Horry County Takes Steps to Enhance Road Safety for All Users

Horry County Takes Action to Make Roads Safer for Everyone

Hey there, Horry County! Have you noticed how the roads can sometimes feel a bit dicey, especially for pedestrians and cyclists? Well, you’re not alone. The Grand Strand Area Transportation Study Committee (GSATS) is on a mission to turn things around in our community and make our roads safer for everyone who uses them.

Big Changes Are on the Horizon

Recently, the GSATS team received an exciting federal grant from the Safe Streets 4 All program. What’s this about? It’s all about creating an action plan to reduce the number of fatal accidents and improve safety on our roadways. After all, nobody should feel nervous about crossing the street or riding their bike through our beautiful county.

Tom Vitt, a local resident, shares his thoughts, saying, “There are some sidewalks, but not on both sides of the bypass. There are some bike lanes, but not everywhere you’d want them.” It’s clear that we need more options for safe transport around town!

Focusing on Key Projects

The committee is diving into enhancing our infrastructure by adding sidewalks, stoplights, turn signals, and more at the busiest intersections and corridors. Mark Hoeweler, the MPO director for GSATS, highlights that they have pinpointed the top three projects that could make a real difference for all of us.

“There is a lot of repetitiveness along those corridors, and Highway 17 runs long throughout the region,” Hoeweler said. Sounds like a perfect place to focus some of those much-needed changes!

Tackling Key Problem Areas

It’s not just about making the roads look nicer—safety is the priority! The South Carolina Department of Transportation is working hand in hand with the committee, assessing multiple roadways to identify trouble spots.

Hoeweler shared that the team has “identified ten corridors and eleven intersections” where the problems seem most urgent. He laid out a worrying statistic: “We have terrible pedestrian bicycle rates—way more than our population would suggest we should have.” It’s crucial for us all to pay attention to this! These numbers aren’t just simple data points; they represent real people and the potential dangers they face daily.

Moving Forward Together

The GSATS team is not stopping here! They plan to continue working on their action plan, with hopes of submitting it in January. After that, they’re aiming to secure funding for implementation by April. Exciting times are ahead, don’t you think?

Get Involved!

Have thoughts on safety improvements in our area? The committee is eager to hear from residents like you! Public input will be vital in shaping a future where walking, biking, and driving feels safe and comfortable. Whether it’s suggesting locations for new sidewalks, stoplights, or even just sharing your experience, your voice can make a difference!

So, mark your calendars for public meetings or surveys that may come your way—this is our chance to advocate for a safer Horry County together!

In Conclusion

It’s great to see our community leaders stepping up and taking action on road safety. As plans unfold, it’s essential to stay informed and engaged. Together, we can create a safer environment for everyone on the road, whether by foot, bike, or car.

Here’s to a future where Horry County roads are safer and more accessible for all of us!