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As you can see below, we have a busy capital improvement program underway, and this represents only a sampling of projects. Here is an update:
ResurfFacing oF William Hilton Parkway:
Late this calendar year, the first of three phases of resurfacing for US 278 (Business)-William Hilton Parkway will begin. The project limits of Phase 1 extend from Gumtree Road to Shelter Cove Lane. Additionally, the town will make intersection improvements at Beach City Road, Dillon Road, Coggins Point Road and Burkes Beach Road during the same time. The resurfacing is funded by Beaufort County’s one percent sales tax for road improvement projects.
Mathews drive project:
The first phase of improvements, from Marshland Road to US 278, is nearly complete. The next phase of the project will continue similar improvements northward, from US 278 to Beach City Road. Road widening, median and streetscape landscaping, multi-use pathway, and storm drainage improvements will be installed, with a roundabout at Mathews Drive and Beach City Road. Next year, after the Children’s Center has been relocated, another roundabout will be constructed at the Marshland Road intersection. The proposed infrastructure improvements will greatly enhance pedestrian and vehicular safety and improve the visual appearance of the area. The multi-use pathways will provide a vital pedestrian link to commercial and residential developments in the area as well as enhancing connectivity with adjacent communities. Pedestrian bridges have been built to avoid environmental impacts and span the wetlands near Mathews Court. Pedestrian signals and refuge islands will be installed at critical intersections to make street crossing safer. In an effort to reduce the severity and number of accidents and also calm traffic in the corridor, three roundabouts are proposed in the corridor. Raised medians will also improve safety by separating traffic and these will be landscaped in keeping with the island’s natural character. Substantial storm drainage improvements have been constructed as part of the project to mitigate flooding and enhance water quality.
Palmetto Bay, Target Road Pathway and Target Road right turning Lane Project:
The Palmetto Bay and Target Road Pathway Project was identified in the Bridge to the Beach Initiative Plan. The pathway will enhancethe existing transportation system and will extend its functionality. The pathway will provide pedestrians and bicyclists with safe access to the residential and commercial areas, and Crossings Park.
The lack of a right turning lane at Target Road/ Palmetto Bay Road intersection has resulted in recurring maintenance needs and recurring shoulder damage. This improvement will eliminate the maintenance needs and improve the safety of the intersection. Construction is expected to begin in early fall.
Facilities Management Building:
The town is in the process of construction of a new facilities management building with adequate shop, office and storage space to maintain the town’s properties and facilities going forward. The new facilities management building will be located on town-owned property at the intersection of Dillon Road and Summit Drive, adjacent to the new Fire and Rescue training center site. The construction of both buildings will be done as one project, and this will help the town achieve economies of scale during construction. The warehouse storage, compound fencing, and emergency management recovery assets can be shared. In the event of a hurricane, this emergency management element will be a coordinating point for Emergency Management Logistics operations.
Fire & Rescue training Facility:
The F&R training facility is currently under construction. The facility will consist of a driver’s training course, burn building for interior structural firefighter training, and a four-story training tower for elevated operations. It will also contain a drafting pit for conducting fire pump certification testing and other props needed for firefighter training and a small warehouse type structure to house Engine 8 and Medic 8 providing a centralized response of these two units. This facility will provide a place for fire personnel to conduct daily training. Past training was conducted in parking lots and empty side streets. The facility should be completed in April 2009. Thanks for your continued support.
