Charleston Reporter

Construction is underway for a new sidewalk along Azalea Drive in North Charleston, according to a recent Charleston County Public Works news release, and is expected to last several months.

"There will be brief lane closures and potential brief road closures during the duration of the project," the release said. "Any changes to traffic patterns will be clearly marked by cones or signs. All work is weather dependent."

Workers will install 5-by-5-foot concrete sections of the sidewalk for roughly a half-mile along the north side of Azalea Drive, beginning at the intersection with Cosgrove Avenue, and continuing east to the Lowcountry Food Bank at 2864 Azalea Drive. 

Construction is expected to include drainage improvements along the new sidewalk, according to the release.

The sidewalk is funded through the 2004 Transportation Sales Tax Program and part of the Better North Bridge project, which will provide for a safer way to walk or bike over the Ashley River and to connect the North Charleston and West Ashley communities.

Formerly known as the World War II Memorial Bridge, the North Bridge is an almost half-mile expanse over the Ashley River along State Highway 7.

Since the feasibility study began in 2008, improvements on the West Ashley side of the Northbridge have included a multi-use path on SC-7, Sumar Street Site Redevelopment and the Northbridge Park construction.

Charleston County has funded the Azalea Drive sidewalk improvements on the North Charleston side of the bridge.

Plans for bike lane improvements also are underway.