The purpose of the Area Specific Access Management Standards is to preserve the throughput capacity of the specific corridors addressed in this Appendix by planning for properly spaced and timed signals, employing access management standards and encouraging linkages (for both motorized and non-motorized transportation) to reduce local traffic from these arterials and collectors.

The following access management standards apply to all properties within Beaufort County's jurisdiction on Robert Smalls Parkway (SC 170) between the intersection of SC 280 (Parris Island Gateway) and the Broad River Bridge to include Broad River Boulevard.

(Ord. No. 2023/05, 2-27-23)

The minimum spacing between full signalized access is 3,200 feet. The minimum spacing between directional signalized access is approximately 2,640 feet.

(Ord. No. 2023/05, 2-27-23)

The specific signalized access locations shall correspond to the Future Signal Locations provided in the Corridor Review of SC 170 & Broad River Boulevard (2022). If a modification of the defined signal locations is desired to meet the demands of a specific development, the following conditions shall be satisfied:

A.

The modified location must meet the warrants for signalization with the proposed development as defined in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) with the analysis and specific application of traffic signal warrants to be approved by the Beaufort County engineer.

B.

The modified location must provide adequate spacing (as defined in the spacing standards indicated above) from existing traffic signals, programmed traffic signals, and future signalization of primary roadway intersections, including:

1.

SC 170 at SC 280. (Existing)

2.

SC 170 at W.K. Alston. (Existing)

3.

SC 170 at Goethe Hill Road. (Future)

4.

SC 170 at Castle Rock Road. (Existing)

5.

SC 170 at Broad River Road. (Existing)

6.

SC 170 at SC 802. (Existing)

7.

Broad River Boulevard at Joe Frazier Road. (Existing)

8.

Broad River Boulevard at W.K. Alston. (Future)

C.

The modified location shall not have an adverse impact on existing or future LOS based on comparative analysis of conditions with the recommended signal locations indicated in the Corridor Review of SC 170 & Broad River Boulevard (2022). The developer shall be required to conduct LOS and signal system progression analysis to demonstrate compatibility of the proposed signal location with operation of the remainder of the signal system.

(Ord. No. 2023/05, 2-27-23)

A.

Spacing: A minimum of one point of access to a property will be allowed. Additional access points above the one permitted may be granted provided the continuous roadway frontage of the property exceeds 500 feet. Single parcel access is strongly discouraged. Joint access driveways are encouraged for small parcels to adhere to the 500-foot spacing. Driveways should be limited to the number needed to provide adequate access to a property. Factors such as alignment with opposing driveways and minimum spacing requirements will have a bearing on the location and number of driveways approved. Refer to Table B.2.40.A.

For parcels with frontage both on Robert Smalls Parkway and a secondary road, a minimum spacing of 500 feet shall be maintained along Robert Smalls Parkway between a driveway and a signalized intersection. Within 500 feet of signalized intersections, access shall be off a secondary road. Driveway spacing shall be measured from the closest edge of pavement to the next closest edge of pavement.

B.

Driveway design: Driveway width and turning radii shall conform to SCDOT's Access and Roadside Management Standards.

C.

Driveway linkages: See Article VI, Section 6.3.10.D for driveway linkage requirements for non-residential development.

D.

Retrofitting existing driveways: As changes are made to previously developed property or to the roadway, driveways will be evaluated for the need to be relocated, consolidated, or eliminated if they do not meet the access management standards.

Deceleration lanes shall be required when the volume of traffic turning at a site is high enough in relation to the through traffic to constitute the potential for disruption as indicated in the traffic impact analysis.

A traffic impact analysis study shall be provided for proposed developments along the Robert Smalls Parkway corridor anticipated to generate at least 50 peak-hour trips. The procedures and guidelines for a traffic impact analysis as set forth in Article 6, Division 6.3 shall be followed.

The following access management standards apply to all properties within Beaufort County's jurisdiction on Okatie Highway (SC 170) from Old Baileys Road (S-18) to McGarvey's Corner (US 278); and West Fording Island Road (US 278) from the Jasper County line to McGarvey's Corner (SC 170).

The minimum spacing between full-signalized access is 3,600 feet. The minimum spacing between directional signalized access is 2,000 feet.

The specific signalized access locations shall correspond to the Future Signal Locations provided in Figure 1 in Appendix 10-C: West Fording Island Road (US 278) and Okatie Highway (SC 170) Joint Corridor Plan of the Beaufort County Comprehensive Plan. If a modification of the defined signal locations is desired to meet the demands of a specific development, the following conditions shall be satisfied:

A.

The modified location must meet the warrants for signalization with the proposed development as defined in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) with the analysis and specific application of traffic signal warrants to be approved by the Beaufort County Traffic Engineer.

B.

The modified location shall provide connectivity to adjacent properties to give the properties access to the signalized intersection.

C.

The modified location shall not have an adverse impact on existing or future LOS based on comparative analysis of conditions with the recommended signal locations indicated in Appendix 10-C: West Fording Island Road (US 278) and Okatie Highway (SC 170) Joint Corridor Plan of the Beaufort County Comprehensive Plan. The developer shall be required to conduct LOS and signal system progression analysis to demonstrate compatibility of the proposed signal location with operation of the remainder of the signal system.

A.

Spacing: A minimum of one point of access to a property will be allowed. Additional access points above the one permitted may be granted provided the continuous roadway frontage of the property exceeds 1,000 feet. Single parcel access is strongly discouraged. Joint access driveways are encouraged for small parcels to adhere to the 1,000-foot spacing. Driveways should be limited to the number needed to provide adequate access to a property. Factors such as alignment with opposing driveways and minimum spacing requirements will have a bearing on the location and number of driveways approved. Refer to Table C.3.40.A.

For parcels with frontage both on West Fording Island Road or Okatie Highway and a secondary road, a minimum spacing of 1,000 feet shall be maintained along the principal arterial between a driveway and a signalized intersection. Within 1,000 feet of signalized intersections, access shall be off a secondary road. Driveway spacing shall be measured from the closest edge of pavement to the next closest edge of pavement

B.

Driveway design: Driveway width and turning radii shall conform to SCDOT's Access and Roadside Management Standards.

C.

Driveway linkages: See Article 2, Section 2.2.60.B for driveway linkage requirements for non-residential development.

D.

Retrofitting existing driveways: As changes are made to previously developed property or to the roadway, driveways will be evaluated for the need to be relocated, consolidated, or eliminated if they do not meet the access management standards.

The following access management standards apply to all properties within Beaufort County's jurisdiction on Buckwalter Parkway between the intersection of US 278 and SC 46 (May River Road).

The recommended spacing between full-signalized accesses is 2,000 feet.

The specific signalized access locations shall correspond to the planned signal locations provided in Buckwalter Access Management Study Update (2021) and the existing traffic signal locations. Existing and planned intersection locations are subject to change to better meet the spacing guidelines. If a modification of the defined signal locations is desired to meet the demands of a specific development or to better meet prescribed spacing goals noted above, the following conditions shall be satisfied:

A.

The modified location must meet the warrants for signalization with the proposed development as defined in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) with the analysis and specific application of traffic signal warrants to be approved by the Beaufort County traffic engineer.

B.

The modified location must provide adequate spacing (as defined in the spacing standards indicated above) from existing traffic signals, programmed traffic signals, and future signalization of primary roadway intersections, including (note that distances shown should be considered approximate):

1.

Buckwalter Parkway at US 278

2.

Planned location - Buckwalter Parkway at Cinema North (2,026 feet south of US 278)

3.

Planned location - Buckwalter Parkway at Mott Street/Parkside Drive (1,788 feet south of Cinema North)

4.

Planned location - Buckwalter Parkway to Kroger Fuel Drive (2,176 feet south of Mott Street/Parkside Drive)

5.

Buckwalter Parkway at Buckwalter Town Center South (1,496 feet south of Kroger Fuel Drive)

6.

Buckwalter Parkway at Bluffton Parkway (1,077 feet south of Buckwalter Town Center South) *Intersection location is subject to change to better reflect the access management goals stated above for the corridor as the current location is less than desired spacing of 1,500 feet from location 5.

7.

Buckwalter Parkway at Lake Point Drive (1,585 feet south of Bluffton Parkway) *Intersection location is subject to change to better reflect the access management goals stated above for the corridor as the current location is less than desired spacing of 1,500 feet from location 6.

8.

Buckwalter Parkway at Bluffton Parkway and Hampton Hall (3,958 feet south of Lake Point Drive/Parker's driveway

9.

Buckwalter Parkway at H.E. McCracken Circle and Old Bridge Drive (4,500 feet south of Hampton Hall)

10.

Buckwalter Parkway at SC 46 (May River Road)

C.

The future signalized intersection location shall not have an adverse impact on existing or future LOS based on comparative analysis of conditions with the recommended signal locations indicated in Buckwalter Access Management Study Update (2021). The developer shall be required to conduct LOS and signal system progression analysis to demonstrate compatibility of the proposed signal location with operation of the remainder of the signal system.

(Ord. No. 2022/07, 2-28-22)

A.

Spacing: Additional access points above the full accesses indicated in subsection C.4.30.B may be granted for right-in/right-out or other controlled movement access with a minimum spacing of 500 feet. Single parcel access is strongly discouraged and connectivity to adjacent parcels should be provided. Joint access driveways are encouraged for small parcels to adhere to the 500-foot spacing. Driveways should be limited to the number needed to provide adequate access to a development. Factors such as alignment with opposing driveways and minimum spacing requirements will have a bearing on the location and number of driveways approved. For parcels/developments that have frontage on Buckwalter Parkway and have access to a signalized intersection location recommended in the Buckwalter Parkway Access Management Plan, minimum spacing shall be 800 feet unless specified in Figure 5 of the Buckwalter Parkway Access Management Plan.

B.

Driveway design: Driveway width and turning radii shall conform to SCDOT's Access and Roadside Management Standards.

C.

Driveway linkages: See Article VI, Section 6.3.10.D for driveway linkage requirements for non-residential development.

D.

Retrofitting existing driveways: As changes are made to previously developed property or to the roadway, driveways will be evaluated for the need to be relocated, consolidated, or eliminated if they do not meet the access management standards.

Deceleration lanes shall be required when the volume of traffic turning at a site is high enough in relation to the through traffic to constitute the potential for disruption as indicated in the traffic impact analysis.

The following access management standards apply to all properties within Beaufort County's jurisdiction on Bluffton Parkway between the intersection of SC 170 and US 278.

The recommended spacing between full-signalized accesses is 2,640 feet (one-half mile).

A.

The specific signalized access locations shall correspond to the programmed signal locations provided in Figures 2-A and 2-B in Appendix 10-E: Bluffton Parkway Access Management Plan of the Beaufort County Comprehensive Plan. If a modification of the defined signal locations is desired to meet the demands of a specific development, the following conditions shall be satisfied:

B.

The modified location must meet the warrants for signalization with the proposed development as defined in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) with the analysis and specific application of traffic signal warrants to be approved by the Beaufort County traffic engineer.

C.

The modified location must provide adequate spacing (as defined in the spacing standards indicated above) from existing traffic signals, programmed traffic signals, and future signalization of primary roadway intersections, including:

1.

Bluffton Parkway and SC 170

2.

Bluffton Parkway and Lawton Station Access (1,750 feet east of SC 170)

3.

Bluffton Parkway and Sandhill Tract (2,100 feet east of Lawton Station intersection)

4.

Bluffton Parkway and Hampton Parkway (2,450 feet east of Sandhill Tract intersection)

5.

Bluffton Parkway and Parcel 10B (2,550 feet east of Hampton Parkway)

6.

Bluffton Parkway and Parcel 12A and 12B (2,600 feet east of Parcel 10B intersection)

7.

Bluffton Parkway and Buckwalter Parkway and the Townes of Buckwalter (this signal will be relocated once Phase 5b of the Bluffton Parkway is completed)

8.

Bluffton Parkway and Buckwalter Parkway and Hampton Hall

9.

Bluffton Parkway and Buck Island Road

10.

Bluffton Parkway and Simmonsville Road

11.

Bluffton Parkway and SC 46 (roundabout)

12.

Bluffton Parkway and Burnt Church Road

13.

Bluffton Parkway and Malphrus Road

14.

Bluffton Parkway and Buckingham Plantation Drive

D.

The future signalized intersection location shall not have an adverse impact on existing or future LOS based on comparative analysis of conditions with the recommended signal locations indicated in Appendix M: Bluffton Parkway Access Management Plan of the Beaufort County Comprehensive Plan above. The developer shall be required to conduct LOS and signal system progression analysis to demonstrate compatibility of the proposed signal location with operation of the remainder of the signal system.

A.

Spacing: Additional access points above the full accesses indicated in subsection B.3.30.C. may be granted for right-in/right-out or other controlled movement access with a minimum spacing of 800 feet. Single parcel access is strongly discouraged and connectivity to adjacent parcels should be provided. Joint access driveways are encouraged for small parcels to adhere to the 800-foot spacing. Driveways should be limited to the number needed to provide adequate access to a property. Factors such as alignment with opposing driveways and minimum spacing requirements will have a bearing on the location and number of driveways approved. For parcels/developments that have frontage on Bluffton Parkway and have access to a signalized intersection location recommended in the Bluffton Parkway Access Management Plan, minimum spacing shall be 800 feet unless specified in Figures 2-A and 2-B of the Bluffton Parkway Access Management Plan.

B.

Driveway design: Driveway width and turning radii shall conform to SCDOT's Access and Roadside Management Standards.

C.

Driveway linkages: See Article VI, Section 6.3.10.D for driveway linkage requirements for non-residential development.

D.

Retrofitting existing driveways: As changes are made to previously developed property or to the roadway, driveways will be evaluated for the need to be relocated, consolidated, or eliminated if they do not meet the access management standards.

Deceleration lanes shall be required when the volume of traffic turning at a site is high enough in relation to the through traffic to constitute the potential for disruption as indicated in the traffic impact analysis.

This section contains recommendations and requirements for intersection and access road improvements in the event of future commercial development in Gardens Corner. The purpose of these recommendations is to ensure that access to local development meets adequate safety and capacity standards.

Traffic analysis conducted on the roadways in the Gardens Corner area generated the following recommendations for intersection improvements to maintain adequate service levels in the event of further commercial development:

A.

The intersection of U.S. 17 and Dairy Farm Road/Flora Drive may require at a future date:

1.

A separate left turn lane on the eastbound approach of U.S. 17 with approximately 200 feet of storage.

2.

A separate left turn lane on the westbound approach of U.S. 17 with approximately 200 feet of storage.

3.

A separate left turn lane on the northbound approach of Dairy Farm Road with approximately 275 feet of storage.

4.

A separate left turn lane on the southbound approach of Flora Drive with approximately 150 feet of storage.

5.

Traffic signal control at this intersection when conditions based on guidance provided in MUTCD warrant the installation.

B.

One or more of these improvements may be required as a condition of development plan approval as warranted by a traffic impact analysis.

C.

Contingent on development of properties in the district that are north of U.S. 17, the intersection of the SCDOT access road and Flora Drive must meet or exceed the county and/or SCDOT's driveway standards for an unsignalized full movement intersection.

In order to ensure connectivity and access to developments in the Gardens Corner Rural Business district (Map C.6.30):

A.

New development in the district must provide side access to adjacent properties in order to secure approval.

B.

New development on properties in the district that are north of U.S. 17 is contingent upon extension of the access road built by SCDOT that intersects with Flora Drive to serve those parcels. A throat length of at least 150 feet must be maintained along Flora Drive in order to accommodate queued traffic.

C.

New development on properties in the district that are south of U.S. 17 and east of U.S. 21 is contingent upon extension of access via Dairy Farm Road. This access should provide a right-in/right-out curb cut onto U.S. 21.

Map C.6.30: Gardens Corner Access Map