Plans to Complete I-526 not just about Johns Island but also West Ashley
The completion of the Interstate 526 (I-526) is not only a significant issue for Johns Island but also for West Ashley. The project had been opposed by environmentalists and highway opponents who argued that the completion of the highway from West Ashley to Johns Island would destroy the Sea Island’s rural character. The plan was subsequently halted in 2011.
Rapid development on Johns Island goes on without Highway Infrastructure
Since then, Johns Island’s population has exploded by 157%, and the number of housing units has ballooned by 146%. By the end of this decade, the number of homes on Johns Island will have doubled in a span of 20 years. The lack of infrastructure did not stop developers, which is a common practice in South Carolina.
Currently, over 20% of West Ashley roads are over capacity in part because the new Johns Islanders and nearly 14,000 workers headed for the island flood Savannah Highway every day. West Ashley and Johns and James islands are expected to grow by 63% in the next 25 years.
Cost of Building I-526 Continues to Escalate
The delay in the construction of I-526 has significantly driven up its cost, now estimated to be $2.3 billion, more than four times as much as was initially budgeted. This has become one of the new arguments for not proceeding with the project. However, it is evident that the residents of West Ashley are facing daily congestion, a problem that could be solved by creating a direct route to Johns Island.
The State Department of Transportation argues that the completion of I-526 will cut rush hour commute times significantly, easing congestion over at least half the county. It estimates that the completion of the highway would reduce the commute time from Maybank Highway and River Road to MUSC from 67 minutes to 21. The same would cut the trip time from that spot to the North Charleston airport by 55 minutes.
Opposition and Lawsuit Against the Highway Completion
Despite these projected benefits, environmentalists have initiated a lawsuit to stop the November transportation sales tax referendum, arguing it was unconstitutional. They think that I-526 should be a separate question not lumped together with all the other road projects to be financed. They argue that the state should foot the bill.
The building of the 526 highway remains a significant issue with major repercussions for the residents of West Ashley, Johns, and James islands. Until a resolution is reached, the residents continue to grapple with traffic congestion and longer commute times.
