The city of Charleston can be a challenging place to navigate for runners, walkers and bikers, especially for those wishing to leave from and return to the peninsula by crossing the Ashley River. But after waiting for a decade and a half, outdoor enthusiasts are finally looking forward to using a pedestrian bridge that will provide a safe route between the Holy City’s downtown area and West Ashley.
Discussed but largely stalled for 15 years or so, the Ashley River Crossing project final made serious progress early this year. Ground was broken in January for the bridge, which eventually will link the West Ashley Greenway, Brittlebank Park and Ashley River Walk. The greenway will be extended to U.S. Highway 17, Bees Ferry Road and Stono River County Park.
Plans for the project have changed over time, and costs have soared as well as the project has expanded – from under $20 million to about $100 million. The area residents who will be using the bridge the most apparently have remained optimistic.
“I think it’s a fantastic idea whose time has come,” said Jimmy Farrell, a local runner who also enjoys riding his bike to the peninsula from his home in Mount Pleasant.
Noting the city’s narrow streets, Farrell, who is active in local Fleet Feet groups, added that “Charleston isn’t the most hospitable place for runners and cyclists.”
According to plans provided by the Charleston County Public Information Office, the pedestrian bridge, part of a two-mile-long trail, will span 200 feet across the river. Around three quarters of the project will be paid for by federal grants, along with smaller contributions of $5.3 million from the state of South Carolina, $3 million from Charleston County and $100,000 from the Medical University of South Carolina. According to a January 2025 article in the Post and Courier, the bridge is expected to be completed by 2028.
At one time, apparently for safety reasons, Charleston Mayor William Cogswell favored a longer route from the bridge to the Medical District. That plan eventually was ditched, and options are being considered to lessen the danger for runners, walkers and bikers crossing Bee Street and Lockwood Drive on their way to and from the Medical District.
Concerns and positive comments have been raised at community meetings, which are expected to continue deep into this year.
The bridge will open horizontally, rather than vertically, improving marine clearance, according to the website of the contractor, Jacksonville, Florida-based Superior Construction.
Work on the project was expected to accelerate in April, including asphalt paving, path construction and drainage work.
Philip Whirley, a cyclist who is the treasurer of local club Coastal Cycling, said he’s been dreaming about a solution like this one for years.
“Somewhere around 2007, we thought we would be getting one soon, but it has been blocked on multiple fronts, over and over,” he said. “It’s exciting to see Charleston taking another step toward becoming pedestrian-friendly.”
Whirley thanked Charleston Moves, “a nonprofit advocacy organization working to transform our streets and corridors into safe and equitable public spaces for transportation, recreation and quality of life,” according to its Facebook page, calling the organization’s advocacy “instrumental to getting this done.” Charleston Moves supports the project but has argued that it doesn’t adequately deal with certain traffic and environmental issues.
Coastal Cycling is one of several Lowcountry clubs offering weekly rides and promoting cycling training and safety education.
Farrell, who has been running for 15 years, said the bridge will help inspire people to get out and get moving and will be good for public health.
“It’ll inspire people who have been apprehensive about it (going out to exercise) to go for it,” Farrell said.
By Kevin DeValk
