The roundabout where Main, River and Chisolm roads meet on Johns Island opens at 6 a.m. Monday. River Road stays closed there until then; detour via Old Pond Road.

The new roundabout where Main, River and Chisolm roads meet on Johns Island opens to traffic at 6 a.m. Monday, Oct. 19. Charleston County announced the opening in a news release.

River Road has been closed at the intersection since 7 p.m. Friday while crews finish the job. The county said the weekend work includes stormwater pipe installation and paving. River Road reopens Monday morning.

The detour until Monday

Drivers who normally take River Road to reach the Limehouse Bridge should detour via Old Pond Road to Main Road, the county said. Message boards on the corridor warn drivers about the new traffic pattern.

The county asked drivers to plan ahead, allow extra time and take care through the construction area.

Part of the Main Road project

The roundabout is one piece of the U.S. 17 and Main Road Improvements Project. That project runs 2.4 miles along Main Road, from Bees Ferry Road to River and Chisolm roads. The county says it is meant to:

  • reduce congestion where U.S. 17 meets Main Road
  • add road capacity
  • give bicycles and pedestrians a safe way across the Stono River
  • improve stormwater drainage along the corridor

The work is paid for by the 2016 Transportation Sales Tax.

“This roundabout will make a real difference for the people who travel this corridor every day,” County Council Chairman Joe Boykin said in the release. “There’s more work ahead, but this is meaningful progress toward improving traffic flow and keeping our community moving.”

What it means for you

  • Before 6 a.m. Monday: River Road is closed at Main Road. Use Old Pond Road to Main Road.
  • From Monday morning: traffic at Main, River and Chisolm roads goes through the roundabout.
  • The wider Main Road work goes on. Expect more construction between Bees Ferry Road and the Stono River.

Live closures on state routes are on 511sc.org. Our Charleston road work page lists every project under way in the city, and the Johns Island neighborhood guide covers schools, parks and commutes on the island.