CONWAY, S.C. (WBTW) – News13 first reported in January about construction on a new stoplight at a busy intersection on Coastal Carolina University’s campus. The new light at University Boulevard is now in full service. It will slow drivers who use the road as a cut-through between highway 501 and 544.
The new traffic signal went into service Monday and CCU police officers say it’s all a part of a plan to keep students safer.
“Well, it’s made us very happy, that gives us an extra security officer to do regular security officer stuff and it was fairly quick once came up and running on Monday afternoon we were transitioned pretty quickly getting our officer off there and letting it go the way it’s supposed to,” Captain Thom Mezzapelle said.
Some of the immediate differences you see are pedestrian cross signs for students who cross the intersection of University Drive and University Boulevard. Students now have to press them and wait for the traffic signal to turn from red to white before crossing.
Also, right turns on red are no longer allowed at the intersection. CCU students say it has been an adjustment but will be worth it in the long run.
“I know the past few days it was taking a long time and there was students that would walk across even when they weren’t supposed to and they had to send an email out to us. So maybe at first it wasn’t safe but now that they’ve told everybody that they’re working and we need to use them, I think it will definitely be a lot safer,” CCU Junior, Victoria Phillips said.
More crosswalks will also be added to help see those crossing the street. CCU police officers say they could consider lowering the speed limit in the future. The changes cost the university $75,000.
