Spend enough time in West Ashley, and you’ll become familiar with the traffic along Savannah Highway, the busy intersections around Glenn McConnell Parkway and the growing neighborhoods extending farther into the area.
As West Ashley continues to develop, so does the need for roads and schools that can serve the people who live and work here.
On November 3, Charleston County voters will consider three measures that address some of those needs. Early voting begins Monday, October 19 and runs through Saturday, October 31.
The measures involve continuing the existing school and transportation sales taxes and authorizing a separate bond that would allow approved transportation projects to move forward sooner.
Through the YES for CHS campaign, the Charleston Metro Chamber supports all three measures. We’ve also outlined what each question means and how they work together.
Here’s a closer look at the projects proposed for West Ashley.
Investments in Local Schools
The Charleston County School District’s proposed 2029–2034 capital program identifies several projects in West Ashley, including new schools and expanded early education facilities.
- Long Savanna: Construction of a new elementary school with early education classrooms.
- Former St. Andrews High School campus: Construction of a new Orange Grove Middle School and facilities for Pattison’s Academy.
- Drayton Hall Elementary: Additional early education classrooms.
As residential development continues in parts of West Ashley, school facilities remain an important part of planning for the area’s needs. The proposed projects address classroom space and the facilities available to students, families and educators.
Improvements to Roads and Connections
Several proposed transportation projects focus on roads and intersections West Ashley residents use regularly.
- Savannah Highway: Widening between Dobbin Road and Main Road.
- Glenn McConnell Parkway at Magwood Drive: Construction of a new eastbound overpass.
- Savannah Highway at Ashley Town Center: Intersection reconstruction.
- Better North Bridge: Walking and biking improvements connecting West Ashley and North Charleston.
These improvements would address different transportation needs, from roadway capacity and intersection design to additional ways for people to travel between communities.
The Better North Bridge project, for example, would create another connection between West Ashley and North Charleston for people traveling on foot or by bicycle.
Looking Ahead
For decades, the school and transportation sales taxes have helped fund projects across Charleston County. The proposed continuations would establish another period of funding, while the transportation bond would provide a way to advance approved projects using future tax revenue.
If the sales tax extensions are not approved, the proposed programs would not receive funding through those extensions. Decisions about alternative funding and project schedules would remain unresolved.
For West Ashley, the proposed improvements address needs already identified across its roads and schools. Residents can explore the plans, review how previous funds have been spent and learn more about the three measures before voting.
Explore the Plans and Resources
- Understanding the Three Ballot Measures
- CCSD’s Proposed 2029–2034 School Projects
- Charleston County Transportation Project Plans
- YES for CHS Campaign and Resources
- Early Voting Information
Explore What’s Proposed in Other Communities
