The Hanahan Community Connection Pedestrian Bridge Project

The Hanahan Community Connection Bridge Project is a new initiative supported by the mayor, awaiting funding. The City Administration is actively allocating resources to the project's planning and coordinating stakeholder meetings. The proposed construction site is owned by the Charleston Water System (CWS), and the Goose Creek Reservoir serves mainly as a source of drinking water with options for recreation. On July 17, 2023, Hanahan city officials met with CWS CEO Mark Cline to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of the pedestrian bridge project. CWS is supportive of the project and is excited to continue to build on its great partnership with the city.

The Hanahan pedestrian bridge is designed to be more than a mere passageway for residents and visitors; it aims to provide an enriching experience for people of all ages. Spanning 2,360 linear feet, the timber boardwalk offers elevated passage through wetlands leading to the main bridge that arches over the reservoir. This multi-span structure will stretch roughly 400 feet, featuring a prominent 200-foot center span as its centerpiece. Benches and scenic overlooks dot the boardwalk, along with access to various elevated playgrounds. These interactive play areas are planned to be built above the wetlands, utilizing steel sheet piles arranged in circles to create enclosures. These playground 'cells' will be situated along the boardwalk, connected by smaller bridges. To the north of the reservoir, the boardwalk leads to the fitness island, a 7-acre tract of elevated land encircled by wetlands, which will be partially cleared to establish a natural fitness area. All facilities will be accessible to everyone. The pedestrian bridge in Hanahan will link two expansive neighboring communities, catalyzing economic development throughout the city and elevating the quality of life for all residents. Furthermore, the initiative aims to bolster alternative modes of transportation, encourage energy conservation, and nurture habits conducive to a healthy lifestyle.

The Goose Creek Reservoir divides Hanahan, leading to increased vehicle traffic and hazardous road conditions as the population grows. The Lowcountry Rapid Transit (LCRT), an all-electric bus system, is projected to be operational by 2030, serving the broader Berkeley-Charleston-Dorchester area. Although Hanahan is in Berkeley County, it adjoins Charleston County. The LCRT will have several stops on Hanahan's west side, compelling many eastern residents to travel extensively around the reservoir to access this eco-friendly bus system.

Residents on both sides of the Goose Creek Reservoir find attending festivals, activities, or community events at the Hanahan Amphitheater or the new 53-acre park, The Hawks Nest, challenging. These popular recreational spots in Hanahan are on opposite sides of the reservoir, separated by a stretch of road and busy highways. The driving distance between the Hanahan Amphitheater and The Hawks Nest is 6.5 miles, typically a 15-minute journey. However, with the trail system extension and the new pedestrian bridge over the Goose Creek Reservoir, this distance is cut to less than 3 miles, placing most Tanner Plantation residents within a mile of the Hanahan Amphitheater.

Additionally, the City of Hanahan is on track to finish Steward Street Park by the end of 2024, transforming a previous public works site into an attractive waterfront park. Located at the city's southern tip, the park discourages driving and offers limited parking. Enhanced access through a pedestrian bridge would increase public accessibility. 

Connectivity is crucial for thriving communities and drives economic development. The proposed pedestrian bridge in Hanahan would boost tourism, support local businesses, and contribute to the growth of the downtown area. It would also, for the first time, allow residents and visitors to run, walk, or cycle across the city.

The pedestrian bridge in Hanahan aims to strengthen community ties, lower energy use, encourage micromobility, and reconnect people with the surrounding natural beauty. Moreover, revitalizing the Town Center District, or downtown area, remains a key priority for the City of Hanahan.

As outlined in our 2023 Town Center Master Plan:

"Pedestrian Connectivity is a key quality to downtown revitalization. People want to be able to walk to and around downtown. They want to feel safe in and have barrier-free access to the public realm. The most successful downtowns are walkable and are connected (by sidewalks, trails shared streets) to the city's neighborhoods, parks, and other areas of commerce. The City of Hanahan has a solid framework through existing easements, trails, and parks to complete an extensive pedestrian and bike network throughout the community."

Pedestrian connectivity can promote and ensure:

• Safety
• Accessibility and inclusivity
• Healthy and active living
• Environmental sustainability and resiliency
• Community character
• Economic vitality
• Sense of place and community
• Strengthen regional partnerships
• Promote tourism the spirit of Hanahan

For these compelling reasons and others, the Hanahan Community Pedestrian Bridge Project is an essential infrastructure component for our city. The North Charleston Noisette Creek Pedestrian Bridge, completed in November 2022, cost $8.6 million according to Thomas & Hutton engineers. With the inclusion of the boardwalk and floating dock, the total expenditure rose to over $10 million.

Jen Hayes, PE, from Thomas & Hutton, stated that constructing a pedestrian bridge akin to the one over Noisette Creek might "cost between $15-18 million, contingent on the chosen alignment, and the proportion of boardwalk to bridge, as well as the type of bridge selected for the central span." She also estimated that due to rising costs, extended timelines, and economic factors, if construction were delayed by a few years, the pedestrian bridge's cost could rise to between $18-25 million. Thomas & Hutton serves as one of the City of Hanahan's on-call engineering firms.

IMPACT on South Carolina:

The Hanahan Community Connection Pedestrian Bridge Project is poised to significantly impact both the city and the state of South Carolina by enhancing connectivity and outdoor recreation opportunities in the area. It aims to promote energy conservation, boost tourism, spur economic development, and support healthy living. The proposed pedestrian bridge across the Goose Creek Reservoir will enable walkable access throughout the city, linking the east side with Lowcountry Rapid Transit and the west side with a 53-acre park. Additionally, it will facilitate visits to the new waterfront Steward Street Park in the south. This initiative is expected to invigorate the business environment in the Hanahan Town Center District by drawing more customers through improved connectivity.