and floating. From LVT flooring in Mount Pleasant for your entire home or new tile flooring for an entryway, no project is too big or too small for us to handle!
Interior design trends and styles change every year. That can be great for designers, but if you own an older home with original flooring, your home's aesthetics may feel a tad outdated. Whether you've recently moved into a new home and find the existing floor color unsuitable or want to refresh the look of your living space, floor refinishing offers a cost-effective solution without the need for complete floor replacement. Our specialized dustless sanding method and equipment ensures minimal dust during the sanding process. Our highly skilled team can then finish your floors using natural treatments or apply a stain of your choice to achieve the desired look.
Sometimes, you live in a house for a while and learn that the stairs leading to the basement or upper level just aren't as safe or well-designed as you had hoped. If that sounds familiar, Heritage Flooring Company can help. We offer a vast collection of unfinished and prefinished stair treads, along with matching floor vents as well.
If you're taking a DIY approach to your flooring project, we stock a large quantity of vapor-lock underlayment, nails, trim, adhesives, and more so you can get all the materials you need in one central location.
Now that you know a little more about our story and the flooring services we provide, let's dig into some of the types of flooring we specialize in.
Hardwood floors are a classic home decor choice, adding charm and elegance to any space. Not only that, but they have also been shown to significantly increase the long-term value of your home. We offer a wide range of expertly crafted hardwood floors in various species and widths to suit both modern and traditional styles.
Our collection includes both solid and engineered options with wire-brushed, distressed, and hand-scraped finishes. Additionally, we provide a variety of unfinished flooring choices that can be custom-finished to meet your specific design requirements. We encourage you to swing by our showroom to see what we have - we're confident our diverse selection of hardwood flooring will exceed your expectations.
Engineered hardwood floors are made of real hardwood and constructed with multiple layers of plywood, MDF, or HDF core. Each layer is cross-stacked and bonded together, making the design extremely dimensionally stable. This stability makes engineered floors versatile and suitable for all levels of the home, especially in hot climates throughout the Southeast United States. We offer over 68 in-stock prefinished hardwood options to suit any lifestyle. Additionally, we provide flooring with the click-lock method, allowing for easy installation, as well as floating options for challenging subfloors.
Solid hardwood flooring is highly regarded by many homeowners as the top choice for flooring. It's made from a single piece of 100% hardwood and is known for its durability, authenticity, and timeless appeal. Many of our solid hardwood flooring options are crafted in the USA with fine American workmanship, and are valued for their stability, consistent color, and refined grain.
Some of the best areas to install engineered or solid hardwood flooring include:
Luxury Vinyl Plank and Tiles give homeowners the rich look of hardwood flooring and ceramic tile without the high cost and demanding upkeep. This flooring option is a must for homes with heavy foot traffic. The lifelike texture, cost-effectiveness, and quick installation make vinyl plank a highly appealing flooring alternative, offering the look of real hardwood at a fraction of the cost. Our wide range of LVP/LVT comes in various colors, textures, lengths, and different widths to suit any budget.
Ceramic tile and its installation can be both expensive and laborious for homeowners. The process takes several days and can be a burden. Luckily, LVT provides a cost-effective alternative that mimics the look and feel of ceramic tile. It features stunning natural textures and realistic grout lines, making it suitable for any space. With an easy click-and-lock system, installation becomes hassle-free. LVT is 100% waterproof, pet-friendly, and resistant to scratches and stains.
Some of the best areas to install LVT flooring include:
Looking for the appearance and sensation of hardwood floors without the expense and upkeep? Then waterproof Luxury Vinyl Plank is an excellent choice for low-maintenance, long-lasting flooring. LVP is completely waterproof and resistant to scratches, stains, and climate fluctuations. Homes with a lot of foot traffic, children, and pets are ideal candidates for LVP. The high-definition texture, cost-effectiveness, and speedy installation make vinyl plank a compelling flooring option at a fraction of the cost of genuine hardwood. We provide a wide range of LVP in various hues, textures, lengths, and various widths.
Some of the best areas to install LVP flooring include:
Tile has a long history in the realm of interior design. It's versatile and can be utilized to introduce a vibrant backsplash in your kitchen, form an art-deco focal point on a wall in the living room, or offer long-lasting waterproof flooring in your bathroom. When compared to decorative wall or backsplash tile, tile flooring needs to withstand constant foot traffic, dirty shoes, pet accidents, and more, all while maintaining its beauty.
The good news is that the majority of tile is inherently resistant to water, slips, and stains, which is why most homeowners opt for tile in their kitchens and bathrooms. At Heritage Flooring Company, we offer a large selection of premium marble, ceramic, and other tile materials for your kitchen and bathroom needs.
At Heritage Flooring Company, we're often asked which type of tile is best for a home's bathroom versus kitchen. While no two homeowners will ever have the same needs, ceramic tile is generally great for kitchens, while porcelain is better for bathrooms. Ceramic is the most popular choice for kitchen tile flooring because it's available in a wide range of colors, it's low maintenance, and durable. It's often glazed to make cleaning up spills and stains easy, although it's less hard compared to porcelain tile.
Porcelain tile is commonly used for bathroom tile flooring due to its waterproof nature, trendiness, and cost-effectiveness. It's better for rooms with high moisture levels, as it has a lower water absorption rate compared to ceramic. Depending on the style, porcelain tile can range from richly textured for a non-slip surface to smooth marble tones.
The best course of action when choosing tile is to try and balance functionality and aesthetics. Ultimately, find a tile that matches your personal design taste while meeting your household needs. Having trouble choosing tile for your home? Heritage Flooring staff are trained to help you find the best choice for your home and family. We'd be happy to offer our opinion - just give us a call or visit our showroom to get started.
There are few feelings as comforting and relaxing as digging your toes into a plush, soft carpet after a long day at work. Carpet flooring has been around for decades and is one of the most common and popular choices when it comes to home aesthetics. From high-pile carpet options for maximum comfort to low-pile choices best suited for professional environments, carpet is both versatile and budget-friendly. At Heritage Flooring Company, we carry a select line of premium carpet options in multiple styles & patterns to fit your lifestyle needs.
Wondering why you should consider carpet flooring? Here are some of the biggest benefits that our clients tell us about:
Have you ever lived in an apartment where you could hear everything that the people above you and beside you were doing? Even if you tiptoe through the house, you're making noise. This is especially true if you have tile, vinyl, or hardwood floors in your living spaces. Even socked feet can sound like horse hooves when there's nothing dampening your steps.
Whether you own a multi-story home, a condo, or just have really thin walls, carpets can make sure that you're not disturbing other people in your house. Carpets will also dampen the normal floor sounds like creaks. Old floors often creak, but those creaks are more obvious when you have hardwood floors.
Let's be honest: Purchasing new flooring is a big decision. But if you choose the right carpet, it won't cost as much as installing hardwood floors, which can be quite expensive. While hardwood floors look fantastic, not everyone can afford them. Most folks end up using rugs on their hardwood floors for added comfort, but they can be expensive, too.
In contrast, carpet installation is often less expensive and more affordable. If your budget allows, you can opt for fancier carpets. Whether you prefer something sleek and unobtrusive or you love the look of retro shag carpets, Heritage Flooring offers options that will suit your budget.
Concerned about safety in your home? Consider carpet flooring. If someone in your home has fallen before, you understand how alarming it can be. While carpet won't prevent accidents, it can reduce the impact and provide a softer landing. Carpet is also ideal if you have babies or toddlers. As they learn to walk, toddlers often tumble. With carpet, their falls are less painful.
It's also gentler for crawling babies and those doing tummy time. If you or your children enjoy sitting on the floor, carpet is a practical choice. Why sit on hard surfaces when you can relax on a soft, cushioned carpet? Plus, opting for a rug would mean an additional expense for your flooring.
If you pull up your flooring and find that your floors are not as even as you thought, carpets are a great solution. Uneven floors are very noticeable with hardwood or tiles, but with carpets, you can still feel them, just not see them. The softness of the carpet will also help to minimize the feel of the uneven floor. Carpets in certain colors can also conceal stains. This is one reason why many apartments opt for carpets.
Carpet is an excellent source of warmth for the floor, making it a suitable option for cold bedrooms or plain offices. Additionally, carpet acts as an insulator. The combination of the carpet and its under-padding serves as an extra insulation layer in your home. Depending on the weight and quality of your carpet, it may even contribute to increasing the R-value of your home.
Finding a great flooring company in South Carolina is a little bit like searching for a needle in a haystack. Fortunately, if you're looking for a team of experts to help with a flooring project in your home, you've come to the right place. Since 2018, our goal has been to provide clients with the finest flooring services in our state.
Our team collaborates closely with each client to establish a trusted environment and achieve the perfect balance of style and functionality that customers deserve. In fact, we always try to exceed expectations by going the extra mile for our customers. Whether you need new tile in your bathroom or hardwood flooring in Mount Pleasant for your whole home, we pride ourselves on quality work and efficiency. We demonstrate genuine care for our customers and emphasize that our goal is not just to make a sale - it's to assist in any way we can.
Because, as a local flooring company, you're not just our customer. You're our friends and our neighbors. You should be treated with quality service, even if you're just asking a few questions. Contact our office today to learn more about how we can help with your flooring needs, or come by our showroom so we can show you in person.
MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C., April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Pickleball Kingdom, the world's largest indoor pickleball entity, announces the official opening of its newest club in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. Located at 680 Long Point Rd, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464, in the Belle Hall Shopping Center, this state-of-the-art facility is now open to the public and ready to serve pickleball ent...
MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C., April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Pickleball Kingdom, the world's largest indoor pickleball entity, announces the official opening of its newest club in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. Located at 680 Long Point Rd, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464, in the Belle Hall Shopping Center, this state-of-the-art facility is now open to the public and ready to serve pickleball enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels.
"We're excited to see Pickleball Kingdom officially open in Mount Pleasant, SC, and we couldn't be happier to have Chris and Kelly Ogden leading the charge," said Ace Rodrigues, Founder and CEO of Pickleball Kingdom. "This opening marks another exciting milestone in our mission to deliver a premier indoor pickleball experience to communities around the world."
The Mount Pleasant club features nine premium indoor courts plus a dedicated practice dink court, all designed to provide a world-class playing environment for players of all skill levels. With climate-controlled conditions, a mezzanine viewing area, community room, pro shop, and top-tier amenities, the facility is built to deliver a high-quality experience both on and off the court.
A highlight of the new location is Pickleball 101, a complimentary class created specifically for beginners. This introductory program offers a welcoming and accessible way for newcomers to learn the game for free and experience the excitement of pickleball in a supportive environment. In addition to Pickleball 101, the club offers a full slate of programming, including professional coaching and clinics, youth development initiatives, competitive leagues and tournaments, and opportunities for community and corporate events.
"We're thrilled to bring Pickleball Kingdom to Belle Hall Shopping Center in Mount Pleasant! Pickleball Kingdom is more than just a place to play pickleball—it's a place to make new friends, improve your skills, and have fun! The energy at Pickleball Kingdom is unlike anywhere else, and we are looking forward to creating community with everyone!" said franchisees Chris and Kelly Ogden.
Pickleball Kingdom's President and Chief Global Officer, Rob Streett, added, "Chris and Kelly Ogden have shown an incredible commitment to elevating the player experience in Mount Pleasant. Their passion for the sport and dedication to building community make them the perfect leaders for this club. We're confident this location will set a new standard for indoor pickleball in the region."
To celebrate the grand opening, Pickleball Kingdom Belle Hall will host a special weekend event from Friday, April 25th to Sunday, April 27th, featuring raffle prizes, a ribbon-cutting ceremony, founding member festivities, and special promotions.
To sign up to become a member of Pickleball Kingdom Belle Hall, visit:https://pickleballkingdom.com/clubs/mount-pleasant-sc/
Follow Pickleball Kingdom Belle Hall on Social Media
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pickleballkingdom.bellehall/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557914176289
About Pickleball Kingdom
Pickleball Kingdom is the premier indoor pickleball franchise, dedicated to fostering community and providing world-class facilities. With a mission to create a global network of pickleball venues, Pickleball Kingdom is at the forefront of the fastest-growing sport in the U.S.
As pickleball continues to surge in popularity, Pickleball Kingdom invites driven individuals to explore franchise opportunities and join this exciting growth. For more information, visit https://pickleballkingdom.com/franchise/.
For Franchise or Media Inquiries:Mitch Kistner, Sr. Director of MarketingEmail: 392868@email4pr.comPhone: 888-788-0999
SOURCE Pickleball Kingdom Franchising
MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (WCSC) - Mount Pleasant officials are making progress on a project that will alleviate some congestion on Highway 17 and provide more connectivity and safety to those who frequent the area.The All-American Boulevard extension project is getting close to completion. Project leaders are currently finishing the installation of a stormwater drainage system that includes over 3,000 feet of concrete pipe.They...
MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (WCSC) - Mount Pleasant officials are making progress on a project that will alleviate some congestion on Highway 17 and provide more connectivity and safety to those who frequent the area.
The All-American Boulevard extension project is getting close to completion. Project leaders are currently finishing the installation of a stormwater drainage system that includes over 3,000 feet of concrete pipe.
They are also working on installing an eight to 10 foot wide shared use path that will add to the Mount Pleasant Way network. This shared use path will include landscaping and streetlights along its entire length as well as separate bike lanes from its intersection with George Browder Boulevard to Park West Boulevard.
Once completed, this project will create a two-lane road that will run from Lexington Drive all the way to Park West Boulevard, providing drivers with an alternative route to avoid using US-17.
“I think with the completion of this project, you’ll see a reduction in traffic on 17 through the limits of this project from Park West to Lexington. You’ll also see some improved mobility as far as the installation of the shared use path from the Mount Pleasant Way, connecting residential to commercial zones as well as existing paths along Park West Boulevard,” Deputy Director of the Mount Pleasant Capital Projects and Transportation Department James Aton says. “So I think you’ll see a lot of better interconnectivity, reduction in traffic and congestion and improved nonmotorized mobility.”
Aton says that this project will provide several benefits, including increased accessibility to first responders when needed. This project is all about creating a functional, safe and interconnected community by connecting neighborhoods and businesses.
“It’s really to provide that transportation redundancy, options for travel [and] reduce congestion on 17 through this section and provide better EMS, police, and fire response in the event of an incident,” Aton says.
Erin Rauton is the office manager of Solomon Family Dentistry, a business on All-American Boulevard. Rauton says they frequently see patients arriving late to their appointments because of the traffic on US-17, so she really hopes this project will help resolve some of that.
“I feel that this will increase the patient’s ability to get here in a timely fashion. Sometimes they’re dealing with traffic on Highway 17, which can be stressful and then running late to an appointment could also be stressful. So, I think it’ll help counteract some of the traffic patients have to experience to get here,” she says.
She says she is excited for this project to be completed as she believes it will not only help the traffic but will also help keep nonmotorized road users safe.
“This project will help accessibility to our office for our patients who live nearby to avoid 17 and also increase walkability so people can ride bikes and walk without having to be on the Highway 17,” Rauton says.
The cost of this project is a little over $3.5 million and is funded through the Town’s Capital Improvement Plan. The contract also includes the installation of a new water main, which is not included in that cost; however, Mount Pleasant Water Works will fully fund that portion of the project.
While they have been working since July 2024, it may not look like much yet because most of the work is being done under the surface. This includes installing the stormwater drainage systems, relocating utilities, stabilizing underlying materials and compacting them.
Now that they are finishing up the drainage system installation, progress will quickly start to become visible, as they will soon begin paving the roadway and constructing the shared-use path. Those steps in addition to the landscaping and street light installation are really the only main construction efforts that remain.
Project leaders anticipate having this project fully completed by August.
The roadway was named All American to honor Mount Pleasant citizens who gave their life in the War on Terror in the early 2000s. When the roadway name was adopted, those specifically being honored were:
Maj. Edward J. Murphy, Operation Enduring Freedom, Ghazni, Afghanistan, April 6, 2005
Capt. Richard G. Cliff Jr., Operation Enduring Freedom, Yakhchal, Afghanistan, Sept. 29, 2008
Sgt. Adam M. Wenger, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Tunnis, Iraq, Nov. 5, 2008.
Copyright 2025 WCSC. All rights reserved.
iCode, a premier technology and coding school for kids and teens, has announced the grand opening of its newest location in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. The celebration will take place on March 22, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at 3475 Park Avenue, Suite 102, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29466. Families and community members are invited to explore iCode’s state-of-the-art facility, participate in hands-on STEM activities, and learn about the innovative programs designed to equip students with essential tech skills.The grand opening will h...
iCode, a premier technology and coding school for kids and teens, has announced the grand opening of its newest location in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. The celebration will take place on March 22, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at 3475 Park Avenue, Suite 102, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29466. Families and community members are invited to explore iCode’s state-of-the-art facility, participate in hands-on STEM activities, and learn about the innovative programs designed to equip students with essential tech skills.
The grand opening will highlight iCode’s hands-on, project-based curriculum, which teaches students coding, robotics, game development, and other critical STEM skills in an engaging and interactive environment. With a low 6:1 student-to-instructor ratio and experienced, teacher-led instruction, iCode ensures personalized learning and meaningful engagement. Attendees will have the opportunity to tour the facility, meet instructors, and experience live coding demonstrations.
"My husband, Kyle, and I are thrilled to bring iCode to Mount Pleasant, creating a space where kids can develop the tech skills they need to succeed in today’s digital world," said Annie Cox, Owner and Director of iCode Mount Pleasant. "A Charleston native, Kyle has been in the IT industry for over 20 years and currently serves as the CEO of Think Unified, an information technology company specializing in a range of IT services and solutions. My background as an educator for 19 years in Charleston County has reinforced my belief in the power of STEM education to shape young minds and prepare students for the future. At iCode, we don’t just teach technology—we cultivate critical soft skills like problem-solving, communication, and collaboration to help students thrive in any career path."
Annie has spent nearly two decades as a dedicated educator, shaping the learning experiences of students in Charleston County. She spent 14 years at Laing Middle School of Science and Technology, where she played a pivotal role in integrating STEM across all subjects. The school embraced a powerful philosophy: "STEM in every class, every day," ensuring that students developed problem-solving skills, creativity, and an analytical mindset regardless of their subject area. More recently, Annie taught at East Cooper Montessori, where she saw firsthand how hands-on, real-world problem-solving deepens student engagement and fosters essential skills for future careers. Her passion for STEM education, combined with her commitment to developing well-rounded students, led her to bring iCode to Mt. Pleasant—a place where students can explore technology in a way that is both fun and meaningful.
The opening of our facility will be bittersweet, as two of our greatest supporters will not be there to celebrate with us. Kyle's uncle, Bob Scott, was more than family—he was a lifelong mentor, close friend, and business partner in multiple ventures. He immediately saw the potential in the iCode franchise and how it perfectly aligned with our combined experience. Annie’s father, Joe McCormick, was our biggest champion. As a former business owner himself, he encouraged us from the very beginning, believing wholeheartedly in our vision. While they may not be with us physically, we know they would be incredibly proud of what we’ve built. We will be honoring and recognizing both of them at our ribbon-cutting ceremony (on March 18)."
MOUNT PLEASANT — A popular Old Village restaurant is about to go under new ownership — and a prominent Charleston-based hospitality group has been tapped to take over.Post House, led by Ben and Kate Towill’s design and hos...
MOUNT PLEASANT — A popular Old Village restaurant is about to go under new ownership — and a prominent Charleston-based hospitality group has been tapped to take over.
Post House, led by Ben and Kate Towill’s design and hospitality firm Basic Projects, will be sold in a deal expected to close May 1. With the Towills' departure, Indigo Road Hospitality Group, whose portfolio includes Indaco, O-Ku and Oak Steakhouse, will be in charge of daily operations moving forward.
The Post House was revitalized into an adored boutique hotel and restaurant under the Towills' leadership. Since reopening six years ago, the property has earned multiple hospitality awards, including a Michelin Key for its "unique and memorable" setting.
"The property is an institution, and it was an honor to breathe new life into such a storied building," Ben Towill said in a statement. "The community connections and team we built will remain our greatest successes and we look forward to watching the property continue to grow and thrive."
Indigo Road is stepping in about one month after the hospitality group, led by president and founder Steve Palmer, brought Morrison Drive stalwart Edmund's Oast under its umbrella alongside its roster of 30-plus restaurants. Post House will be the hospitality operator's 35th.
Indigo Road will also assume hospitality operations at the Seabird Inn, a forthcoming boutique hotel at the corner of Hibben and Whilden streets in the Old Village. That project is progressing under the leadership of development partner Jeremy Graves.
Palmer dispelled the notion that the businesses are part of a broader move to take over operations at existing eateries. Before Edmund's Oast, Indigo Road had only operated restaurants it opened.
Palmer pledged to keep Edmund's Oast running as it has for more than a decade. The same applies at Post House, he said, and all employees have been offered their current jobs. Palmer was approached about the opportunity about a month ago, and Indigo Road is a minority investor, he said.
"We're honored to be asked," he said. "Kate and Ben have created an incredible place ... Our intention is to leave it the same."
The Towills, who recently sold their stake in Sullivan's Seafood & Bar to a group that includes Graves, the Seabird Inn developer, and Jason Stanhope, now have just one restaurant in Charleston: Basic Kitchen. The couple plans to refocus their efforts there with "some fresh new dishes, exciting updates to the space and a new events room," Ben Towill said.
"Basic Projects will continue building its portfolio of unique hospitality ventures, experiences and home products," he said. "Kate has a number of exciting design projects in the works, including two local commercial spaces, that we can’t wait to share soon."
Post House, 101 Pitt St., will remain open during the transition. For more information, visit theposthouseinn.com.
MOUNT PLEASANT — The price tag of a road widening project that has dragged along for years has ballooned by over $100 million.The widening of S.C. Highway 41, funded by the 2016 transportation sales tax, has been in the works since 2017. The expansion will add two lanes to the highway from U.S. Highway 17 to Clements Ferry Road, doubling the number of lanes for most of the route.In a ...
MOUNT PLEASANT — The price tag of a road widening project that has dragged along for years has ballooned by over $100 million.
The widening of S.C. Highway 41, funded by the 2016 transportation sales tax, has been in the works since 2017. The expansion will add two lanes to the highway from U.S. Highway 17 to Clements Ferry Road, doubling the number of lanes for most of the route.
In a transportation sales tax update at the March 6 Charleston County Council finance committee meeting, public works Director Eric Adams said the road projects the county is working on are on schedule. He said the county submitted right-of-way plans to the Army Corps of Engineers for the widening and expects to start construction in 2026.
The project was initially estimated to cost a little over $129 million in 2016 but has since gone up to $245 million.
Devri Detoma, county deputy public works director, said the dramatic increase in cost is largely due to inflation and impacts from COVID-19 pandemic. The project is still covered by the 2016 sales tax as well as funds from the S.C. Transportation Infrastructure Bank despite the rise in costs, Detoma said.
In addition to the price increasing, the timeline of the widening project has extended, partially due to the permitting process which can take years. Adams said during the March 6 meeting construction is often the shortest component of a road project.
While the permitting process is tedious, progress was also impacted by controversy, Detoma said.
The historic Phillips community sits on both sides of Highway 41. Previous plans called to widen the road two lanes to five, which would have made the road come much closer to homes in the community, which residents opposed.
The county held over 150 public meetings from 2017 to 2020 so residents and elected officials could figure out a compromise. Detoma said the back and forth with the public must have taken a year.
County Council voted unanimously in 2021 to adopt the plan the county is using now which adds two lanes, adds a center turn lane in the Phillips community, and the includes the construction of Laurel Hill Parkway, a two-lane road that will run through the outskirts of Laurel Hill County Park.
Not all residents are happy.
Travis Korson, vice president of the Park West Master Association, said the Park West the community is concerned about the the construction of the Laurel Hill Parkway. Not only would it run through Park West, but it would result in the loss of 12 acres of wetlands. Korson said this would worsen flooding conditions and harm endangered species.
But residents of Phillips community, like Richard Habersham, support the plans. He said the project will both help reduce traffic and make turns into Phillips safer with an added center turn lane.
The county is still meeting with residents who may be affected by the widening as they progress with the project, county public information officer Chloe Field said.
In the meantime, the county has made some interim improvements. Construction project manager Cal Oyer said a signal at the intersection of Joe Rouse Road and Highway 41 was updated to allow southbound traffic to flow freely except when a pedestrian is crossing, and a left turn lane was added from Joe Rouse Road to Highway 41.
Improvements were also made to the intersection of Highway 41 and U.S. Highway 17, by updating the timing of the signal, and restriping and reassigning the lanes to help traffic move more quickly, he said.