The Town of Fort Mill, in partnership with local and state leaders, is undertaking a collaborative initiative to address school-related traffic concerns and enhance roadway safety for residents, commuters and students.
In recent months, Town officials, the Fort Mill School District, the Fort Mill School District Board of Trustees, the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT), S.C. Sen. Michael Johnson, State Rep. David Martin, and the Fort Mill Town Council have worked together to address ongoing traffic challenges near Fort Mill schools. This partnership underscores a shared commitment to keeping Fort Mill’s residents safe, ensuring the safety of all who utilize our roadways, and most importantly, protecting the children of the Fort Mill School District.
A key topic of discussion has been the impact of a recent opinion from the S.C. Attorney General’s Office concerning who has the authority to direct or control traffic on public roadways near schools. This opinion has created challenges for schools across the state, including those in Fort Mill, that have historically provided their own traffic control services to reduce congestion during student drop-off and pick-up times.
While several school sites were reviewed, the primary focus has been the intersection of S.C. Route 460 at Catawba Ridge High School and Nims Village Drive, an area that experiences significant traffic during peak school hours. Another area of primary focus has been the intersection of Dudley Drive and South Dobys Bridge Road near Doby’s Bridge Elementary School, which SCDOT identified as a location where traffic volumes and school-related congestion have also presented ongoing challenges.
The Town and its partners worked closely with SCDOT to explore the installation of a traffic signal at Catawba Ridge High School. At the Town’s request, SCDOT has authorized the installation of a temporary traffic signal at the intersection of Nims Village Drive and S.C. 460 at Catawba Ridge High School for 24 months. SCDOT will also be installing a traffic signal at the Doby’s Bridge Elementary School intersection.
The temporary Catawba Ridge High School signal will be designed and installed by the Fort Mill School District in accordance with SCDOT standards and specifications. This collaborative step demonstrates a unified commitment to enhancing safety and traffic management in the vicinity of Catawba Ridge High School and Doby’s Bridge Elementary School.
“This project shows what can happen when local and state partners come together to solve real challenges in our community,” said Rep. David W. Martin of South Carolina House District 26. “I want to thank Mayor Guynn Savage, Senator Michael Johnson, the Fort Mill Town Council, Superintendent Grey Young, Chief Bryan Zachary, and the Department of Transportation for making this a priority. 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.”
At the same time, York County legislators are pursuing new legislation that would permit uniformed crossing guards to direct traffic at schools, even when pedestrians are not present. If passed, this legislation would provide a sustainable solution for schools across South Carolina facing similar challenges.
The Town of Fort Mill extends its sincere appreciation to Fort Mill School District Superintendent Grey Young, the Fort Mill School District Board of Trustees, Senator Michael Johnson, Representative David Martin, the South Carolina Department of Transportation, and the Fort Mill Town Council for their collaboration, leadership and dedication to public safety.
“This initiative truly reflects what can be accomplished when state, local, and educational partners come together with a shared goal,” said Town of Fort Mill Mayor Guynn Savage. “Our collective efforts will help ensure that our children, families, and all who travel Fort Mill’s roadways remain safe.”
The Town of Fort Mill looks forward to continued collaboration with the School District, SCDOT, and our legislative partners to create lasting improvements that benefit the entire community.