FINAL PHASE OF WEST ASHLEY SEWER TUNNEL EXTENSION PROJECT BREAKS GROUND

Charleston Water System has officially broken ground on Phase VI of the West Ashley Sewer Tunnel Extension project, a significant infrastructure milestone that marks the culmination of a decades-long effort to improve wastewater capacity and resiliency in the region. Hussey Gay Bell, a key engineering partner on the project, is proud to continue its role following contributions to the successful execution of Phase V.

This $133 million underground sewer tunnel initiative will extend approximately 20,000 linear feet beneath the West Ashley Greenway. Designed to accommodate peak flows of up to 49.3 million gallons per day (MGD), the system will serve West Ashley, Johns Island, and the surrounding wholesale customer areas of Hollywood, Ravenel and Meggett. The project is expected to alleviate recurring sanitary sewer overflows that have historically affected these communities during heavy rainfall and storm events.

As a subconsultant to Black & Veatch, Hussey Gay Bell—through its Team CHAS, led by Alan Townsend and Forest Suggs—has provided a full range of civil engineering services including site development, utility design, surveying, permitting coordination, and construction-phase support.

Completion of Phase VI is projected for the fourth quarter of 2027.