Coastal Carolina University is working with the South Carolina Department of Transportation and area lawmakers to address traffic concerns along Highway 544, which runs alongside the university.
CCU spokesperson, Marth Hunn, said CCU leaders have requested that a traffic signal, crosswalk and pedestrian timer be added to the intersection of S.C. 544 at Founders Drive, and that pedestrian timers be added at the University Boulevard and Jackson Bluff Road intersections.
Jackson Bluff Road is located near University Place student residence halls.
"We've looked at a number of options and have begun a dialogue with the Florence office of SCDOT about the best ways of providing safety for pedestrians crossing the highway," said Eddie Dyer, CCU's chief operating officer. "The leadership provided by Senator Ray Cleary and Representative Liston Barfield in assisting us with this initiative has been invaluable, and we greatly appreciate it."
Hunn said SCDOT is currently gathering data about pedestrians crossing the roadways at S.C. 544 and Founders Drive. The next step is to secure funding for the improvements. Once that occurs, engineering design will take place, with installation to follow.
CCU student Elizabeth Gorshack, 18, died as she was crossing Highway 544 last month.
