Exciting New Pathway Unveiled in Beaufort for Bikers and Walkers!
Hello Beaufort! If you’re a fan of biking, walking, or simply enjoying the great outdoors, then you’re in for a treat. A brand new 3.5-mile walking and biking path is set to open along Laurel Bay Road, making it easier and safer for residents in military housing and nearby civilian neighborhoods to get around. This long-awaited project took 10 months to build and is finally ready for action!
Pathway Project Gets a Boost
The completion of the pathway didn’t come cheap. With a jaw-dropping total cost of $4.9 million – that’s about $1.4 million a mile – securing funding was crucial. Thanks to a generous $3.4 million grant from the South Carolina Department of Veterans Affairs and an additional $1.5 million raised through Beaufort County’s 2018 1% sales tax referendum, we can now enjoy this beautiful pathway. Jared Fralix, Beaufort County’s assistant county administrator-engineering, mentioned, “Without that, this project may not have advanced as quickly as it has.”
Celebratory Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Mark your calendars! County officials are throwing a grand opening celebration this Friday, as the county plans to hold a ribbon cutting ceremony near the intersection of Laurel Bay Road and U.S. Highway 21. This event is not only a fantastic way to welcome the new path but also a chance for locals, families, and military personnel to come together and celebrate.
Connecting Communities
This new 10-foot-wide sidewalk promises to “seamlessly connect Laurel Bay Housing to the Marine Corps Air Station,” making it a convenient route for everyone—from residents and military personnel to recreational users looking to explore. Previously, folks had to navigate a crumbling and narrow 5-foot-wide path dating back to the 1970s, which just wasn’t cutting it anymore!
Why the Increased Costs?
Now, some might be wondering why this project’s budget ballooned from an estimated $3.2 million to its final tally of $4.9 million. The answer lies in rising material costs, which have been spiking due to inflation trends fueled by the COVID-19 pandemic. Sadly, budget overruns have been a reality for many projects, and Beaufort’s penny tax projects are no exception.
More Improvements Ahead!
But that’s not all! Along with the new pathway, Beaufort is also gearing up to improve safety along Laurel Bay Road. A roundabout is in the works at a notoriously dangerous intersection near Laurel Bay and Stanley Farm Road. Over the past four years, that area has experienced double-digit crashes, so it’s high time for some safety adjustments! This $2.5 million project is expected to start construction in early 2025 and will take about 18 months to complete.
Active and Ongoing Projects
Interestingly, the Laurel Bay Path is actually one of the longest projects listed among the 24 active path projects funded by the penny tax. Of those projects, 17 are currently underway, with 12 still in the design phase, two in right-of-way acquisition, and now three completed! The completion of the Laurel Bay Path also connects beautifully to the Spanish Moss Trail, opening up even more opportunities for outdoor activities!
Your New Walking Spot Awaits!
So, whether you’re a daily walker, a cyclist, or you just want to enjoy the fresh air, the new Laurel Bay Path is ready and waiting for you. Join the celebration this Friday and get ready to hit the trail. Here’s to safer travels and healthier lifestyles in Beaufort!
