Intersection of Bay Street and Charles Street to temporarily close Nov. 13 for around 5–6 weeks, says City of Beaufort

BEAUFORT, SC. (WTOC) - The City of Beaufort announced that the intersection of Bay Street and Charles Street will temporarily close starting November 13 for approximately five to six weeks, before the next phase of the Waterfront Park stormwater improvement project.

“The City of Beaufort is moving forward with the next phase of the Waterfront Park stormwater improvement project. During construction, engineers uncovered conditions that require additional review before proceeding. To complete this safely and prevent larger delays later, the intersection of Bay Street and Charles Street will temporarily close starting November 13 for approximately 5–6 weeks," wrote the City of Beaufort.

‘We know this is not ideal timing’: City of Beaufort says in announcement

The city said they are aware that “this is not ideal timing.” They said during the closure:

• Downtown will stay open throughout this project.
• Bay street will remain open to traffic during construction, only the intersection will be closed.
• Businesses, restaurants, and services will still be fully accessible.
• The City will do everything possible to support parking access, visibility, and foot traffic during the closure.

"This work is necessary to protect long-term drainage, public safety, and the future of our waterfront and finishing it now keeps the overall project on track so the funding is not lost,“ wrote the city.

There is a scheduled Downtown Stakeholder Meeting Tuesday night at 5:00 p.m. at City Hall – Council Chambers (2nd Floor).

“This meeting is for downtown merchants, property owners, and partners to receive construction details, ask questions, and hear how the City will support business access during the closure,” said the city.