Charleston, SC – The City of North Charleston has taken action to improve safety on the Ashley Phosphate Road overpass, following tragic suicides on the bridge. To prevent further incidents, a jump guard has been installed on the overpass, aimed at protecting individuals and saving lives.
Addressing the Need for Action
The city’s decision to add safety measures comes after two recent suicides on the overpass. Mayor Reggie Burgess and District Two Councilwoman Rhonda Jerome took immediate action by reaching out to state senators and the South Carolina Department of Transportation to discuss possible solutions. After evaluating the situation, they determined that jump guards would be the most effective preventative measure.
Healing the Community
Councilwoman Jerome expressed the close-knit nature of the community, stating, “It’s one big happy family because that’s what we are. Communities are our family. We go to our neighborhood civic clubs. They’re our family. They come to our meetings. They’re our family. So when they hurt, we hurt.”
This initiative is not just about physical safety; it’s also part of the healing process for a community that has been deeply affected by the recent losses.
Next Steps for Community Safety
Following the success of the Ashley Phosphate Road project, the next step is to install similar jump rails at other potentially dangerous locations, such as the Weber Interchange, to further protect the community and prevent future tragedies.
