Beaufort Unveils New Walking and Biking Path Connecting Communities!
Get ready, Beaufort! After a solid ten months of hard work and construction, the residents of military housing and nearby civilian neighborhoods will soon enjoy a shiny new walking and biking path that extends a fantastic 3.5 miles along Laurel Bay Road! This exciting addition is not just a trail; it’s a lifeline connecting people and places in our vibrant community.
A Path that Comes with a Price Tag
It wasn’t cheap to bring this path to life. The total cost is an eye-watering $4.9 million, which breaks down to around $1.4 million per mile. Thanks to a generous $3.4 million grant from the South Carolina Department of Veterans Affairs, coupled with an additional $1.5 million raised through Beaufort County’s 2018 1% sales tax referendum, the path is finally ready to roll! This funding makes up part of the over 20 pathway projects that voters greenlit as part of this 2018 referendum, aiming to enhance the county’s transportation landscape.
The Significance of the Pathway
County officials are buzzing with excitement about the grand opening of this new 10-foot-wide sidewalk happening Friday. “This path will seamlessly connect Laurel Bay Housing to the Marine Corps Air Station,” says Jared Fralix, Beaufort County’s assistant county administrator-engineering. He emphasizes how it provides a handy route for residents and personnel while also being an inviting space for recreational activities.
The original budget for this project was initially estimated at $3.2 million when it was first advertised, but like many things in life, budgets can grow! Fralix noted that due to significant increases in the National Highway Construction Cost Index, rising material costs driven by post-COVID inflation played a big role, bumping the total project cost up to an impressive $4.9 million.
Connecting Paths and People
This new Laurel Bay Path is positioned on the north side of Laurel Bay Road, stretching all the way to U.S. Highway 21 (also known as Trask Parkway). With the Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort located conveniently across the highway, this trail will undoubtedly facilitate safer and easier access to local facilities and amenities.
But that’s not all! This path is just one of many projects funded by the penny tax. Out of the 24 pathway projects on the list, the Laurel Bay Path is the third to be completed. Out of the remaining projects, 12 are currently in the design phase, two are in the right-of-way acquisition stage, and 3 are already finished. If you’ve been keeping track, that’s a pretty impressive pace of development for Beaufort County.
Community Feedback and Looking Ahead
Interestingly, some community members had reservations when this project was proposed, arguing that the funds could be better spent elsewhere due to perceived low usage rates for sidewalks in the area. However, much of the community is cheering on this new trail, with many saying it will enhance pedestrian safety along the busy road, making it a win-win for all!
As if this new path isn’t enough, there’s even more exciting infrastructure news! Another $2.5 million federally funded project is set to break ground soon with plans for a roundabout at the tricky intersection near Laurel Bay and Stanley Farm Road, which has seen troubling crash numbers in the past. Construction is expected to start in early 2025 and should wrap up in about 18 months according to the South Carolina Department of Transportation.
The Grand Reveal!
Mark your calendars! The community is invited to the official ribbon-cutting ceremony near the intersection of Laurel Bay Road and U.S. Highway 21 this Friday morning. It’s a chance to celebrate a new chapter in Beaufort’s journey toward a connected and walkable community.
So, lace up those walking shoes or hop on your bike, Beaufort—it’s time to hit the trails!
