Charleston Plans Stricter Traffic Reviews for Johns Island

Charleston is drafting an ordinance requiring developers to assess how proposed projects affect surrounding roads—not just their entrances and exits—and account for existing traffic problems; the measure will go through public review and a City Council vote. The proposal responds to congestion and growth on Johns Island, where about 1,500 housing units between River Road and the Maybank Highway connector bridge are already approved and legally vested. The city and county are also advancing road improvements, including widening Maybank Highway and upgrading the U.S. 17-Main Road interchange, a $354 million project expected to be completed in 2028. Much of the infrastructure work relies on the half-cent sales tax, which voters could be asked to extend in November.