Improvements to Palm Boulevard could begin in the fall

ISLE OF PALMS, S.C. (WCBD) — Changes could be coming for drivers on the Isle of Palms.

IOP councilmembers say improvements on Palm Boulevard are much-needed, as the road is packed with beachgoers during the summertime. One group of friends in town for spring break and say Palm Boulevard has been packed.

“I waited in traffic for an hour yesterday just trying to go get something to eat. It’s been pretty crazy,” Seton Garcia, a spring break visitor, said.

City Councilmember Blair Hahn says that’s nothing new, “During the summertime, Palm Boulevard between 21st and 41st Avenue is very busy.” The urgency to make changes is getting more intense.

“It’s a crying need, and one of the reasons I ran for council is because there’s just too much traffic on Palm Boulevard,” Hahn said.

Hahn says they have 100 feet of right of way on Palm Boulevard to work with, and they’re trying to decide how best to reduce congestion.

Currently, council members are weighing six different options.

Some options include an emergency lane, a designated bike and golf cart lane, and more parking along the shoulder.

“We will be discussing those options and be deciding which one we think is best; we’re not ready to vote on anything,” Hahn said.

Hahn says he thinks the most pressing need is an emergency lane, saying right now, when traffic is backed up, first responders have difficulty getting where they need to go.

“We can’t get out emergency vehicles anywhere, so we can’t provide the services that people expect when they come to the beach,” Hahn said.
City Council is set to discuss these options tomorrow during their council meeting.

Once a decision is made, construction could start in the fall of 2024.