Our Path to Progress

Dorchester County’s Transportation Sales Tax Program includes road improvement projects of local and regional significance, dirt road paving projects, pavement preservation, and intersection and safety improvement projects as referenced in Dorchester County Ordinance 22-16 and Ordinance 22-22.

See our Map of Projects to view active, future and completed projects.

Program progress and spending can be viewed on our Dashboard. The Dashboard includes overall program information as well as project-specific information, both of which are updated monthly.

No. These projects will benefit multimodal transportation in Dorchester County. This includes vehicles, bicyclists, pedestrians, and other vulnerable roadway users. We know that providing connectivity for our active community is important, and our program is paving our path to progress with this in mind. Dorchester County is also working on a Complete Streets initiative because we believe in community-driven solutions and the importance of multimodal connections.

These projects will enhance roadway infrastructure that improves safety, reduces traffic congestion, and is more accommodating for bicyclists and pedestrians. By designing projects with these elements in mind, we are able to focus on building a thriving and connected Dorchester County.

November 8, 2022, is when voters approved continuing the existing Sales and Use tax which was first approved by voters in November 2004. The 2004 sales tax program sunset on April 30, 2024 and the new sales tax began collection on May 1, 2024.

The approved one percent (1%) sales and use tax will generate approximately $735 million, of which $700 million is allocated for transportation infrastructure improvements and $35 million is allocated for greenbelt initiatives. The Transportation Sales Tax Program progress and spending can be viewed in our dashboard on the home page of this website. The Dashboard includes overall program information, as well as project-specific information, both of which are updated monthly. 

Projects must undergo survey and data collection, environmental studies, detailed design, permitting, right of way acquisition (if necessary), utility relocation, and construction bidding before they can move into construction. Our team is actively working to move projects through these steps as efficiently as possible.

Public information meetings are typically held during the initial design and environmental studies phase. The purpose of these meetings are to provide information on the project and to solicit feedback from the public. All public meetings and comment periods will be advertised to the public, and information will be included here on our website.

Some projects may require right of way acquisition. If acquisition is necessary, property owners will be contacted directly by members of the right of way team. 

Per Dorchester County's Zoning and Land Development Standards 04-13, Section 5.4.8 (Setbacks from Designated Corridors) requires developments to be constructed with setbacks and bufferyards measured from the future right-of-way established for designated transportation projects. 

Detours and lane closures may be necessary during construction which may cause temporary delays. Advance notice regarding upcoming lane closures and detours will be provided so the traveling public can plan their commutes accordingly. Lane closures on major roadways are typically limited to nighttime hours.

Please see Dorchester County’s Bid Opportunities web page.  Businesses must be registered with Dorchester County’s Vendor Registry in order to bid for opportunities.