Airport Connector Road project receives key environmental approval, advances into right-of-way acquisition phase
April 15, 2025
Charleston County’s Airport Connector Road project has received a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) determination from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), a key environmental decision that officially concludes the lengthy environmental review period. With this determination secured, the project advances into the right-of-way acquisition phase and toward completion of final design plans.
The FHWA determination letter read in part, “Based on the information provided to complete the environmental process the FHWA finds that the project will have no significant [human or environmental] impacts.”
This determination is a critical step in the project’s environmental review process and is based on the Environmental Assessment and other supporting information, which detail the project’s need, impact, and planned mitigation measures.
“This determination is a major milestone for the Airport Connector Road project and reflects years of careful planning, environmental study, and collaboration,” said Charleston County Public Works Director Eric Adams. “With this approval in hand, we’re one step closer to delivering critical infrastructure that will improve traffic flow, support economic growth, and provide a safer, more efficient connection to and from the airport.”
The Airport Connector Road project involves construction of a new access roadway to the Charleston International Airport. This new five-lane road will help to alleviate traffic congestion caused by commuter traffic, airport-destined traffic, Boeing traffic, and general traffic associated with the North Charleston Coliseum/Performing Arts Center and surrounding area. Additionally, the project will provide increased traffic capacity to account for future economic growth in the area.
Construction is expected to begin in the third quarter of 2026 and is expected to take approximately two years.
The FONSI determination letter, Environmental Assessment, and other materials are available at www.airportconnectorroad.com.
