A Safer Step Forward on Mathis Ferry Road
This week, we celebrated a milestone for pedestrian safety in Mount Pleasant with the installation of a new Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) at the crosswalk on Mathis Ferry and Milldenhall. And this wasnโt just another infrastructure upgradeโit was a true community-driven success story.
From Citizen Idea to Reality
The inspiration for this project came from a Mount Pleasant resident, Brian Catalana, who reached out with the idea to improve this intersection. His inputโand continued advocacyโhelped move this important project forward.
Being that Mathis Ferry is a state-owned road, navigating the approval and implementation process wasnโt easy. But thanks to the perseverance of our Town staff and the clear voice of the community, we made it happen.
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Citizen idea
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Town action
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Safety improvement delivered
This is exactly how local government should work.
Honoring a Local Hero: Ms. Richardine Alston
The moment was made even more meaningful by the presence of Ms. Richardine Alston, who served as the crossing guard at this exact location for over 20 years.
Years ago, Ms. Richardine was struck by a car while helping children cross this road. Yesterday, she returned as our honored guest, walking safely across the new crosswalkโAbbey Road styleโand pressing the inaugural button.
It was more than symbolic. It was a moment of progress…
๐ค๐๐กโ ๐ ๐๐๐ก๐ก๐๐ โ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ข๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ .
About RRFBs: Why They Matter
Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons are highly visible, user-activated signals that help alert drivers to pedestrians at crosswalks. These safety upgrades are part of the Townโs Pedestrian and Bicycle Accommodation Projects, and they are specifically chosen based on community feedback and areas of concern.
Theyโre especially useful on roads like Mathis Ferry where traffic volume is high, and pedestrians need extra visibility to cross safely.
Keep the Ideas Coming
This project is proof that your voice matters. When residents speak up, we listenโand we act.
If you know of an area in town that needs attention, reach out to me directly:
๐ง jiacofano@tompsc.com
Letโs keep building a safer, stronger Mount Pleasantโtogether.
#CommunityDriven #MountPleasantSC #PedestrianSafety #RRFBs #ThankYouCatalana’s #PublicSafety #LocalLeadership
Hi John. These RRFBs are great, but the next step is to find a way to ensure that all drivers actually stop for them. I live in Park West and have to cross PW Blvd every day in order to walk to the Rec Center and other areas and every day I encounter drivers who donโt stop, whether because theyโre distracted or just simply inconsiderate. Iโve even seen cars behind a stopped/slowing car pull around, pass the car, and blow through the crosswalk. As a pedestrian, itโs a risky proposition crossing the road, even with the flashing lights signaling cars to stop. Itโs just a matter of time before someone gets hurt, or worse, at one of these crosswalks, even with the signals in place. Iโd be curious what our Traffic Safety folks think. Thanks.
I agree with you Larry, the town has a campaign to post about the RRFB’s, there purpose and what to do. The traffic team says that you still have to be aware entering the crosswalk. I could only hope that people begin to pay attention. We will continue to educate the citizens and continue to make the town safe. John