CONWAY, S.C. (WBTW)- Coastal Carolina University looking to build a median fence along highway 544 to make it safer for students to cross. CCU started work on pedestrian safety after a student was hit and killed crossing 544 back in 2016.
The goal is to make students cross only at designated areas.
“There are students that have mentioned during the time of 544 concerns about crossing that road,” said CCU Chief of Staff, Travis Overton.
Now, there are plans to put in a raised median from Founders Drive to East Cox Ferry Road; the areas with the most foot traffic from students.
“It would include a fence that would be tall enough that individuals would not be able to jump over, but would still allow for visibility on the other side of the road,” said Overton.
The South Carolina Department of Transportation owns and manages the highway.
CCU president David Decenzo wants the county transportation commission, SCDOT, and U.S. Dept of Transportation, along with CCU to fund the 1.2 million dollar project.
“Any person that is hit by a car on 544 is too many,” said Overton.
CCU said funding has not been officially approved, but once approval happens they hope to start as soon as possible. Horry County officials said they will not use money from ride three projects.
