July 17, 2025

Charleston Takes Steps to Enhance Intersection Safety

News Summary

Charleston’s City Council, led by Councilman Jim McBride, is addressing safety concerns at the intersection of Riverland Drive and Maybank Highway. With nearly 37,000 vehicles passing daily and over 200 accidents recorded since 2020, proposed improvements include warning lights and speed signs. Despite no immediate plans from the state Department of Transportation, city officials emphasize the need for short-term solutions while considering longer-term strategies. This focus on safety coincides with ongoing discussions of a potential zoning change affecting local development.

Charleston is taking decisive action to improve safety at the intersection of Riverland Drive and Maybank Highway, an area that has become notorious for traffic accidents. The City Council, led by Councilman Jim McBride, convened on July 15, 2025, during a Traffic and Transportation meeting to address mounting concerns from residents about the dangerous conditions at this critical juncture.

The intersection experiences significant traffic due to its role as a key access point from Johns Island, with an average of 36,900 vehicles passing through each day, as reported by 2024 Department of Transportation (DOT) traffic counts. Local residents have been vocal about their worries, noting the intersection’s lack of protected turn lanes and the alarming rate of accidents. Since 2020, Charleston County’s emergency communications center has recorded 214 accidents in the area, while the state Department of Public Safety reported 97 collisions at or near the intersection over the past five years.

In response to these safety concerns, Mayor William Cogswell discussed the necessity of collaboration among city officials, Charleston County, and the state Department of Transportation to find lasting solutions. However, according to spokesperson Hannah Robinson, the state DOT currently has no immediate plans to implement new safety measures at this intersection.

During the meeting, Councilman McBride emphasized the necessity for the city to develop short-term safety improvements while waiting for a more comprehensive solution that may evolve through Charleston County’s prospective 2026 transportation sales tax. Some of the proposed safety enhancements include the installation of warning lights, rumble strips, and radar speed signs. Additionally, Councilman Karl Brady suggested implementing a ban on left turns during peak rush hours, pointing to the success of similar measures at other downtown intersections.

No formal decisions were made during the July 15 meeting, but a follow-up meeting was scheduled with county staff for July 16 to further explore potential improvements. This intersection’s safety issues coincide with broader discussions about development and zoning changes elsewhere in the area. Just further along Maybank Highway, a zoning change proposal is under consideration for Cane Slash Road, seeking to shift zoning from limited commercial to mixed-use. This change would pave the way for new developments, including hotels and higher residential density.

The zoning proposal has sparked significant debate among Johns Island residents, with nearly 200 written comments submitted in opposition to the changes. Residents cited existing infrastructure inadequacies and potential traffic increases as primary concerns. Only four comments expressed support for the rezoning, reflecting widespread community unease over the implications for traffic and local resources.

The planning commission voted against the rezoning request on July 14, responding to substantial public discontent. The proposal is expected to be presented to the County Council in August for further consideration.

This ongoing dialogue concerning traffic safety and developmental growth highlights the increasing challenges facing infrastructure management in rapidly expanding urban areas like Charleston. As the city grapples with rising traffic volumes and growing residential demands, finding solutions that prioritize safety, mobility, and community well-being will be critical moving forward.

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Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON

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