Greenville, S.C., August 11, 2025
News Summary
As the new school year approaches, Greenville, S.C. is enhancing pedestrian safety with the installation of high-visibility crosswalks and increased police enforcement in school zones. These measures aim to protect students and community members while walking or biking. The Greenville Police Department will monitor traffic speeds and ensure compliance with safety regulations to improve safety for children. Future road projects are also planned to further enhance safety throughout the city.
Greenville, S.C. Enhances Pedestrian Safety with New Features and Increased Enforcement Ahead of School Year
The City of Greenville is prioritizing pedestrian safety as the new school year approaches, implementing several new safety features and increased enforcement measures in school zones. Assistant City Engineer Nick DePalma announced the installation of high-visibility crosswalks and flashing pedestrian signs throughout the city to better protect students and community members while walking or biking.
To bolster these efforts, the Greenville Police Department will increase its presence in school zones and along bus routes, focusing on monitoring speeding vehicles and improper passing. The increased enforcement aims to ensure that drivers comply with safety regulations during peak school traffic times, enhancing overall safety for children.
In the past year, multiple crosswalks near school zones have been revamped to include new safety measures. Notable improvements include flashing crosswalks installed on Ferris Road near Augusta Circle Elementary School and on Old Augusta Road near Blythe Academy, both designed to alert drivers to the presence of pedestrians. Additionally, a new pedestrian hybrid beacon crossing has been added at the intersection of Stone Avenue and Wilton Street, which stops traffic in both directions when activated, allowing pedestrians to cross safely.
DePalma has emphasized the critical need for safe walking and biking routes to schools and other community destinations, highlighting the city’s commitment to pedestrian safety. The working relationship between city engineers and the police department aims to construct a safer environment for all road users.
While these enhancements are notable, future road improvements are also on the horizon. Construction for a new limited-access route parallel to Woodruff Road is projected to begin in 2027, despite planning initiatives that started in 2017. The South Carolina Department of Transportation is developing a 5-lane alternate route extending from Verdae Boulevard to Smith Hines Road at the Woodruff Road intersection, with an estimated cost of $121 million. This project will impact 40 commercial properties and two residences, requiring the acquisition of 40 acres of right-of-way, and includes plans for two new bridge crossings over Interstate 85 and Interstate 385.
Several other ongoing and planned road projects in Greenville County aim to enhance safety and accommodate increased traffic. These include Butler Road improvements that feature a multi-use path, Wade Hampton Boulevard safety upgrades with concrete medians and ADA compliant pedestrian ramps, and the $12 million Roper Mountain Road extension. Improvements on River Street and Richardson Street in downtown Greenville seek to reduce accidents with new cycle tracks and high visibility crosswalks, while renovations of the Church Street Bridge will expand pedestrian walkways through 2026.
In conjunction with these efforts, the Greenville Organized for Accountable Leadership (GOAL) recently hosted a rally, attracting over 300 attendees to discuss pedestrian safety and high eviction rates in the area. GOAL has been advocating for investments in affordable housing and initiatives to address the eviction crisis, recommending the establishment of a housing court in Greenville County by 2025-2026 to assist tenants at risk of eviction. They also urge state legislators to support a bill allowing judges to seal eviction records.
Furthermore, GOAL has identified the need for safety enhancements along White Horse Road/U.S. Highway 25, particularly in the Berea neighborhood, to improve conditions for pedestrians and cyclists. The coalition is promoting a Vision Zero plan aimed at eliminating traffic and pedestrian fatalities in the county and is advocating for federal funding to improve street lighting on White Horse Road.
Summary of Pedestrian Safety Improvements in Greenville
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| High-Visibility Crosswalks | Newly installed across the city to enhance driver awareness. |
| Flashing Pedestrian Signs | Alerts drivers to stopping pedestrians at Ferris Road and Old Augusta Road. |
| Pedestrian Hybrid Beacons | Installed at Stone Avenue and Wilton Street for safe crossing. |
| Increased Police Enforcement | Enhanced monitoring during school traffic hours by Greenville Police. |
| Future Road Improvements | Planned projects to alleviate traffic and improve safety across the city. |
FAQs
What new pedestrian safety features have been implemented in Greenville?
Greenville has installed high-visibility crosswalks, flashing pedestrian signs, and a pedestrian hybrid beacon crossing to enhance safety for walkers and bikers, particularly near schools.
How will the Greenville Police Department help improve safety in school zones?
The Greenville Police Department will increase its presence in school zones and along bus routes to monitor for speeding vehicles and ensure proper driving behavior during school hours.
When is the planned construction for future road improvements expected to begin?
Construction for the new limited-access route parallel to Woodruff Road is expected to begin in 2027.
What is GOAL advocating for regarding pedestrian safety?
GOAL is advocating for safety enhancements along White Horse Road, a Vision Zero plan to eliminate traffic fatalities, and securing federal funding for better street lighting.
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Additional Resources
- Fox Carolina: Greenville Crosswalk Safety Features
- The State: Pedestrian Safety News
- Greenville Journal: GOAL Advocacy for Safety
- WYFF4: Pedestrian Fatalities in Greenville County
- Google Search: Greenville SC pedestrian safety
Author: STAFF HERE GREENVILLE
The HERE Greenville Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Greenville community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Greenville Our team includes lifelong Greenville residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sales in the Heritage Historic District 17 , Greenville’s textile and railroad heritage 2 , and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Greenville Technical College programs) 27 . Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
