Charleston City Council has approved priority projects for the proposed 2026 Transportation Sales Tax referendum, allocating about $1.15 billion specifically to West Ashley to address growth-driven traffic congestion, safety issues, and roadway elevations.​
Key West Ashley Projects
The funding targets major bottlenecks like the Glenn McConnell Parkway and Magwood Drive intersection, where commuters report severe backups affecting access to I-526, Paul Cantrell Street, Ashley River Road, and St. Andrews areas. Additional improvements include US 17 South selective widening with drainage enhancements, partial raising of Ashley River Road, and support for greenways, bike/pedestrian paths, sidewalks, and paving. These align with resident feedback on US Highway 17 and SC Highway 61, as noted by District 2 Councilman Kevin Shealy.​​
Broader Context
The total projected sales tax raises $4.2-4.25 billion over 25 years, with Charleston’s share around $2 billion based on its 48.9-50% population proportion, including significant allocations to West Ashley due to its density. Projects extend to Johns Island ($225 million for Maybank widening and intersections), James Island, and the peninsula (e.g., Lockwood Drive and Calhoun Corridor improvements). Officials emphasize promoting live-work-play areas to reduce commuting, alongside state-owned road upgrades managed by SCDOT.​​
Next Steps
The city plans to finalize the package by December 16, 2025, and submit it to Charleston County Council by month’s end, with a referendum decision expected in the new year. Public input from recent meetings has shaped the road-focused priorities, reserving funds for multimodal enhancements. Commuters like those from Summerville already face doubled travel times, underscoring the urgency.
