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Residents warn Folly Road medians could shift traffic into neighborhoods
Summary
Neighbor representatives told council that SCDOT’s Folly Road median plan—by restricting left turns—will force cut-through traffic onto residential streets and called for signal improvements, leading pedestrian intervals, roundabouts and other alternatives; the mayor said state officials have suggested potential flexibility.
At public comment, Dean White, the McCall’s Corner neighborhood council representative, urged the Town of James Island to oppose the South Carolina Department of Transportation’s proposed medians on Folly Road, saying the design would funnel turning traffic onto Bradford Avenue and nearby residential streets.
"By restricting left turns to businesses, these medians will push traffic onto Bradford Avenue and all the other 1 street backed roads from Folly," White said, warning the plan would turn quiet streets into “unofficial frontage roads and cut through racetracks.” He urged the council to press DOT for alternatives such as improved signals, leading pedestrian intervals, more U‑turn opportunities, and targeted traffic calming.
Mayor Brooke Lyon said she and staff have contacted DOT and Representative Wetmore’s office; Lyon noted state staff indicated there may be flexibility to modify medians and that the town will continue pursuing a compromise. Council members also emphasized the need to balance crash reduction with local access and pedestrian safety.
