West Ashley Residents Hopeful as $354 Million Flyover Project Set to Alleviate Traffic Congestion

West Ashley Residents Get Hope for Smoother Traffic

West Ashley, South Carolina, residents are finally getting a glimpse of hope regarding the long-standing traffic congestion at the intersection of U.S. Highway 17 and Main Road. As more people call Johns Island home, the once manageable traffic has turned into a daily headache for commuters. But fear not, as Charleston County Council has recently taken a crucial step towards alleviating the frustrations faced by so many.

Good News: Flyover Construction Is On the Horizon

After lots of talks, meetings, and public input, the Council is set to award a whopping $354 million contract to a consortium of companies ready to make a difference. The focus will be on constructing flyovers at the troublesome intersection, a move that residents and local leaders have been advocating for almost a decade now.

During their September 5th finance committee meeting, the Council voted unanimously—barring one absence—to approve this project. The plan, praised by many, aims to transform what is currently a stoplight-managed intersection into something that could vastly improve traffic flow for both residents and visitors heading to Kiawah and Seabrook Islands. Isn’t that a relief?

Why Are We So Excited?

For years, this intersection has been a thorn in the side of commuters, particularly during rush hour, when frustrated drivers often find themselves stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic, unable to turn onto Main Road. A Johns Island resident, who has dealt with this for years, mentioned that he goes out of his way to avoid it. And can you blame him? With the population on Johns Island skyrocketing from about 15,100 in 2010 to nearly 22,900 in 2021 according to census data, something clearly needed to be done.

The wait has been long, but it seems there is now light at the end of the tunnel. Councilman Joe Boykin, who represents much of Johns Island, noted that the flyovers will be the most expensive project in Charleston County’s history. Still, he believes it’s worth it, stating, “Today’s roads, we’re not talking millions. We’re talking billions.”

Recognizing the Cost Factors

Now, let’s chat about that price tag! While the initial budget prediction was far lower—around $130 million back in 2020—the costs have surged. Some may wonder, “What could possibly cause such an increase?” It seems a combination of pandemic-related impacts on construction and fewer contractors in play has led to the prices rising like bread in a hot oven!

County Council Chair Herb Sass expressed his concern over the rising costs but added, “It also means we don’t have to have stoplights and traffic stop.” His sentiment that the need for the flyovers makes the hefty price worthwhile resonates with many. After all, who wouldn’t want to keep traffic flowing smoothly?

Next Steps Leading Us into 2028

Attention all road-watchers! Utility relocation, which might involve moving various cables and pipes, is expected to kick off in the next two months. Actual construction may begin soon after this, with the completion date eyed for the fourth quarter of 2028. With the project finalization going before the County Council for approval on September 10th, we’re crossing our fingers that this much-anticipated plan gets the green light!

In the interim, residents continue to voice their opinions on the project—though it’s worth noting that public comments showed only 23 percent of people were fully supportive of the road plan. It just goes to show, even with necessary changes, not everyone will see eye-to-eye!

A Bright Future Awaits

It’s wonderful to see Charleston County stepping up to tackle such a pressing issue. While the construction can induce some temporary inconveniences, the wait can lead us all to smoother journeys and happier commutes in the years to come. Here’s hoping for clear skies and open roads ahead!