CHARLESTON, SC (WCBD) – Charleston County leaders are seeking public comment on the Better North Bridge Project.

The project was created to increase the safety of pedestrians and cyclists when crossing the bridge.

The first of two public consultation meetings took place on Wednesday evening. The second meeting will be held Jan. 12 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Westminster Presbyterian Church located on Sam Rittenberg Boulevard in Charleston.

Some ideas were discussed between project leaders, local organizations that advocate for change and the public. These include adding pedestrian / cycling lanes to the bridge and creating a separate bridge just for these groups.

Charleston Moves, a nonprofit that advocates for a more accessible and connected Charleston area, has been instrumental in pushing for a safer path over this bridge and other crossings in the Lowcountry. Executive Director Katie Zimmerman says Charleston Moves has carried out community outreach activities by asking locals what they would like to see for the bridge.

“We are building a coalition of interested people and basically we have advocated for the next step which is presented from [Wednesday night]. The different road layouts to know where this bridge would go and how it could serve as many people as possible, ”said Zimmerman.

Charleston Moves has a specific vision for the project and hopes it involves a separate pedestrian bridge.

“We have a preference for what happens in front of the public. We would really like to see the version that splits and then lands on both sides in North Charleston. We think it would serve the most people and be the most profitable. “

Since 2015, four people have been injured and killed while crossing the bridge on foot or by bicycle. Since 2013, six more people have been injured.

“We are already a dangerous region for walking and cycling. This level crossing is really important for people to be able to use it. It connects people to grocery stores, to work, to dates, to see family, to the green space on the other side, ”Zimmerman said.

In addition to public input meetings, Charleston County accepts public comment through its website. This deadline has been extended until February 11. You can submit your comment here.