The City of Summerville has completed the installation of a new safety railing along the box culvert near Harvey’s South End Auto, effectively addressing long-standing pedestrian safety concerns in the area of Town Branch within J.R. “Dick” Dowdy Park.

City Manager Jason Winters confirmed the project’s completion, emphasizing the critical need for the new barrier. “It was a safety hazard that needed to be addressed at Town Branch within J.R. ‘Dick’ Dowdy Park,” Winters stated, highlighting the significant risk posed by the location.

The initiative for the railing stemmed from Councilman Joe Money Jr., who first brought the issue to the city’s attention earlier this spring after hearing from concerned residents. The city placed the order for the railing in July, and the installation was recently finalized at a cost of $2,800.

Winters explained that the railing was an essential addition due to the perilous nature of the site. “The sidewalk at that location has a direct drop into the creek below, creating a clear risk for pedestrians,” he reiterated. To ensure aesthetic consistency with other downtown improvements, the city selected a design similar to the railing that runs along the Veterans Memorial.

Councilman Money expressed his relief and excitement about the project’s completion, acknowledging the city’s good fortune that no accidents occurred prior to the installation. “We were concerned that somebody, especially a small child or toddler, could fall in the creek,” Money said. He further detailed the severity of the hazard, stating, “It’s about a 20-foot drop from the sidewalk to the creek.”

Money also extended his commendation to Goodson Fencing LLC for their quality workmanship on the new railing. The new installation transforms a previously dangerous stretch of sidewalk into a safer passage for residents and visitors enjoying Summerville’s downtown area.