North Charleston Residents Advocate for Safer Roads
Nestled in the heart of South Carolina, North Charleston continues to evolve as a vibrant community where neighbors look out for one another. Recently, residents along Salamander Road have banded together, determined to make their streets safer for everyone, especially the families and children who call this area home.
The Need for Speed Humps
The discussion around safety on Salamander Road has taken center stage as local leaders prepare to consider the installation of speed humps during an upcoming public safety briefing. According to concerned resident Melody Brown, the situation has reached a critical point. “We desperately need them, at least two, possibly three, all the way down the length of this road. It’s not safe for the residents who live here,” she states emphatically.
The problem stems from a traffic survey conducted by the North Charleston Police Department last month, which revealed some alarming statistics. The average speed of vehicles traveling on Salamander Road was recorded between 31 and 34 miles per hour, even though the posted limit is just 25 miles per hour. To make matters worse, the survey noted maximum speeds clocked as high as 74 miles per hour. With an average of 597 vehicles a day on this two-lane street, it’s no wonder residents are feeling uneasy.
Community Concerns
Concerns regarding traffic safety are echoed by local leaders. Councilmember Sandino Moses expressed the need for better safety measures, noting, “A lot more traffic is going on back there, which may put us in a position of more speed and accidents. We want to make sure children, everyone in District Three feels safe in the area.”
As if the speeding issues weren’t enough, the road currently sees at least three ongoing construction zones from Otranto to Shadow Lane. With the expectation of 200 new homes being added to the area, the traffic concerns could grow even more significant.
A Growing Community
Melody Brown’s family has a long-standing attachment to Salamander Road, having moved there back in 1972. She has watched the area grow exponentially over the years and believes that it’s time for road safety to catch up with the rapid development. “We are a very sought after area with access to the interstate and secondary roads, hospital complex, and a lot of restaurants and shopping,” she shares. “We do have a lot of older folks, and I anticipate the influx of a lot of younger families.”
Proposed Safety Measures
Residents are not just waiting for changes; they are actively proposing solutions. Suggestions for improving safety on Salamander Road include three-way stops, sidewalks, guardrails, lowering the speed limit, and even removing passing lanes. There’s a hope that if the changes are approved, they’ll then go to the South Carolina Department of Transportation for consideration under its traffic calming guidelines. Salamander Road, like many nearby streets, is considered state-owned, which means changes will need formal approval.
Looking Ahead
The potential changes to Salamander Road underscore a growing movement in North Charleston to prioritize community safety and well-being. As the public safety briefing approaches, residents remain hopeful that their voices will lead to meaningful action. Neighbors like Melody Brown remind us all of the importance of advocating for safe and happy living spaces for everyone—it’s not just about the traffic; it’s about building a community where families can thrive.
