Support Us Button Widget

Bridge proposed to connect downtown Charleston with Laurel Island

proposed-bridge-downtown-charleston

A proposed bridge would start on Cool Blow Street and cross over Morrison Drive and Newmarket Creek to provide access to Laurel Island

With downtown real estate in such high demand, it may feel like downtown Charleston has reached maximum capacity. Sitting squarely on the Charleston Harbor, though, is a massive area of untouched land. We just need a way to get to it.

DHEC is currently reviewing an application to construct a new bridge connecting the peninsula with Laurel Island. Laurel Island is not quite an island, but waterfront land fenced in by railroad tracks. Previously used as little more than a landfill, creating vehicular access to Laurel Island could breathe new life into the land.

Location: The bridge would begin on Cool Blow Street, near the Romney Street exit of I-26. It would cross over Morrison Drive, CSX Railroad and Newmarket Creek to Laurel Island, spanning about 1,000 feet in length and 56 feet in width.

Design: The proposed design calls for two 12 ft.-wide lanes for vehicles. What’s really cool: The plan also calls for a 5.5 ft.-wide sidewalk and a 14 ft.-wide multi-use path for pedestrians and cyclists.

Timeline: If approved, the bridge would take about 24 months to build.

Several efforts have been made to develop Laurel Island in the past, the most recent being a $1 billion mixed-use development called Lorelei. That project was abandoned in 2017, with developers citing disagreements with the city over road access.

If city leaders and developers are able to successfully bridge the gap this time around, it would add 160+ acres of waterfront property on the peninsula for future development.

More from CHStoday
The Magnolia Landing development will span 192 acres and provide working, housing, dining, and entertainment options for the community.
It’s not just Charleston getting the praise; the Lowcountry has several hotels, resorts, and islands honored in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards.
We keep an eye on your clicks to make sure CHStoday is always filled with content you love.
Sponsored
Charleston has a packed list of races to get prepared for throughout the year
Deep dive into this guide and learn how to navigate the annual two-day music festival loaded with live music and food inspired by the Lowcountry.
Dining in the Holy City is always a fresh experience, with new restaurants popping up all the time — and more on the way.
The Swedish car company is celebrating 70 years, and it has sold more than 5 million cars in the US.
The annual festival will be back on Saturday, Oct. 25, at Riverfront Park in North Charleston. The Charleston Beer Fest will offer tastings from 75+ breweries, live music, and a variety of local vendors.
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.