South Carolina Department of Transportation unveiled their plan last month on the proposed Interstate 526 expansion.  And adding to this already heated debate, the meetings regarding the plan were held downtown and those most affected live in more rural areas.  The plan is to connect West Ashley, James Island and Johns Island with an eight mile parkway that begins where I-526 ends at Highway 17 in West Ashley and ends at the James Island Connector. 

In-between these two locations, a pair of bridges will cross the Stono River and access roads will link to both James and Johns Islands.  The plan for the expansion is to be more boulevard-like with lower speed limits (35-45 MPH) and a bike/pedestrian lanes.  If the plan is approved, the budget is $69 million and will displace four businesses and 22 residences.  Whether you are for or against the expansion. the opinions are quite strong on both sides.  Akers and Ellis provides homes for sale on Kiawah Island and vacation rentals on Kiawah Island and Seabrook Island and has many Johns Island Real Estate listings on Johns Island.