State transportation officials testing new traffic pattern in Greer

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Drivers in Greer should expect changes in traffic patterns over the next several weeks due to a traffic study being conducted by the South Carolina Department of Transportation, according to a news release from the city.

In an effort to minimize lengthy traffic queues and drivers forced to sit through multiple lights, SCDOT will be testing a new traffic pattern at the Main Street (SC14) and Poinsett Street (SC 101) intersection, according to the release. SCDOT has turned off the protected left turn signal phases in all directions at the intersection. The test is expected to be in place through mid-August, at which time its effectiveness will be analyzed.

“We are constantly looking for ways to improve traffic flow and safety for pedestrians in the City of Greer,” City Administrator Andy Merriman said in the release. “No one enjoys waiting in a long line at traffic signals, so if there is a way to safely keep vehicles moving through intersections, we will test it. SCDOT has a wealth of experience with such issues and they are fully onboard.”

The test is part of a recommendation from a Downtown Greer Traffic Study completed by planning and design engineering consultants Kimley Horn and Associates and submitted to the City of Greer last December, the release stated.

Kimley-Horn was requested by the City to review the traffic operations and safety of the downtown area, identify deficiencies, and provide recommendations for implementation.

The Main and Poinsett streets intersection was among 27 intersections analyzed and one of 12 recommended for improvements.