How people move through Charleston County affects more than morning and evening commutes. It shapes whether employees can get to work reliably, how easily businesses can reach customers and talent and how well the region can keep pace with continued growth.
On November 3, Charleston County voters will have the opportunity to say YES to CHS and continue the half-cent Transportation Sales Tax first approved in 2004. If approved, the new program would generate an estimated $4.25 billion over no more than 25 years.
Reliable Transportation Supports a Stronger Workforce
Transportation challenges quickly become workforce challenges.
Long or unpredictable commutes can limit the jobs employees are able to consider, complicate scheduling and make it harder for businesses to recruit and retain talent. The effects also extend beyond Charleston County, as people travel among Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester counties every day for work, education, health care and other services.
A bottleneck in West Ashley, North Charleston or Mount Pleasant can create ripple effects across the metro area. The referendum gives voters a choice about how Charleston County prepares its transportation network for the people and businesses that rely on it.
How the Funding Would be Divided
The proposed program would direct approximately $2.7 billion toward roadway infrastructure. Another $858 million would support public transit, including Lowcountry Rapid Transit, while $690 million would fund the county’s Greenbelt Program.
The plan combines roadway improvements, transit investments, flood protection and land preservation in an effort to address several of the pressures that come with regional growth.
Projects Across Charleston County
The program includes projects in communities throughout the county, ranging from major road improvements to intersection upgrades and resiliency work.
North Charleston
Proposed projects include:
- A new overpass at Rivers and Durant avenues
- Improvements to Mall Drive and Stall Road
- Widening along Patriot Boulevard
- The Better North Bridge connecting North Charleston to West Ashley for pedestrians
These projects focus on several of North Charleston’s busiest corridors and key connections between residential areas, commercial centers and major employers.
Mount Pleasant
Featured projects include improvements at Johnnie Dodds Boulevard and Houston Northcutt Boulevard, along with resiliency work on Long Point Road.
Both areas carry significant daily traffic and serve growing neighborhoods, businesses and employment centers throughout town.
City of Charleston
Proposed projects include:
- The Battery Extension flood-control plan
- Improvements at Glenn McConnell Parkway and Magwood Road
- Widening U.S. Highway 17 South from Dobbin Road to Main Road
- Improvements along Maybank Highway and Hagood Avenue
Each project responds to a different need, but together they point toward a region that is easier to navigate, better connected and more prepared for what comes next.
On November 3, Charleston County voters will have the opportunity to say YES to CHS and support a long-term investment in the roads, transit and infrastructure our businesses, workforce and communities depend on.
Learn more about the strategy, investments and projects included in the Transportation Sales Tax program:
