Several pedestrians were cited last week in Charleston, S.C. for crossing Maybank Highway inside a construction‑zone mid‑block crossing instead of using the existing Woodland Shores crosswalk, which remains the only legal crossing until the new infrastructure is finished.
Why they were cited
City of Charleston police issued citations because the new mid‑block crossing is still under construction and not yet open for use; pedestrians are required by officials to continue using the existing crosswalk at Woodland Shores and Maybank Highway, which is currently the only legal crossing. Officials stress that walking through the work zone is not only illegal but also unsafe while crews are active.
What the new crossing will be
Once complete, the project will add sidewalks, a landscaped median, fencing, and a flashing mid‑block crosswalk with Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs) in front of the Charleston Pour House, improving visibility for drivers when people are crossing. Project manager Christopher Orofino said this design will make the crossing much easier for drivers to see and reduce conflicts at the curve where previous accidents occurred.
Timeline and safest option
The Maybank‑Woodland Shores safety project began its final construction phase in January 2026, and the new median and crosswalk are expected to be finished by June 30 at the latest, though work may finish sooner. Until then, county and city officials repeatedly urge pedestrians to use the existing Woodland Shores crosswalk and avoid the construction‑zone mid‑block area for both legal and safety reasons.
