Charleston County Officials Discuss Future of Maybank Highway Traffic Improvement
JOHNS ISLAND, S.C.
-The future of the Maybank Highway traffic improvement project’s design plans hangs in the balance as Charleston County officials are readying to make a critical funding decision. The Finance Committee will meet and vote on Thursday to determine whether funds left over from Phase Three of the project should be utilized for the upcoming phases.
Phase Three encompassed the construction of the Northern Pitchfork, a link between River Road and Maybank Highway. Completed and opened to the public on March 25, the project had nearly $1.8 million left in its treasury.
The Northern Pitchfork’s recent opening has drawn attention from residents, who believe updated signage or publicity could benefit the area. However, they also expressed concern over an ongoing traffic issue. Some locals hope that the Northern Pitchfork’s introduction will ease traffic congestion at the Maybank-River Road intersection.
Plan for Remaining Funds
Concerning the allocation of the remaining funds, Rich Thomas, a 16-year resident of Johns Island, welcomed the suggestion of designating them to the pending project phases. Thomas stated that the project idea, first concieved in 2004, had started to see significant progress recently and affirmed that the area was due for a change.
The upcoming plans are set to include constructing the Southern Pitchfork and broadening the stretch of Maybank Highway from River Road to the Stono River Bridge.
Committee members, if they vote against directing the leftover funds to the new plans, could consider acquiring funds from CHATs and SIB or even orchestrate a referendum vote, exploring the possibility of an increased transportation sales tax.
Infrastructure Lagging Behind Growth
As a growing concern, Thomas mentions a lack of synchrony between the increasing population, rising traffic, and the pace at which infrastructural growth is keeping up. As more people move into the new developments such as apartments, condos, and townhouses for jobs, it necessitates adequate infrastructure to support this growth.
“While the growth of the economy is a great thing, it also comes with the responsibility of supporting it wisely,” Thomas commented.
The Finance Committee is expected to vote on the allocation of remaining funds at 5 p.m. on Thursday. Here at HERE News Network, we will continue to provide updates on this ongoing matter.
