DESCRIPTION: Central Avenue (S-13) Sidewalk/Multi-use Path Improvements involve a new 5-ft sidewalk to provide pedestrian safety along a 3-mile section from near W. Carolina Avenue to near Orangeburg Road (S-22), and it also includes the design of a 12-ft pedestrian bridge to span Negro Branch. The project was separated into three phases for design and construction to meet the Town’s fiscally constrained budget:

• Phase 1: From S-59 (Parsons Road) to W. Carolina Avenue
• Phase 2: From S-58 (W. Butternut Road) to 260-ft West of S-59 (Parsons Road)
• Phase 3: From S-58 (W. Butternut Road) to near S-22 (Orangeburg Road)

J. Bragg Consulting (JBC) designed the project to minimize/eliminate impacts to trees and utilities by weaving the sidewalk around significant trees and major utilities. As Summerville is known as “Flower Town in the Pines,” an arborist was part of the team and reviewed the alignment with JBC. JBC tweaked the alignment in a few areas based on the comments to further minimize impacts or to remove damaged trees. JBC, in association with the Town, performed public involvement for the entire project, and due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Town hosted a virtual public meeting in place of a traditional, in-person meeting. JBC prepared conceptual exhibits for the meeting and coordinated with the Town.

JBC prepared preliminary plans for the entire project, which included a new 12-ft pedestrian bridge downstream of an existing 7’x 7’ box culvert under Central Avenue, as the existing shoulder width would not accommodate a 5-ft sidewalk. JBC designed improvements to remain in the present right of way, except for approximately 100 LF in Phase 2 to avoid a 5’x3’ box culvert and the pedestrian bridge in Phase 3, which required new right of way for the improvements. JBC coordinated with the Town and SCDOT throughout the process as the project had unique challenges with multiple typical sections. JBC designed the project to comply with AASHTO standards with a minimum 3-ft offset from the travel lane in specific areas to avoid trees, utilities, and other impacts; elsewhere a wider offset was used. 

In Phase 1, JBC and the structural subconsultant designed approximately 100 LF retaining wall. The existing conditions included a brick curb wall at the edge of pavement with an earthen berm and another brick wall. JBC proposed removing the brick curb wall and replacing it with curb & gutter to tie to an existing section to meet ADA requirements but retaining the other brick wall. Due to site conditions, JBC and the structural subconsultant incorporated a concrete retaining wall at the back of sidewalk with the footing under the sidewalk to retain the brick wall which had historical significance. SCDOT also required improvements to Central Avenue/W. Carolina Avenue intersection. JBC incorporated new ADA ramps and crosswalks and coordinated with the traffic engineer subconsultant for pedestrian signal improvements. Due to funding constraints and changes to Town Council, JBC designed and permitted only Phase 1 as it is located within the Town’s limit. JBC also developed and submitted final construction plans and permit information for Phase 2. Phase 3 is on hold. 

RESPONSIBILITIES: JBC performed project management, sidewalk design, and public involvement tasks to develop conceptual and preliminary plans for all phases and construction plans for Phase 1.  JBC coordinated with subconsultants for surveys, arborist review, retaining wall design, wetland delineations, geotechnical investigations, utility coordination, and signal design. JBC also coordinated with SCDOT to obtain the encroachment permit and the Town/SC DHEC-OCRM for land disturbance. JBC also developed pavement marking and sign and traffic control plans; project specifications and supplemental technical specifications; final quantities and construction cost estimates.

• Phase 1: Project constructed.
• Phase 2: Final construction plans and permit information submitted to client.
• Phase 3: 65% Designed and on-hold. 1: Construction plans and permits are completed.