Spartanburg Residents Weigh In on Proposed East Main Street 'Road Diet'

City and transportation officials say the redesign follows a deadly pedestrian accident in February.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 12:57am

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a street crossing sign repeated in a tight grid pattern, conceptually representing the debate over a proposed road diet to improve pedestrian safety on East Main Street.A proposed 'road diet' aims to improve pedestrian safety on a dangerous stretch of East Main Street in Spartanburg, though some residents worry about increased traffic congestion.Spartanburg Today

Residents in Spartanburg, South Carolina shared their thoughts on a proposed 'road diet' along East Main Street during an open house hosted by the South Carolina Department of Transportation. The plan would reduce the four-lane road to three lanes, with one lane in each direction and a center turn lane, as well as add bike lanes and parallel parking. While some residents expressed concerns about increased traffic congestion, officials said the changes are aimed at improving safety for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists.

Why it matters

The proposed road diet follows a deadly pedestrian accident in February, where a 75-year-old woman was struck and killed while crossing the street. City and transportation leaders believe the redesign could help reduce crashes and improve safety in an area with limited crossing options.

The details

Under the proposal, the four-lane East Main Street between Converse and East St. John streets would be reduced to three lanes - one in each direction with a center turn lane. Bike lanes and parallel parking on both sides would also be added. Officials said the busiest portion of East Main Street between St. John Street and Pine Street would not be changed. Residents expressed concerns about how the changes could impact traffic congestion, with some saying they already experience long delays at certain times of day.

  • In February, a 75-year-old pedestrian was killed in an accident on East Main Street.
  • The SCDOT hosted an open house on the proposed road diet on Thursday, April 17, 2026.

The players

SCDOT

The South Carolina Department of Transportation, which is proposing the road diet changes to East Main Street.

Chris Story

The Spartanburg City Manager, who said the lack of crosswalks on a third-mile stretch of East Main Street is a concern.

Dolores Dalton

A 75-year-old pedestrian who was killed in a February accident on East Main Street, which prompted the proposed road diet.

Liv Hawkins

A Spartanburg resident who walks and bikes in the area and said improvements are needed to improve safety.

Martha Foster

A Spartanburg resident who expressed concerns about how the road diet could impact increasing traffic in the area.

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What they’re saying

“I don't think any of this will work.”

— Unnamed resident

“At 39 new residents a day, if it's a congested area now and we're trying to decrease or 'diet' the streets, then where are we going to put the increased traffic?”

— Martha Foster

“As someone who has been in those situations, that could statistically be me one day — and I don't want it to be.”

— Liv Hawkins

What’s next

Residents can review the proposal and submit feedback through the SCDOT online project portal. The project would be completed during scheduled resurfacing work, staying within the existing road's footprint.

The takeaway

The proposed road diet on East Main Street in Spartanburg is a response to a deadly pedestrian accident, with the goal of improving safety for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists. While some residents have concerns about increased traffic congestion, city and transportation officials believe the changes are necessary to address the lack of safe crossing options in the area.