The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) has granted emergency approval for the installation of temporary traffic signals near two Fort Mill schools: Catawba Ridge High School and Doby’s Bridge Elementary School as reported by Queen City News. The decision comes after the private company supplying crossing guards notified the district it would cease directing traffic, creating an urgent safety issue.
Local and state leaders quickly collaborated to streamline the approval process to address the severe traffic concerns on the public roads surrounding the schools. Fort Mill schools temporarily hired off-duty police officers to manage traffic in the interim.
Signals Target High-Congestion Areas
The temporary signal at Catawba Ridge High School is authorized for 24 months and will be placed at the intersection of Nims Village Drive and S.C. Route 460. The signal near Doby’s Bridge Elementary School will be installed where Dudley Drive meets South Dobys Bridge Road.
The push for signals gained urgency following an incident last year where a crossing guard was struck by a car near Catawba Ridge, illustrating the inherent dangers of manual traffic control in high-volume school zones. Area residents and former students agree that the lights should help reduce congestion and improve vehicle flow.
Legislative Fix Pending
The immediate issue of traffic control was complicated by a recent Attorney General’s opinion that raised questions about the authority of non-law enforcement personnel to direct traffic on public roadways near schools. This opinion created challenges for school districts across the state that rely on their own traffic control services during peak hours.
In response, York County legislators are currently pursuing new legislation that would explicitly allow uniformed crossing guards to direct traffic at schools, even without pedestrians present. If passed, this law would provide a long-term solution for all South Carolina schools facing similar operational hurdles.
The school district will design and install the Catawba Ridge signal in accordance with SCDOT standards. The action demonstrates the effectiveness of state, local, and school leaders working together to secure solutions that enhance safety for students and staff.
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