The project would add two more bridges over the Stono, leading to even more pollution like tire particles, oil, and microplastics draining into the river and surrounding marshland.
This would also significantly and permanently damage habitat for plants and wildlife. Once it’s gone, it’s gone forever.
The proposed route crosses a low-lying area that already experiences several feet of water during even a low-grade hurricane. During intense storms, the marsh surrounding James and Johns Islands protects communities by absorbing excess water from high tides and rain. Destroying these wetlands by replacing them with a bridge and concrete roadway will take away these protections.
The beloved James Island County Park is directly in the path of the proposed route. These few miles of road will destroy over 32 acres of the park—the equivalent of 24 football fields’ worth of space.
While heavy traffic on I-526 is a known issue, the proposed extension will not fix this problem. In fact, it is likely to worsen it by introducing more cars onto the road in areas that are already struggling to manage existing traffic.
The proposed route will send more cars to exit on Calhoun street, right in the middle of the medical district, where there is already heavy traffic and some of the worst flooding. This street already operates at its maximum capacity of cars every day; it simply cannot take more.
Like many highway projects in America, the i-526 extension would disproportionately affect communities of color. The proposed route cuts through seven blocks of settlement community neighborhoods, separating neighbors by a highway.
Many residents who live along the route will be forced out of their homes and off their family land.
Residents who will only lose part of their land will still end up with a massive roadway in their backyard, complete with highway traffic and lights. Highways this close to homes change these communities forever.