Horry-Georgetown Technical College University Boulevard Roundabout
Conway, SC
Thomas & Hutton was hired to provide concept development and engineering design services for a roundabout at the intersection of University Boulevard and the Horry-Georgetown Technical College (HGTC) entrance road. The roundabout concept was coordinated with HGTC and Coastal Carolina University. The design and analysis were completed in accordance with SC Dept of Transportation (SCDOT) guidelines for roundabouts. The analysis evaluated the existing intersection, nearby intersections (including US Highway 501), and master plans for the adjacent campuses and surrounding areas. A multi-lane roundabout was recommended and the plan was approved by SCDOT and the City of Conway. Since University Boulevard serves as the main access to both colleges, the work needed to be completed during the summer term when enrollment was at its lowest.
Read More
The project was started in mid-March and the design, permitting, and bidding were completed in 75 days. The project construction lasted 60 days and the project came in under budget. The work was coordinated with both colleges and permitted through SCDOT and the City of Conway in less than 60 days. Thomas & Hutton assisted in the preparation of educational materials distributed to the public by the colleges. The roundabout is the first public roundabout in the City of Conway and Horry County. The intersection, according to a Coastal Carolina University official, sees about 17,000 drivers per day during the school year. Roundabouts like this one have been shown to cut down on injury crashes by about 76 percent (per Thomas & Hutton).
