Community Safety Enhancements on Dunbar Street and Green Avenue
In the heart of Greenville, exciting changes are on the horizon as local officials prioritize traffic and pedestrian safety improvements along Dunbar Street and Green Avenue. Spurred by community requests, the city’s engineering department recently wrapped up thorough traffic and pedestrian safety audits in these busy corridors, which are conveniently located southwest of downtown Greenville.
The city collaborated with a variety of stakeholders, including the South Carolina Department of Transportation, the infrastructure consulting firm AECOM, and local organizations such as Greenville County Schools, to put together their findings. Nick DePalma, the city’s assistant engineer for capital projects, stated that the audits uncovered a number of safety concerns. From damaged sidewalks to problematic signals, the reports highlighted areas in need of immediate attention.
What the Reports Revealed
The comprehensive traffic safety report, which was presented to the public during a project preview meeting held on October 22, showcases a detailed list of necessary improvements for Dunbar Street and Green Avenue. Among the recommendations, several key upgrades for pedestrian infrastructure were discussed. Key suggestions include:
- Completing sidewalk repairs to ensure safe walking paths.
- Installing high-visibility crosswalks to alert drivers and increase pedestrian safety.
- Adding pedestrian signals to help people cross the streets with confidence.
The report also calls for improvements at critical intersections, particularly at South Calhoun Street. Depending on further assessments, the report suggests either making this intersection signalized or converting it into a roundabout. In total, three additional roundabouts are under consideration for Dunbar Street as part of the initiative.
A Focus on Traffic Calming
DePalma also noted an interest in exploring a road diet along Dunbar Street. This concept involves reducing the number of travel lanes to promote safer, calmer traffic flow. The regular traffic volume reflects a significant presence, with an annual average of 3,900 to 7,400 vehicles traveling through the area daily.
Meanwhile, a similar push for traffic calming measures is underway for Green Avenue. Although the speed limit is set at 25 miles per hour, the report revealed alarming data: about 85% of drivers were observed traveling 5 to 9 mph over that limit. These findings underscore the critical need for proactive measures to ensure streets are safe for all users.
Your Voice Matters!
“Those safety reports will then be utilized for future budgeting and planning for capital projects or other roadway construction initiatives,” DePalma shared with enthusiasm, illustrating the city’s commitment to prioritizing safety.
Future Developments
Excitingly, the Greenville City Council also has plans to extend Dunbar Street past Augusta Street to create an essential east-west connection leading to Church Street. This roadway will play a pivotal role in facilitating access as part of the $1 billion County Square redevelopment project, aiming to revitalize and enhance the local area for everyone.
For more detailed information on the traffic safety report, local residents can visit the official city website. It’s an encouraging time for Greenville as community voices are shaping a safer, more connected city for all.
