|
In addition to our advocacy efforts, we seek to keep our fellow Islanders informed on transportation projects on our Island. We hope you find this monthly update of consolidated State, County, and City information useful.
|
|
Highlights of Johns Island road projects for the past month include:
- A new traffic signal was installed on Maybank Highway as part of the work on the Northern Pitchfork.
- There are plans to work on the intersection of River and Cane Slash Roads.
- The Main/Mary Ann Point safety study continues to be updated.
- State approval of funding for permitting and land acquisitions for the Mark Clark Extension (MCE) project has not been forthcoming. The County has not yet released its plan for funding the Mark Clark Extension.
The details are given below. If you know of other efforts or have questions, don't hesitate to contact us at RationalRoads@gmail.com.
New Traffic Signal on Maybank Highway
A traffic signal signal was installed on Maybank Highway at Fenwick Hall Allee as part of the Northern Pitchfork effort and to address safety issues at this intersection. This is the second deadliest stretch of road on Johns Island. Only Main Road at Mary Ann Point Road is deadlier.
The City’s Traffic and Transportation Department is continuing to monitor and make adjustments to the traffic signals in the Maybank corridor including this new signal at Maybank and Fenwick. We encourage the City to continue to work to minimize the impact of the traffic signal on traffic flow.
Adding to the congestion was the traffic signal to Headquarters. Last week its traffic sensors were not operating correctly causing that signal to change without cars tripping the light.
Note that the new signal is a tripped signal. When a car approaches the Signal from Fenwick Hall Allee, the signal is tripped but Maybank Hwy will stay green for three minutes before the light changes. This is the longest extended green time at a signal in the entire city.
This event is a great opportunity to rethink the greater Maybank Hwy and River Road intersection using the Maybank Highway Improvement Recommendations as a guide. The 1,000 or so dwelling units which may be built in the immediate vicinity need to be factored into this rethinking.
Next week we will send out a "Reimagining the Greater Maybank Highway and River Road Intersection" newsletter on this topic.
Intersection at River and Cane Slash Roads
The developer of Oakfield, which is a Planned Unit Development (PUD) in the City on Cane Slash Road, is required by SCDOT to modify the River Road and Cane Slash Road intersection. Currently there are no turn lanes at this intersection.
As shown in the graphic above, the developer proposes to add a right turn on southbound River Road, a left turn lane on northbound River Road, and left and right turn lanes on Cane Slash Road. You can find the details here.
The most dangerous aspect of this intersection, the ability of drivers on Cane Slash Road to safely make a left onto northbound River Road, is not even addressed by this solution.
To accomplish this proposed solution, the developer must go before the County's Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) to approve the removal of several grand trees. This BZA meeting is expected to occur in June or July.
When it comes to roads, thing quickly become very complicated. The need for the changes are due to a development within the City, the road and trees are within the County, and the road is owned by SCDOT.
The proposed changes evidently meet the SCDOT requirements but are not part of any overall strategic vision for roads on Johns Island. For example, should there be a roundabout at this intersection to improve safety? Should Cane Slash Road be aligned with the Southern Pitchfork to improve traffic flow?
These topics will be covered in our "Reimagining the Greater Maybank Highway and River Road Intersection" newsletter next week.
Main and Mary Ann Point Safety Study
The graphic above shows the nine fatal collisions along this section of Main Road near Mary Ann Point Road since 2010. The County continues to revise their safety study for this intersection. We will FOIA this document when it is available and pass it along to you.
Mark Clark Extension (aka 526)
At the end of January County Council authorized $75M be sent to SCDOT for permit work and land acquisitions for the Mark Clark Extension (MCE) project. Over three months later, the State Joint Bond Review Committee (JBRC) has yet to authorize the State Infrastructure Bank (SIB) to release their matching $75M. Until that happens, there are limited funds to continue work on this project.
The County has yet to release their plan to fund this $2.2B project (less the $420M the state will provide). It is uncertain if the $2.2B includes the cost for litigation, bond servicing, and needed improvements to River and Brownswood Roads as well as contingencies for cost overruns.
|
|
|
Mark Clark Extension (aka 526): The County must develop a plan to fund their portion of the project and to also cover the cost for litigation, bond servicing, and needed improvements to River and Brownswood Roads as well as contingencies for cost overruns. The Joint Bond Review Committee must also approve the State Infrastructure Bank to provide the $75M matching funds. Unknown timeline.
Main Road and Mary Ann Point Road Intersection: Determine what improvements will be made, funding, and schedule by the end of May.
Main Road Corridor Segment C (aka Bohicket Road): The County will hold a public meeting in the Spring of 2023.
Main Road Corridor Segment A (aka 17 and Main flyover): Design-build contract to be awarded in Q3 of 2023.
Northern Pitchfork: Complete by end of 2023 or early 2024.
Upper River Road (Main to Maybank): Repave in 2023.
|
|
|
Consolidated Johns Island Transportation Project Schedule
There is some uncertainty in this schedule, especially for projects that are further out in time. For example:
- The duration of Segment C of the Main Road Corridor Project will vary based upon which alternative is chosen.
- The start of the Mark Clark Extension is dependent upon funding.
Our website has details on all the transportation projects on Johns Island.
|
|
|
Useful Links and Contacts
|
|
|
|
Contact Information
Transportation Resources
|
|
|
|
