BEAUFORT, S.C. — Some time ago, we reported on a curve in Beaufort deemed ‘dangerous’ by numerous local residents.
These residents expressed their concerns to the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT), which initially said no road modifications were planned, although that stance is now under review.
The Bellamy curve in Beaufort, featuring a 90-degree angle, has led to vehicles careening into the marsh, pedestrians being hit on the sidewalk, and growing anxiety among the community.
“The car skidded, hit the curb, and then, in a split second, it collided with me,” recounted Chuck Richardson, who previously discussed a pedestrian accident he experienced at the curve.
Following Richardson’s ordeal, he and his neighbor, Larry Kinghorn, grew more apprehensive and had both submitted letters to SCDOT urging road safety improvements.
“Adding a guardrail at that bend seems like a straightforward solution for the DOT, one that would safeguard both passengers and drivers, as well as pedestrians navigating the curve,” Richardson previously stated.
also reached out to SCDOT to see if any additional safety measures would be put in place.
The state initially told and residents that no changes would be made, but recently, the City of Beaufort and SCDOT have been discussing what they can do to create a safer, calmer traffic pattern.
“On July 29, as a result of all of this, DOT decided to come to be heard and talked to some local government leaders. And we all met at the USCB campus because some of it involved the USCB student pedestrian traffic,” said Beaufort City Manager, Scott Marshall.
University of South Carolina Beaufort (USC) students walk the sidewalk next to the curve every day. Beaufort officials said this was a big push to update the roadway, with markings and additional signage.
“There will be a striping plan that’s graduated hash marks and that will call attention to the fact that you are heading into a very sharp turn,” said Marshall. “As I understand it, there will also be some signage that’s associated with that striping plan that will also alert drivers to the fact that they are about to enter a very sharp curve.”
Marshall said rumble strips were initially discussed as an added safety measure, but input from the community convinced them otherwise.
“Upon further reflection and getting some further input from people, the noise that’s created from rumble strips, I think would be too disruptive to the local neighborhood just around the corner and especially Pigeon Point,” said Marshall.
SCDOT said they are working closely with the city to make the current roadway improvements. They are also working together to discuss other possible improvements in the future.
