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1. What are the plans for traffic signals and new intersections?

View a diagram of the planned traffic signals and intersections (PDF). A few high points include:

• There will be a designated U-turn lane at Hogarth Street to enable westbound/outgoing traffic to turn around to easily reach businesses such as Sea Eagle Market and others
• Traffic signals include a relocating signal at the new intersection of South Carolina (SC) 170, a new signal at Polk Street, an existing signal at Hogarth Street, a new signal at Enmark and Carolina Cove, and the existing signal entering the K-Mart Shopping Center
• Traffic signals will be upgraded to include decorative mast arms. Additional upgrades include Traffic Adaptive technologies to improve coordination and traffic flow, emergency vehicle preemption, traffic cameras, and traffic data management system
• Traffic signals will include left-turn lanes where necessary and left-turn signals to improve safe access and to minimize the potential for crashes

2. Are roundabouts, also called traffic circles, still part of the plan?

No; the Traffic Study that was conducted as part of the 2009 Boundary Street Improvements Feasibility Study indicated that a roundabout at the South Carolina (SC) 170 and US 21/Boundary Street intersection wouldn’t function adequately due to the high traffic volumes. The intersection will remain under signal control.

A roundabout originally planned for the intersection of Ribaut Road and Boundary has also been postponed.

3. Will all the overhead utility lines be put underground as part of this project?

Yes, for the affected section of Boundary Street, overhead utility lines will be moved below ground.

To improve safety and the appearance of this main entry to Beaufort, utility companies agreed in the Summer of 2014 to move their various lines and cables from overhead poles into an underground “duct bank." This applies to the area between Neil Road and the City Hall/Beaufort County Government Complex at Ribaut Road. The poles will be removed as well.

The end result will be a safer road for drivers, a more attractive entrance to the City of Beaufort, and a lower chance of utility lines being knocked down by storms.