[March 17, 2022]
This afternoon, MUSC’s Sustainability Department hosted a virtual discussion on green transportation. Notably, there was an update from Jason Kronsberg, Director of the City of Charleston’s Parks Department, regarding the Ashley River Bicycle & Pedestrian Bridge. Here’s the latest:
- COVID and Administrative changes provided a 12-month extension, so October 30, 2022 is the new obligation date to issue the Request for Proposals (RFP).
- The City of Charleston has been working through NEPA — they’ve conducted surveying, hosted online public meetings, and started the base design scope for a 14′ wide bike/ped bridge.
- The Request for Qualifications (RFQ) has resulted in the shortlisting of two design-build teams, and now the City is drafting the RFP to deliver to both teams. Once that is finalized and submitted, the teams will deliver 90% design drawings to the City within 3-5 months. “The most responsive and responsible bidder” will be awarded the project.
- Concurrently, the City continues to work through permitting; they have already submitted Army Corps, OCRM and US Coast Guard permits.
- Following the October 30 obligation deadline, the contract will go through City Council (by the end of 2022 or early 2023). Construction is estimated to take 2-3 years, with the project hopefully completed by 2025.
We will be sure to keep you updated as the City continues to clear hurdles and steadily move this project forward!
Additional transportation updates to have on your radar in the short-term:
- Lime
- Charleston’s new bike share fleet will be available starting April 1, 2022. They will all be e-bikes.
- The downtown stations will be the same ones utilized by Holy Spokes.
- Lime is planning to expand service on and off the peninsula, which will include more stations downtown, as well as new service in Daniel Island, Johns Island, James Island and West Ashley.
- CARTA
- Launching a new vanpool service
- The program serves riders from the same general location (one or two pick ups), commuting to the same general place of work.
- The cost is $30/person/month.
- You can register through Lowcountry Go HERE.
- CARTA OnDemand is expanding service area and hours
- The program offers transportation to healthcare for seniors 55+ and Tel-A-Ride customers.
- It is now available throughout CARTA’s service area, Monday-Friday, 7 am – 5 pm.
- The cost is $4/trip (each way).
- You can learn more and register HERE.
- General updates
- Mobile Pay is coming soon on all routes (within 3-4 weeks).
- Face covering mandate is extended to April 18, 2022.
- The Beach Reach Shuttle (service between Mount Pleasant and Isle of Palms) is returning, following last year’s successful pilot program. Operation will begin on Memorial Day weekend.
- Launching a new vanpool service
