Beaufort Set to Get a New Roundabout for Safety
Exciting changes are on the horizon for Beaufort, especially for those who frequently use the intersection of Laurel Bay Road and Stanley Farm Road. This intersection may soon see a transformation into a modern roundabout, aimed at enhancing safety and reducing the alarming number of traffic accidents that have occurred there over the past few years.
Why a Roundabout, You Ask?
According to the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT), this intersection has been particularly notorious, reporting 19 crashes in just four years. Alarmingly, 16 of these were right-angle crashes, which can often result in serious injuries or even fatalities. Sadly, there was one reported death among these incidents. What’s even more concerning is that most of these crashes happened under perfectly good weather conditions—during the day and when it wasn’t raining!
How Will This Change Work?
As part of a $2.5 million federally funded initiative, the construction of the roundabout is expected to begin in early 2025 and will last around 18 months. It’s not just a simple change; it’s part of a broader movement to make our roads safer. The SCDOT has successfully implemented roundabouts across the state, reporting a remarkable 60% reduction in total crashes and a jaw-dropping 79% drop in injury-related crashes at those sites. Fatal accidents? They’ve been eliminated completely!
A Closer Look at the Roundabout
This roundabout will be a straightforward, single-lane design, quite different from the bustling roundabouts you may have seen in larger cities like London. SCDOT officials assure us that while it will be efficient, it won’t be as complicated as the one circling around Big Ben.
Laurel Bay Road, a major two-lane thoroughfare, sees about 7,100 vehicles daily and has a speed limit of 55 mph. On the other hand, Stanley Farm Road, while smaller, experiences around 1,650 vehicles per day, with roughly 5% of that being large trucks. Due to its higher-than-average crash rate, it drew attention from the SCDOT, necessitating this much-needed improvement.
A Proven Success Story
The SCDOT is drawing on its own successes in nearby areas to push this roundabout project forward. A notable example is the roundabout installed at Joe Frazier Road and Pine Grove Road back in 2012. After this roundabout was put in place, total accidents at that location plummeted from 17 to just 3, with injury-related crashes dropping from seven to one—with right-angle accidents going down to zero!
Community Involvement
As the project nears the construction phase, the SCDOT is seeking a resolution of support from the Beaufort City Council. Thankfully, during a recent work session, no objections were raised when the matter was discussed. It seems the community is on board with this initiative, which is a fantastic sign!
Stay Tuned!
As we gear up for these changes, it’s a good reminder that road safety impacts us all. Reducing accidents and making our roads safer is a win for everyone in the Beaufort area. Really, who wouldn’t want traffic flows to be smoother and safer?
So, whether you’re commuting to work, heading to the beach, or just out for a drive, look forward to a safer traveling experience thanks to the upcoming roundabout at Laurel Bay Road and Stanley Farm Road!
