Updated June 17, 2021

Since 2015, four people have been killed on a bicycle between Azalea Drive in North Charleston and Poston Road in West Ashley. In addition to these fatalities, six people on bike or foot have been injured on the bridge since 2013.

Fatalities of and injuries to vulnerable road users are preventable through safe, connected and equitable infrastructure. With not even a sidewalk for safe haven, this bridge -- for decades -- has solely served people who drive cars or can ride a bus during limited hours. Everyone deserves safe access, no matter their transportation mode, time of day or necessity, be it to get groceries, commute to work or school, or visit amenities.

From 2008-11, Charleston County studied various designs to make the crossing safer. The feasible recommendation was to construct a separate bridge.

To that end, our coalition successfully worked with Charleston County Council to fund a conceptual design and cost estimate for a separate bike/ped bridge. We are also working to get a Road Diet study for Azalea Drive, in order to identify improvements that can be made to connect to the new bridge. Charleston County is also working on sidewalks on Azalea Drive and multi-modal improvements at Sam Rittenberg Boulevard/Old Towne Road.

The next steps for our coalition are to assist with outreach when the concept for a Better North Bridge is ready for public input, and work with all levels of government to encourage swift funding and installation of a new bridge and associated infrastructure.

North Bridge Facts:
• Average Annual Daily Traffic counts in 2019 were 48,600, which is less than the Ashley River Bridges
• Length from Northbridge Park to first exit is 0.52 miles, shorter than the Ashley River Bridges
• SCDOT categorizes it as a “young bridge” that is “performing acceptably”
• CARTA route over the bridge has a 1-hour headway and does not operate 24/7
• Improving access across this bridge is included in at least 7 regional plans and Mayor Summey’s 2020-21 State of the City Addresses