This election season, Charleston County residents have the opportunity to better our region’s future by voting Yes on the Transportation Sales Tax (TST) Referendum. For those who call West Ashley home, this referendum is an incredible opportunity to make tangible improvements that will transform daily life. Let’s take a closer look at why voting Yes on November 5 is critical for West Ashley and all of Charleston County.
The TST Referendum: A Brief Overview
The Charleston County Transportation Sales Tax Referendum provides a path to making roads safer, reducing traffic, enhancing public transit and protecting our beautiful greenspaces. If passed, it will fund vital infrastructure, transit and greenspace projects across the county.
A critical point to understand is that this referendum won’t increase taxes. It’s simply a way for us to direct resources toward completing crucial projects that will enhance the safety of our roads, including improvements to I-526 and other key infrastructure investments that will benefit everyone.
How Voting Yes Will Impact West Ashley
West Ashley residents know all too well the frustrations of gridlock and traffic congestion. The referendum directly addresses these issues by funding specific projects that will reduce traffic delays and make our commutes more efficient. For example, SCDOT studies show that Charleston region drivers lose around 50 hours each year stuck in traffic. By passing this referendum, we can cut West Ashley’s morning commute times by 45%, making daily routines more manageable for all of us.
And it’s not just about traffic. This referendum is about safety too. With fewer accidents and quicker emergency response times, our community will be safer for everyone.
What’s at Stake if This Doesn’t Pass?
If funding through this referendum is not secured, there’s no alternative plan to support the Greenbelt and transit projects that our county desperately needs. Without this crucial investment, our roads will continue to be overwhelmed, our green spaces could be at risk of overdevelopment and we’ll lose the opportunity to create a more connected, sustainable future.
Major Projects That Will Improve West Ashley
Several high-impact projects are planned to benefit West Ashley directly:
- Northbridge Pedestrian & Bicycle Safety: A new bridge will be built alongside the Northbridge to connect Sam Rittenberg Boulevard to Azalea Drive, improving safety for cyclists and pedestrians.
- Savannah Highway Enhancements: Key capacity and intersection improvements will ease traffic flow along US-17 from Dobbin Road to Hwy 162.
- Glenn McConnell Parkway Overpass: An overpass for eastbound traffic will be constructed at Magwood Drive to improve traffic flow.
- Ashley River Road Enhancements: New bridges and capacity improvements along SC-61 from Bees Ferry Road to Paul Cantrell Boulevard will make commuting safer and smoother for drivers and cyclists alike.
How You Can Help: Vote Yes
To ensure the success of these projects, it’s essential to vote Yes on Question 1 and Question 2. Question 1 secures the necessary funding for these projects and Question 2 allows work to start as soon as possible. Together, they are the key to unlocking a brighter future for West Ashley.
Be sure to view the entire ballot. These questions will be at the end under the Local Questions section and will look similar to the image below.
By voting Yes, you’ll help us create safer roads, reduce traffic and protect our natural spaces. Charleston County residents share this precious opportunity to make our region a better place to live, work and play.
For additional information on the TST Referendum, visit these resources:
Want to help with funding to ensure the TST Referendum gets passed? Contact Michael Mule at michael.mule@upstrategies.com to donate.
