Coastal Carolina University officials have a plan for improving pedestrian and bike safety on S.C. 544 near the university.
The university plans to build a barrier along S.C. 544 from Founders Drive to the Scotchman gas station. CCU President David A. DeCenzo says the barrier is the best option to maintain safety for pedestrians, bikers, and drivers in the area.
DeCenzo and his committee, which was created 18 months ago, have considered other options such as a tunnel under the roadway and building a crossover above the road. Mike Wooten, the President of DCC Engineers and the former chair of the SC Transportation Commission, says the barrier is the best option because “it is by far the best alternative, because it is the one that will be used.”
The purpose of the barrier is to discourage pedestrians from crossing in the middle of the road and for cars to better see pedestrians in the road.
The project is expected to cost about $1.2 million. Funding has been requested from the Horry County Transportation Commission, the South Carolina Department of Transportation, the U.S. Department of Transportation. The university also plans to contribute to the project.
No timeline for construction has been set, but DeCenzo says the Department of Transportation will determine the best time to begin the project.