University says agreement with state transportation officials clears path for design and construction phases expected to take up to nearly three years.
CONWAY, SC — Coastal Carolina University officials have provided an update on a series of safety initiatives along Highway 544, including progress on a long-planned pedestrian overpass intended to improve safety for students, faculty, staff, and visitors crossing the busy roadway.
In a message to the campus community, James Winebrake, president of Coastal Carolina University, said the university has completed several immediate safety improvements in partnership with local and state agencies.
According to the update, recent actions have included the installation of illuminated pedestrian safety signs, increased highway lighting, and enhanced law enforcement patrols along the Highway 544 corridor.
University officials also announced several near-term improvements expected to be implemented in coordination with the South Carolina Department of Transportation. Those enhancements include reducing the speed limit along portions of Highway 544, extending sidewalks, upgrading pavement markings, and installing a pedestrian-activated High-Intensity Activated Crosswalk (HAWK) signal designed to stop traffic when pedestrians are crossing.
The most significant development involves the proposed pedestrian overpass project. University officials said an agreement was recently finalized with the South Carolina Department of Transportation authorizing the agency to proceed with management of the project.
The overpass remains one of the most anticipated safety improvements discussed following concerns about pedestrian traffic and roadway safety near the university campus.
Under the proposed timeline, the project will begin with a preconstruction phase focused on selecting a design team, completing engineering design work, and obtaining required reviews and approvals. University officials estimate that stage will take approximately 12 to 15 months.
Once planning and design are complete, the project will move into construction. The construction phase is expected to require an additional 12 to 18 months to complete.
University leaders said the overpass design will focus on safety, accessibility, traffic considerations, environmental impacts, and compliance with state and federal requirements.
Beyond infrastructure improvements, university officials are promoting ChantSafe, a campus safety initiative aimed at encouraging safe and responsible behavior throughout the Coastal Carolina community. Officials said additional information and resources related to the program will be shared in the coming months.
“We will remain transparent on our progress with all these initiatives,” Winebrake said in the message. “The safety of our students, faculty, and staff remains a priority, and we will continue to approach this work with the urgency that it warrants.”
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