South Carolina Department of Transportation’s Berlin G. Myers Parkway serves as a total bypass for Summerville’s busy downtown, improving safety and reducing congestion as the community blossoms. The $120 million project handles rising traffic volumes and safety concerns along Summerville’s main street, driven by rapid population growth and increasing freight movement. As a fast‑growing area in South Carolina, Summerville experienced longer travel times and reduced reliability as traffic demand overtook roadway capacity.

Phase 3 completion marked the final step in a nearly 50‑year effort to plan and construct the Berlin G. Myers Parkway. The completed corridor now provides a crucial alternate route that allows motorists and freight traffic to bypass the downtown area, easing congestion on local streets and improving overall traffic flow. By lessening heavy traffic from the town center, the project significantly reduces crash risks and creates safer, more predictable travel conditions for residents and visitors. The project also delivered important multimodal and environmental benefits. Improved pedestrian and bicycle access along the Sawmill Branch Canal Trail enhances connectivity and safety for non‑motorized users. Built within the Sawmill Branch floodplain, the parkway incorporates upgraded storm drainage and floodplain management features that reduce flooding risks and help protect nearby homes, businesses, and infrastructure. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act also provided critical funding to help advance Phase 3 amid rising material costs and inflation. Ultimately, the Berlin G. Myers Parkway strengthens mobility, improves safety, and supports long‑term economic growth while creating a more resilient and efficient transportation network for Summerville.