During a recent government meeting, concerns were raised regarding traffic congestion in the area surrounding Chucker Creek Road and its intersections with Whiskey Road and Powder House. A retired resident, who frequently observes traffic patterns, highlighted the excessive volume of vehicles during morning drop-off hours at the local elementary school and the significant traffic from a nearby plant during peak evening hours.
The resident reported that the timing of traffic lights at critical intersections needs urgent reassessment by the South Carolina Department of Transportation (DOT) to alleviate congestion. Specifically, they noted that over 1,250 vehicles traverse the intersection during peak times, exacerbating delays for parents picking up their children from school. The resident shared personal experiences of waiting up to 22 minutes to navigate from Chucker Creek to Powder House during these busy periods.
In response to these concerns, the planning director confirmed that a traffic generation statement is required from developers, which must analyze peak traffic hours based on established international standards. If the projected traffic exceeds 100 AM and PM peak hour trips, a full traffic impact analysis will be mandated. The planning director emphasized the importance of thorough traffic studies to ensure that the area's infrastructure can accommodate growth and maintain safety for residents.
The discussions underscored the need for a comprehensive evaluation of traffic patterns and potential improvements to local roadways to address the increasing congestion in the community.