Update: Met with SCDOT & Representative Mitchell Today (6/26)
Dear Neighbors,
I wanted to share an important update on our effort to improve pedestrian safety at the intersection of Hammett Road and Hackney Road.
Today, I met on-site with State Representative Dianne Mitchell and SCDOT Upstate Coordinator Brandon Wilson and his traffic engineer. We were also joined by both HOA Presidents, The Imes Family from RDI and Langston Corn from RDII. We discussed potential safety improvements for the Hammett & Hackney intersection. It was a productive meeting, and I appreciate both Representative Mitchell and Brandon from SCDOT taking the time to hear our concerns firsthand.
At this point, SCDOT is evaluating two potential solutions; however, neither option has been approved.
- A marked pedestrian crosswalk with pedestrian-activated flashing beacons on the east side of the intersection.
- A four-way stop that also includes a marked crosswalk.
The neighborhood has expressed that a four-way stop is the preferred option, but we are supportive of whichever solution provides the greatest improvement to pedestrian safety. Our priority is simple: let's take meaningful action now rather than waiting for a pedestrian or cyclist to be injured.
What's Next? SCDOT shared that:
- They have already completed an initial evaluation of the crosswalk option.
- They need approximately two more weeks to evaluate whether a four-way stop is feasible.
- If a four-way stop is not recommended, they will continue evaluating the pedestrian crosswalk with pedestrian-activated flashing beacons.
- They are also determining whether tree removal along Hammett Road would be required to improve driver sight lines for the crosswalk and, if so, whether that work would be the responsibility of SCDOT or adjacent property owners.
New Safety Data
Since we launched the petition, I also received records through Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests from both the Greenville County Sheriff's Office and the South Carolina Department of Public Safety.
The data confirms what many of us have experienced firsthand.
Between March 2024 and March 2026, there were 10 reported crashes at or near this intersection. I also received speed enforcement records showing repeated traffic stops in this area, including:
- 9 traffic stops in 90 minutes (April 20, 2023)
- 4 traffic stops in 30 minutes (January 17, 2024)
- 4 traffic stops in 30 minutes (May 9, 2025)
These records reinforce that this is not simply a perceived issue—it is a documented safety concern.
One point I wanted to share from today's meeting is that SCDOT's role is to evaluate roadway design and engineering solutions, not traffic enforcement. Decisions regarding enforcement, such as speeding citations, are handled by law enforcement agencies. SCDOT's focus is on identifying infrastructure improvements that can make this intersection safer. It was clear during our discussion that they are committed to studying the option that best protects pedestrians.
None of this progress would have happened without your support. Every petition signature, email, conversation, and shared story has helped demonstrate that this issue matters to our community-- THANK YOU.
I'll continue to share updates as we receive them, and hopefully within the next couple of weeks we'll know which solution SCDOT recommends.
Sincerely,
Katy Rebernak (RDII Homeowner)