Aiken’s $1m grant to improve road safety and reduce traffic deaths

AIKEN, S.C. (WJBF) — Aiken is working to make its roads safer and cut traffic deaths.

“Safe Streets for All”—that’s the plan. Aiken’s putting a $1 million federal grant to work, fixing dangerous roads and cracking down on speeding. “We will pinpoint those areas and then we will put in for use some of the funding to make those enhancements,” Aiken City Manager Stuart Bedenbaugh said.

The federal grant will add better crosswalks, signals, lighting, and features to slow down speeding drivers. The city’s focusing on areas where walking and biking are key ways to get around — not just for recreation.

“The cost of owning a car can be prohibitive for individuals in those areas,” he added. “So making sure that they have a safe means to, whether it’s traverse to the grocery store or to their job, or the church, we want to try to make that possible.”

The plan also looks at a ‘High Injury Network’—areas with frequent pedestrian and bicycle crashes. Data shows Whiskey Road has the most injury crashes and pedestrian incidents. Jefferson Davis Highway is most dangerous per mile, and York Street has the deadliest crashes. Downtown and Aiken Hills see many crashes, but no clear trouble spots.

Another focus is reducing left-turn crashes caused by visibility issues.

“Turning left is kind of an awkward movement compared to going straight or turning right. Those improvements I think will lead to more safety for both drivers and pedestrians,” Bedenbaugh said.

Pilot projects will start in North, South, and Downtown Aiken.

“The money certainly is a good start, but it’s not gonna completely solve the issue. But we wanted to get the most, substantial benefit from these initial projects,” he added.

You can learn more about Aiken’s safety plan at two public meetings: March 12th at the Lessie B. Price Center and March 13 at the Odell Weeks Center, both from 1 to 2:30 p.m.