We’ve given you the scoop on long-term expansion plans for Charleston International Airport over the next 20 years, and here’s the latest.
State officials have approved funding for a proposed new access road to the airport — a project set to cost ~$144 million. Let’s get into the nitty-gritty.
What’s the route?
With goals to improve the flow of traffic and reduce congestion in the area, the proposed five-lane roadway’s anticipated route extends alongside a power line off Montague Avenue and leads into the current loop road at the airport.
This access road is expected to replace the current entryway at International Boulevard after construction is finalized.
Who will be contributing, and how much?
The SC Joint Bond Review Committee voted to subsidize a supplemental $22 million for the project following lawmakers’ initial approval of $17 million in 2014. As for the rest:
- SC Dept. of Transportation: ~$69 million
- Charleston County: $18.1 million
- Federal officials: $16.1 million
If you’ve done your mental math, you’d recognize that there should be ~$1.7 million left over between these calculations and the total projected cost, which has yet to be distributed.
A spokeswoman for Charleston County stated that the county would identify the remaining funds, and who will be responsible for providing the money, once construction nears.
How long will this take?
The target time frame for bids to go out is currently spring 2024, after which construction will begin. The multi-million dollar project is expected to take two years.
What else is going on at Charleston International Airport?
- During the 14-day period between Christmas and New Year’s Day (December 19-January 1, 2022), Charleston International saw a total number of 96,585 passengers — marking a 15% increase from the holiday passenger count in 2021.
- Spirit Airlines announced that it will begin offering service from Charleston in April, marking the 13th airline to serve the airport.
- In September, the airport hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of two new gates on Concourse A, as part of a plan to increase gate capacity.
Want to get the scoop on navigating the airport? Check out our guide.