Fort Mill Approves Temporary Traffic Signals to Replace Crossing Guards

The South Carolina Department of Transportation approved temporary traffic signals at Catawba Ridge High School and Doby's Bridge Elementary School. This came after the company providing crossing guards said it would stop directing traffic in the district. Fort Mill worked with local and state leaders to get approval and fix traffic problems on the roads.

The signal at Catawba Ridge High School is authorized for 24 months. It will sit at the intersection of Nims Village Drive and S.C. Route 460. SCDOT will also put up a traffic signal where Dudley Drive meets South Dobys Bridge Road near Doby's Bridge Elementary School.

An emergency request prompted the decision. Fort Mill schools hired off-duty officers to handle traffic after the crossing guard company left.

"That caught me off guard and caught a lot of people off guard because we were wondering how our kids were going to get in and out of the school," said David Martin, a local lawmaker, as reported by Yahoo.

Martin felt good about how district leaders and the city worked together. He said it was the first time they were able to streamline the process to address the issue rapidly.

Traffic signals became urgent after crossing guard Leslie Richardson was hit by a car while directing traffic near Catawba Ridge High School last year. This incident showed the dangers crossing guards face. It led to the decision to look for different solutions for managing traffic.

Adrian Blakeman used to attend the high school. He thinks a traffic light would reduce congestion and help vehicles move better. He also acknowledged the challenging conditions crossing guards face each day.

"Every time I pass them, I thank them, because that's not an easy job. Standing in the rain and having cars fly by you is not easy," said Blakeman, as per Yahoo.

In recent months, town officials, the school district, the Board of Trustees, SCDOT, S.C. Sen. Michael Johnson, State Rep. David Martin, and the Town Council have worked together. Their goal was to address ongoing traffic challenges near schools. The temporary signal at the high school will be designed and installed by the school district in accordance with SCDOT standards and specifications.

"When I filed the emergency request earlier this year, my concern was that without immediate action, our students and families would be at risk. Today's announcement proves that when state, local, and school leaders unite, we can deliver real solutions for the people of Fort Mill," said Rep. David W. Martin of South Carolina House District 26, as shared by Queen City News.

A key topic has been the impact of a recent opinion from the S.C. Attorney General's Office. The opinion concerns who has the authority to direct or control traffic on public roadways near schools. This opinion has created challenges for schools across the state that have provided their own traffic control services to cut down on congestion during student drop-off and pick-up times.

York County legislators are pursuing new legislation. The proposed law would allow uniformed crossing guards to direct traffic at schools, even when pedestrians are not present. If passed, this legislation would provide a solution for schools across South Carolina facing similar challenges.

Some think the temporary signal at the high school might become permanent. This has not been confirmed. With the installation of these traffic signals, schools aim to make things safer for students and staff, reducing reliance on crossing guards and making traffic move better around school zones.