PORT ROYAL, S.C. — Construction crews are making steady headway along Paris Avenue as the Town of Port Royal moves forward with the first phase of a transformative $16 million streetscape overhaul. The effort represents the largest capital project in the municipality’s history, designed to reshape the main corridor into a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly downtown center.

Restructuring the Main Street Corridor

Originally built wide to accommodate heavy industrial truck traffic, Paris Avenue is undergoing a structural redesign aimed at slowing traffic and fostering local commerce.

Key upgrades currently underway include:

• Roadway & Sidewalk Redesign: Narrowing vehicle lanes to make room for wider, shaded pedestrian plazas, brick paver walkways, and dedicated bike racks connecting to the regional Spanish Moss Trail network.
• Infrastructure Modernization: Complete replacement of curb and gutter systems, underground utility upgrades, storm sewer construction, and new conduit for energy-efficient street lighting.
• Urban Canopy & Artwork: Planting high-rise Live Oaks and Fringe Trees along both sides of the corridor, alongside a custom $15\times20$-foot brick mosaic in front of the Cypress Wetlands showcasing native Lowcountry wildlife.

Supporting Local Commerce During Construction

While temporary lane shifts, grading equipment, and utility adjustments present short-term navigational challenges, town officials emphasize that local shops, cafes, and bistros along Paris Avenue remain fully open for business.

Town Manager Van Willis noted that public engagement and continued community support during construction remain critical to sustaining local merchants. Recent aerial drone updates and municipal reports indicate that crews are advancing compaction work, curb forming, and concrete pours on schedule toward the completion of Phase 1. Once finished, the enhanced streetscape will offer expanded outdoor dining space and safer w