Port Royal staff reports bridge opening, paving schedules and July 4 plans

Town staff provided multiple infrastructure and event updates at the Port Royal council workshop on July 2, reporting that the recently completed Sands Beach Causeway bridge is open to vehicles and the public, and outlining schedules for roadwork, park maintenance and the town’s July 4 celebration.

Brooke, speaking for staff, said the bridge is complete and noted a recent ribbon-cutting. She told council that boat-launching at the Sands Beach Boat Landing can be difficult at low tide; Beaufort County crews are scheduled to begin maintenance within the week and will perform ongoing checks every two weeks to ease trailer access.

"The bridge is complete, open to the public and for vehicles," Brooke said. She reported that speed humps around town have been installed and any defects corrected, with thermoplastic markings (arrows) to be applied once asphalt cures.

Brooke said West Paris Avenue concrete work is finished; the road will be milled this week and asphalt poured next week. Paris Avenue Streetscape bids (two received) are being tabulated and staff will present contractor recommendations in August. She also described a design change to the planned splash pad after the county requested sewer and water tie-ins off 16th Street; staff is pursuing CAD drawings or preparing new plans for permitting with Jasper Water.

Staff announced a new hire: Joseph Etham, Planner I, will join the planning team. Brooke also said park staff are scheduling electrical repairs and tree work at Naval Heritage and John Parker Park.

Brooke noted an intergovernmental agreement approved by Beaufort County that provides $200,000 toward completion of the Spanish Moss Trail and said county GO bond funds were allocated to design work for Cherry Hill Oak Tree park; Brooke will sit on the RFP panel for that project.

On public events, Brooke briefed council on the town’s July 4 schedule: food and refreshments begin at noon, daytime entertainment and shuttles will serve downtown, the Marine Corps band will play at 8 p.m., and fireworks will follow once it is dark. She said the police department would manage closures and shuttles and that no pets, firearms or outside alcohol are allowed (a beer-and-wine tent will be operated by Buford). Brooke also said ATM (named in the transcript) is assisting with dock design and permitting and that staff requested a sonar reading to assess underwater conditions while permits are processed.

Several of the items described by Brooke—paving schedules, bid tabulation and staffing—will return to council for formal action or contractor selection at future meetings. The next council meeting is scheduled for July 9 at 6:30 p.m.