From The Blog

Town Asks Members to Support Main Road Corridor Alternative 7

 

The information below was provided by the Town of Kiawah Island on May 6, 2022.

On May 9, 2022, at 2 p.m., the Town of Kiawah Island will lead a round table discussion with the community on the Main Road Corridor Segment C project at the Town’s Municipal Center. The purpose is to share priorities and steps to engage with Charleston County Council to ensure necessary traffic relief happens for Johns Island roads.

After reviewing all presented alternatives by Charleston County, as a community, we must be in support of Alternative 7 (The Sea Islands Way).

Here is why:

1. MAIN ROAD & MAYBANK HIGHWAY INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS
   The intersection at Maybank Highway, Main Road, and Bohicket Road must improve safety and traffic flow. This could involve either a traffic signal with multiple turn lanes in all directions or a roundabout with dedicated right-turn lanes to handle the traffic volumes that flow through this intersection.
2. BOHICKET & MAIN ROAD IMPROVEMENTS (NORTH OF EDENVALE ROAD)
   Bohicket Road north from Edenvale Road to Brownswood Road needs increased capacity with additional turn lanes. This segment of Bohicket experiences significant traffic volumes as it approaches the intersection of Main Road and Maybank Highway. A parkway concept where feasible (a divided planted median) would preserve significant trees, increase safety, and preserve settlement communities built along Bohicket Road.
3. RIVER ROAD IMPROVEMENTS (NORTH OF PLOWGROUND ROAD)
   From Plowground Road north to Maybank Highway, River Road needs to be expanded to four lanes with additional turn lanes as required. This segment of River Road experiences significant congestion. The connection to the future I-526 will shift thousands of vehicles to this stretch of highway in both directions.
4. PRESERVE CANOPY OF OAKS
   Driving under the canopy of oaks is unique to the Sea Islands. The County must prioritize the preservation of oaks along Bohicket Road, mainly south of Edenvale Road. Where road widening occurs north of Edenvale Road, the County should develop a divided roadway cross-section where feasible to preserve this scenic canopy.
5. INCORPORATE MULTI-USE PATHS
   Safe pathways must be constructed to accommodate pedestrian and bicycle traffic throughout the corridor. This includes Main Road / Bohicket Road from Brownswood Road to Betsy Kerrison Parkway. The dedication of a separated multiuse path along Bohicket Road provides safe travel paths for pedestrians and bicyclists and provides the opportunity to establish a Sea Island Greenway for Johns Island under the unique canopy of oaks.
6. CONNECTION TO FUTURE I-526 EXTENSION
   Not considering the impacts of such a significant regional infrastructure improvement project as the I-526 Extension is irresponsible. The County cannot ignore the effects on Johns Island’s traffic patterns. The extension of I-526, if built, will shift traffic patterns dramatically toward an already congested eastern gate of Johns Island at two new exits onto River Road. An alternative to Maybank Highway (Plow Ground Road) must be considered since there are no significant infrastructure improvement plans for Maybank Highway.
7. LEARNING FROM MAYBANK HIGHWAY
   Maybank Highway and Main Road are the most traveled roads on Johns Island. These are primary thoroughfares that carry and distribute high volumes of traffic. We must invest in necessary infrastructure improvements for Main Road and Bohicket Road while we have this opportunity. We cannot ignore the previously missed opportunities for adequate road and infrastructure improvements on Maybank Highway. We must be committed to improving the quality of life for those who live, work, and vacation in this portion of the County. Four lanes provide a wise investment today that prevents the community from being in the same place years from now with the amount of development happening. We can respect both elements of efficient traffic and resolute character if we make tough decisions today with foresight. More development is happening daily, and without necessary infrastructure improvements, we find ourselves with a crisis beyond repair.
8. LARGEST EMPLOYMENT CENTER IN THE AREA
   We cannot ignore the economic impact of the southern end of Johns Island. This section of the Sea Islands represents one of the most significant economic engines in the county. Thousands of vehicles travel to the southern end of Johns Island to Kiawah and Seabrook for work every day. This includes the array of service providers, i.e., builders, landscaping, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, etc. The Kiawah Island Golf Resort, Kiawah Island Community Association, employs thousands of people who need traffic relief today. A significant percentage journey from the northern parts of the county and beyond. The livelihood of these entities depends on efficient roads.

The community is encouraged to submit comments to the County before the public comment period ends on May 27, 2022.

The next public information meeting is scheduled for May 12, 2022. The drop-in style meeting will occur in person from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Project team members will be available for questions at various display stations. The project team will use this input to help shape the project’s future.

The meeting will be held at:

Saint John’s Parish Church, Walton Hall
3673 Maybank Highway, Johns Island, SC 29455