Charleston County crews broke ground this week on the final phase of safety improvements along Maybank Highway, wrapping up a multi-year Complete Streets initiative that has transformed the James Island corridor into a more pedestrian-friendly thoroughfare.

The two-month construction phase will add a mid-block crossing with rectangular rapid-flashing beacons (RRFB), a center island refuge, and enhanced sidewalk connections near the Woodland Shores Road intersection. The improvements represent the last piece of a $2.8 million project that began in 2021 to address pedestrian safety concerns on the heavily traveled route.

“This final phase connects all the previous improvements we’ve made along this stretch,” said Charleston County transportation spokesperson Janet Huckaby. “The mid-block crossing was specifically requested by residents who noted the long distances between safe crossing points.”

The Maybank Highway project reflects broader infrastructure challenges facing James Island as residential development has accelerated. Charleston’s Peninsula Gains Residents for First Time Since 1930s, pushing more families to seek housing on nearby islands, increasing traffic volumes on connector roads like Maybank Highway.

Previous phases of the Complete Streets project added 4.2 miles of sidewalks, improved lighting at five intersections, and installed bike lanes between Central Park Road and Battery Island. The county also reconstructed portions of the roadway to include wider shoulders and better stormwater drainage.

James Island residents have advocated for pedestrian improvements since 2018, when county traffic studies showed Maybank Highway carried more than 28,000 vehicles daily between Folly Road and the James Island Connector. The corridor serves as the primary route to Folly Beach and handles significant commuter traffic from island neighborhoods.

“The crossing improvements are long overdue,” said James Island Public Service District commissioner Frances Cantwell. “We’ve had several near-misses with pedestrians trying to cross near the shopping areas, especially during summer beach traffic.”

The rectangular rapid-flashing beacons use LED lights activated by pedestrian push-buttons to alert drivers to crosswalk activity. Federal Highway Administration studies show the beacons can increase driver yielding behavior by up to 98% compared to standard crosswalk markings.

Construction will require lane restrictions during off-peak hours, with most work scheduled between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. to minimize impact on morning and evening commutes. County officials expect some weekend work to complete underground utility connections for the beacon systems.

The center island refuge allows pedestrians to cross the four-lane highway in stages, reducing exposure time in traffic lanes. The 6-foot-wide concrete island includes landscaping and reflective markers visible to drivers at night.

James Island has seen significant Real Estate & Development activity in recent years, with several large apartment complexes and townhome projects adding density along major corridors. The Maybank Highway improvements support that growth while addressing safety concerns raised by existing residents.

“Complete Streets projects like this one recognize that roads need to serve everyone – drivers, cyclists, pedestrians,” said Charleston County Councilwoman Jenny Costa Honeycutt, whose district includes James Island. “The investment pays dividends in safety and quality of life.”

The project’s design includes Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant curb ramps and tactile warning surfaces at all crossing points. New sidewalk sections connect to existing pedestrian infrastructure, creating continuous pathways from residential areas to commercial districts.

County engineers incorporated public feedback gathered through three community meetings and an online survey that drew more than 400 responses. Residents prioritized pedestrian crossings and better lighting over other potential improvements like turn lanes or roundabouts.

Funding for the Maybank Highway Complete Streets project came from Charleston County’s capital improvement program and federal transportation grants. The county has similar pedestrian safety projects planned for Folly Road and Main Road on Johns Island.

Traffic patterns on James Island have shifted significantly since the pandemic, with more residents working from home but also more recreational traffic to beaches and parks. County traffic counts show weekend volumes on Maybank Highway now approach weekday levels during peak summer months.

The construction timeline accounts for potential weather delays and utility conflicts, with substantial completion targeted for early spring. Final paving and striping work may extend into March, depending on winter conditions.

Contractors will maintain access to businesses and residences throughout construction, though temporary parking restrictions may affect some commercial areas. The county plans public notifications before any major traffic pattern changes.

Once complete, the Maybank Highway improvements will provide a template for similar projects on other James Island corridors, including portions of Central Park Road and Harbor View Road that lack adequate pedestrian infrastructure.

County officials note the project’s completion will trigger a comprehensive traffic study to measure safety improvements and guide future transportation planning for the island’s growing population.