SCDOT rebuild of Sawmill Branch Canal Trail in Dorchester County begins

Listen to this article

The South Carolina Department of Transportation today begins rebuilding a portion of the Sawmill Branch Canal Trail in Dorchester County.

This trail construction work is a component of the Berlin G. Myers Parkway Phase III Project, a new 3.25-mile roadway currently under construction and projected to open to vehicle traffic in 2026, according to a notice from the department.

S.C. DOT will rebuild the Sawmill Branch Canal Trail between Luden Drive and the Elizabeth Street Trailhead using a three-staged construction plan. The first stage of trail construction begins today between the Elizabeth Street Trailhead and the pedestrian bridge at Willet Drive, and will last approximately four weeks, weather permitting.

Working in coordination with the town of Summerville and Dorchester County, S.C. DOT has developed a plan for the Sawmill Branch Canal Trail to remain open to cyclists and pedestrians throughout construction. During each trail construction stage, cyclists and pedestrians will be detoured onto an adjacent portion of the newly placed asphalt roadway, which is not yet open to automobile traffic.

As trail construction moves forward, S.C. DOT will share information about each of the trail construction stages online.

The DOT asks trail users to remain alert to construction changes on Sawmill Branch Canal. Signs will be posted and updated.

The Berlin G. Myers Parkway extension is still under construction and is not yet open to motor vehicles.

Berlin G. Myers Parkway Phase III Project is between U.S. Highway 17 (Alternate) and East Carolina Avenue in Dorchester County. The purpose of the project is to improve roadway connectivity, reduce traffic congestion, and enhance safety in the Summerville area, the release stated. For more information, visit the Berlin G. Myers Parkway Phase III Project website.