October 12, 2026 – The City of Isle of Palms invites the community to celebrate the completion of Phase 2 of the Waterway Blvd Flood Barrier Project and the official opening of the new multi-use path with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
When: Thursday, Nov 19, 2026 at 10am
Where: Intersection of Waterway Boulevard and Forest Trail, Isle of Palms
Residents, project partners and members of the community are encouraged to attend and learn more about the improvements and the City’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the Island’s flood resilience and mobility along Waterway Boulevard.
About the Project
Following a nor’easter in December 2023 that caused significant tidal flooding across portions of the Isle of Palms, the City began evaluating ways to strengthen flood resilience in vulnerable areas. Homes and public infrastructure along the marsh side of the island near Waterway Boulevard were among those areas particularly affected by tidal flooding from the Intracoastal Waterway.
The Waterway Boulevard Multi-Use Path Elevation Project is a strategic infrastructure investment designed to address this issue of tidal flooding while improving pedestrian and bicycle mobility along one of the island’s key corridors.
Phase 1 – Complete
During Phase 1, new berms were constructed along the Harbor Golf Course to create an additional barrier against extreme tides, storm surge and rising water levels.
Though the work is largely invisible, blending seamlessly into the surrounding golf course and grassy areas, it significantly strengthens flood protection for homes in the neighborhood and the new multi-use path.
Phase 2 – Complete
Phase 2 creates a dual-purpose community asset. The new multi-use path improves safety and accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists while also functioning as part of the City’s flood-protection system.
Improvements include raising portions of the path, and widening the sidewalk to approximately eight feet in most areas, and installing check valves designed to help prevent tidal back-flow through the drainage system.
Together, these improvements help reduce tidal water reaching surrounding neighborhoods while creating a safer and more accessible route for people walking, running, and biking along Waterway Boulevard.
Phase 3 – Up Next
The third and final phase of the project will address two remaining gaps in the flood barrier near 3607–3615 Waterway Boulevard and Fire Station No. 2.
The City is currently evaluating alternatives for these locations, including a potential elevated section of golf cart path or constructing a retaining wall behind the five remaining homes.
Additional information on Phase 3 will be shared as engineering and design work progresses.