TO: The Town Council of Pendleton, South Carolina, and the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT )

PETITION PURPOSE: We, the undersigned residents, business owners, and frequent commuters of Pendleton, SC, formally request that the Town of Pendleton and SCDOT halt the planned removal of the traffic signal at the intersection of Mechanic Street (SC-28) and Queen Street. Instead, we urge the immediate retention and modernization of this critical intersection control. REASONS FOR OPPOSITION TO THE FOUR-WAY STOP CONVERSION: Increased Driver Confusion: Replacing a 60-year-old established traffic signal with a four-way stop introduces severe driver confusion. This intersection features non-standard geometry and serves as a major gateway to the Historic Square, creating an immediate risk of right-angle collisions and near-misses due to misjudged right-of-way. Rapid Population Growth: While the closure of Riverside Middle School altered localized peak traffic, Pendleton and Anderson County are experiencing exponential population growth. Removing long-standing vehicular management infrastructure is counterintuitive to handling the region’s long-term traffic trajectory. Clemson Game-Day and Commuter Gridlock: This intersection is a primary artery for regional traffic and Clemson University game-day commutes. A four-way stop is structurally unequipped to handle these sudden, massive surges in vehicle volume, which will inevitably result in severe gridlock backing up into the residential West End and the Square. Pedestrian Safety Liabilities: A definitive traffic light provides absolute, predictable gaps for pedestrians crossing near the Square. Forcing seniors, children, and visitors to rely on the hope that drivers will correctly navigate a new four-way stop significantly increases the danger to foot traffic. OUR PROPOSED SOLUTION :Rather than decommissioning the intersection control entirely, we request that the Town Council rescind its previous removal request and partner with SCDOT to upgrade the intersection to a modern, adaptive traffic signal. Utilizing camera or loop-detector technology will allow Mechanic Street traffic to flow continuously when Queen Street is empty, successfully eliminating unnecessary idling while maintaining structural safety during high-volume periods.