New traffic signal masts are scheduled to be installed by late October along Beaufort’s Charles Street intersections with Boundary, Craven and Bay streets, according to the S.C. Department of Transportation.

The project — including the double-arm mast poles and installation — is under contract with Walker Brothers. As soon as steel rebar for the pole foundations is delivered, installation will begin, the SCDOT told Beaufort City leaders.

The cost of the project is more than $300,000 but with cost-sharing between SCDOT, Beaufort County traffic engineering and the city of Beaufort, the city’s share is $55,009.

“This is part of our overall fall road improvement work by the DOT, and we’ll be glad when the work is done,” said Beaufort City Manager Scott Dadson.

“They did an amazing job repaving downtown Bay Street in less than two days, but we’ve had some scheduling issues that have kept everyone hopping. Installing these new signal arms along Charles Street will make a big difference along that important corridor,” he said.

The new traffic signal masts are designed to be sturdier, more attractive and less prone to wind damage than the older, cable-hung signals.
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