The Mark Clark extension of I-526 across Johns and James Islands is shelved — the State Infrastructure Bank voted to abandon it in May 2025, and the county is reallocating roughly $420 million to other roads, including a fourth lane on Maybank Highway. Still moving: the I-526 widening (a separate, approved project), the Ashley River Crossing bridge (under construction), Sam Rittenberg's redesign (in active design), MUSC's $83.5M purchase of part of Citadel Mall, the $345M Ashley Landing redevelopment, and a $100M sewer tunnel.
In short: The Mark Clark extension of I-526 is shelved — the SIB voted to abandon it in May 2025 and the county is reallocating about $420 million to other roads. Still moving: the I-526 widening, the Ashley River Crossing bridge (under construction), Sam Rittenberg's redesign (in design), MUSC's $83.5M Citadel Mall purchase, Ashley Landing ($345M), and a $100M sewer tunnel.
Last verified: October 2026.
The projects
What it means for homeowners
- Two different I-526 projects — don't mix them up. The shelved one is the Mark Clark extension (new road across the islands). The approved one is the Corridor WEST widening of the existing interstate, with construction anticipated 2029–2039.
- Shelved doesn't mean nothing happens. The reallocated ~$420M is aimed at other roads, including a fourth lane on Maybank Highway — watch those corridors for value effects.
- Trail and bridge access is a selling point. Homes near the Greenway gain a direct bike and walking route downtown once the Ashley River Crossing opens.
- Construction brings tradeoffs. Homes near the sewer tunnel work, the bridge site, and the I-526 corridor will see years of activity. Ask about a home's distance to each project before you buy.
- Schedules move. Every date here is the agency's or outlet's current published estimate, not a promise. Where sources conflict — e.g., the bridge's opening date — I say so above.
Sources: SCDOT, the City of Charleston, Charleston County, and the outlets linked above. Status last verified October 2026.
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Common questions
Is the I-526 extension across Johns and James Islands happening?
No — not as planned. The State Infrastructure Bank voted on May 12, 2025 to abandon the Mark Clark extension project, and Charleston County is reallocating roughly $420M to other road projects. The separate I-526 Corridor WEST widening is still approved.
When will the Ashley River Crossing bridge open?
It's under construction ($74M). An industry report estimates completion in June 2027, but the City posts no official opening date — treat the date as an estimate.
What is happening at Citadel Mall?
MUSC closed an $83.5M purchase of portions of Citadel Mall on December 18, 2025. 30–45 acres could free up for mixed redevelopment.
Michael JagerCharleston-born REALTOR® with eXp Realty, working with buyers and sellers in West Ashley and across the Charleston area. SC license #125890. About Michael · Verify my license