Feasibility Study for Two-Way Traffic on Coming Street, Rutledge Avenue, and Ashley Avenue

DIDN'T MAKE IT TO THE PUBLIC MEETING?

See below to review the existing conditions and anticipated no-build conditions that were shared at the meeting, or click here to download.

Information Boards Shared at Public Meeting (September 4, 2025)

  1. 1 Project Road Map
  2. 2 Land Use and Parking
  3. 3 Crash Density Heat Map
  4. 4 =
  5. 5 2025 Existing Level of Service
  6. 6 2045 No-Build Level of Service
  7. 7 2025 Existing Traffic Volumes
  8. 8 2045 No-Build Traffic Volumes

This study is led by Kimley-Horn, a traffic engineering consultant and is a critical step necessary to address neighborhood livability while considering traffic flow, parking, and mobility.

The study will assess the existing conditions of these streets, identify potential impacts to traffic safety, parking, mobility, and congestion, and gather input from residents, business owners, and community stakeholders. The study will provide the necessary data for City Council to determine the best course of action for both residents and visitors while preserving the quality of life and safety for all road users.

The three corridors selected for this study—Coming Street from Calhoun Street to Race Street, Rutledge, and Ashley Avenues between Calhoun and Septima P. Clark Parkway—are vital streets within Charleston’s transportation network, serving as key routes in and out of neighborhoods, the medical district and downtown Charleston. The feasibility study will provide analysis of the potential advantages and disadvantages of transitioning these streets to two-way traffic.



Image (32)Coming St. at Calhoun St.



bAshley Avenue


The study will evaluate:

  • Traffic volumes and speed
  • Parking and transit
  • Vehicle, pedestrian and bicycle safety and accessibility
  • Impacts on local businesses, hospitals, schools, and residential areas
  • Cost for implementation

Throughout the study process, the City project team and Kimley-Horn will engage with the public through community meetings, surveys, and online feedback to ensure the voices of residents and stakeholders are heard. This collaborative approach will ensure the final recommendations reflect the needs and concerns of the community.

The City of Charleston encourages all residents, business owners, and interested parties to participate in this important study. Details regarding public engagement opportunities will be provided on the City’s website and social media and through local media channels in the coming months.

Project History

Does this study sound familiar? That's because the conversion of Coming Street to a two-way street - and the potential benefits of improved safety and neighborhood livability -  has been a topic of consideration for years.

Here's a look at how the Coming Street conversation has evolved:

  • 1999: The City of Charleston began its traffic calming program to explore the means of reducing vehicle operating speeds on neighborhood streets, as requested by various neighborhood associations throughout the City.
  • 2000: The City of Charleston Peninsula Traffic and Parking Study performed a high-level feasibility review of the one-way street pairs on the Charleston peninsula for potential conversion to two-way operations.
    • Roadways that met the conversion criteria included Coming Street, Ashley Avenue, and Rutledge Avenue. 
    • Since this time, sections of Rutledge Avenue and Ashley Avenue have been converted to two-way operation.
  • 2012: The Coming Street Two-Way Conversion Analysis was performed, exploring the requirements of converting Coming Street to two-way operations between Beaufain Street and Race Street.
    • The study recommended the following conversions from one-way to two-way operations:
      • Coming Street from Line Street to Beaufain Street
      • Line Street from Rutledge Avenue to King Street
      • St. Philip Street from Calhoun Street to Beaufain Street from one-way to two-way operations. 
    • Of the recommendations only the Line Street conversion materialized.
  • 2024: The City of Charleston selected a consultant to once again explore the feasibility of converting Coming Street (and Rutledge Avenue and Ashley Avenue) to two-way operations. The considerations for this study include:
    •  The persisting challenges of Coming Street's current one-way operations as identified in the 2012 study
    • Additional neighborhood requests for traffic calming on Ashley Avenue and Rutledge Avenue
    • The amount of time that has passed since the previous analysis
  • 2025: The Coming Street / Rutledge Avenue / Ashley Avenue Study officially kicked off in April 2025.