We, the undersigned residents and drivers of Cane Bay and surrounding areas, respectfully request that the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) install a permissive-protected left-turn signal for vehicles exiting Cane Bay and turning left onto Highway 176. Currently, this left turn is controlled by only a flashing yellow light, which creates significant safety hazards and contributes to traffic congestion.

The Issues

• Limited Visibility: Drivers turning left from Cane Bay must edge into the middle of Highway 176 to see oncoming traffic, which is extremely dangerous. This obstructs emergency vehicles and increases the risk of accidents.
• Increased Traffic Volume: With the opening of Fairwinds Boulevard, more vehicles are using this exit, and a new apartment complex has already added to the volume of cars. Another apartment complex is under construction, which will further increase the traffic burden at this intersection.
• Unbalanced Signal Phasing: The opposite side of Nexton Parkway already has a protected green arrow, despite lower traffic volume. This creates an unfair signal situation for those turning left from Cane Bay, whose volume is much higher.

Our Request

• We are requesting that SCDOT implement a permissive-protected left-turn signal at this intersection, particularly during peak traffic times (6:30 AM to 9:30 AM and 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM daily). A protected signal will improve traffic flow, reduce congestion, and increase safety for all travelers at this busy intersection.
• We urge SCDOT to conduct a new traffic study to assess the increased traffic volume and the necessity of a protected left-turn signal based on the current and projected conditions at the intersection.

Why This Matters:

• Safety: Drivers must make potentially dangerous decisions to complete left turns due to poor visibility and heavy traffic. A protected signal would reduce the likelihood of accidents.
• Efficiency: The increased volume of vehicles, including from the new apartment complexes, calls for a safer and more efficient traffic solution.
• Community Support: Numerous Cane Bay residents have voiced concern over this intersection’s safety, and we believe a change is necessary to protect both drivers and pedestrians.

We, the undersigned, strongly support the request for a permissive-protected left-turn signal and ask that SCDOT take action to improve the safety and efficiency of this intersection.