Charleston to Vote on Transportation Tax November 3

The referendum includes $100 million in funding for a major intersection project on Magwood Drive.

Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Electric Vehicles

Charleston to Vote on Transportation Tax November 3

Live Poll

Do you support increasing local sales taxes to fund major road and traffic infrastructure projects?

Charleston voters will decide on a new transportation sales tax referendum on November 3. The proposal includes $100 million for an intersection project at Magwood Drive to help address rising congestion.

Why it matters

The funding aims to manage increasing traffic in West Ashley resulting from ongoing regional development. Approval could accelerate project timelines and support broader infrastructure improvements in the area.

The proposed measure allocates $100 million toward a specific intersection project at Magwood Drive. This effort is designed to alleviate traffic congestion near the I-526 interchange in West Ashley.

The players

South Carolina Department of Transportation

The state agency is responsible for planning the westbound bridge and infrastructure improvements for the Magwood Drive intersection.

The details

The project intends to add an eastbound flyover at Magwood Drive to allow vehicles heading onto I-526 to pass over existing traffic. To manage current congestion, the city plans to retime traffic lights across West Ashley as an interim measure.

Voters will cast their ballots on the transportation sales tax referendum on November 3.
Construction for the state-planned westbound bridge project is currently expected to begin in 2029.

Roadmap

The proposal reflects a growing shift where local municipalities use dedicated sales taxes to address congestion on state-managed transit corridors. This approach signals a move toward localized funding as regional development outpaces state infrastructure budgets.

Passage of the measure determines whether residents will see new tax-funded intersection upgrades to combat daily commute times. Voters must weigh the potential for faster project timelines against the long-term cost of the additional sales tax.

The takeaway

Voters should review the specific ballot language to understand how borrowing against future tax revenue might affect long-term municipal debt. Understanding the project timeline for the Magwood Drive bridge is essential for gauging the tangible relief this tax could provide.