Highway 17/Highway 61/ Wesley Road

The Highway 17/ Highway 61/ Wesley Road “intersection” is literally full of one-way streets and on-ramps that prevent traffic from moving easily. Today, the maze of one-way streets confuses residents and tourists, adding needless extra traffic to this already over-burdened intersection. The intersection design forces traffic into one lane on-ramps, which back up during accidents and times of peak travel, leaving drivers with no other choice but to sit in the congestion. This on-ramp scheme also makes it difficult to access the businesses located within the intersection.

Glatting Jackon proposed a complete makeover for this intersection. They propose bringing the entire intersection to grade, making the roads two-way, and creating a grid system shown here in the images. Drivers would find this current traffic knot much simpler to navigate, and would have their selection of routes to carry them to their destination. This alternative would help through and local traffic move more smoothly through this intersection.

Another positive benefit to the removal of the elevated ramps and overpasses that now make up this intersection is the reclamation of water frontage along the Ashley River. These ramps obscure some of the most beautiful waterfront in the area with panoramic views of the Ashley River and Downtown. By taking down the elevated sections of roadway, the City of Charleston, local businesses and West Ashley residents can enjoy a redevelopment boom surrounding this reclaimed waterfront.