News Summary
Greenville implements new safety measures to protect students commuting to Augusta Circle Elementary School amid traffic safety concerns.
Greenville has implemented new safety measures to protect students commuting to Augusta Circle Elementary School. Concerns from parents regarding traffic safety at the intersection of West Faris Road and Winyah Street prompted the installation of a Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) and a pedestrian warning sign. These features aim to increase driver awareness in the school zone, addressing issues of speeding vehicles as parents and children navigate the crosswalk.
The RRFB system allows pedestrians to activate high-frequency LED flashing beacons by pressing a button. This system is designed to alert drivers that pedestrians are present, thereby improving safety for students as they commute to school. Parents have previously expressed their apprehensions about cars speeding through the area, highlighting a need for more effective safety measures.
In addition to the new crosswalk features, the city has undertaken traffic and pedestrian safety audits throughout the area. Collaborating with the South Carolina Department of Transportation and Greenville County Schools, the audits identified further safety enhancements required along Dunbar Street and Green Avenue. Key issues that need addressing include damaged sidewalks, malfunctioning signals, and the prevalence of speeding vehicles.
The safety audit recommendations suggest several critical improvements, such as making repairs to the sidewalks, installing high-visibility crosswalks, and adding pedestrian signals at intersections, particularly at South Calhoun Street. The report also examines options for making the South Calhoun Street intersection either signalized or converting it to a roundabout, each intended to enhance traffic management and safety.
Furthermore, potential additional roundabouts along Dunbar Street and the concept of a “road diet” are being considered. A “road diet” typically involves reducing the number of travel lanes to calm traffic, which aims to create a safer and more pedestrian-friendly environment. Records show that Dunbar Street had an annual traffic volume ranging from 3,900 to 7,400 vehicles per day in 2022, with approximately 85% of drivers exceeding the 25 miles per hour speed limit by 5 to 9 mph.
The public is encouraged to provide comments on the proposed safety improvements online until November 30. This feedback will be incorporated into a finalized report, expected to be published early next year. The finalized reports will serve as a guide for budgeting future capital projects related to roadway construction and enhancements.
Additionally, Greenville’s plans for extending Dunbar Street past Augusta Street to connect with Church Street are part of broader connectivity efforts associated with the ongoing $1 billion County Square redevelopment project. This extension aims not only to improve access but also to integrate safety measures into the urban infrastructure.
In summary, Greenville’s proactive approach to student safety during the back-to-school commute reflects a commitment to addressing community concerns. The implementation of the RRFB, alongside future recommendations from safety audits, aims to create a safer environment for both pedestrians and drivers in the area.
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Additional Resources
- Fox Carolina: New Safety Feature Installed at School Crosswalk
- Greenville Online: Upstate Schools Monday Announcements
- Greenville Journal: Safety Audit of Dunbar Street and Green Avenue
- WYFF: School Bus and Traffic Safety Editorial
- Greenville Journal: Donation of Safety Patrol Vests to Schools
- Wikipedia: Traffic Safety
- Google Search: Back to School Traffic Safety
- Google Scholar: Safety Measures in Schools
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Traffic Safety
- Google News: School Traffic 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.
