Charlotte unveils pedestrian hybrid beacon at South Academy to boost student safety

City and school officials on site at South Academy of International Languages in Charlotte on Monday celebrated a newly installed pedestrian hybrid beacon intended to make crossing Nations Ford Road safer for students and residents. Council Member Joy Mayo (District 3) said the device is “a signal built to give every person crossing the street the confidence that comes with a clear protected walk,” framing the beacon as part of neighborhood safety improvements.

The beacon is one element of a larger set of improvements delivered through the city's Strategic Investment Areas program. Student Riley told the crowd the crossing “may look like a small thing, some paint, lights, a sign, But for the 1,260 students who come here and learn in this building every day, it is not small at all,” thanking the Charlotte Department of Transportation, City Council and the CMS Board of Education for the investment. Officials performed a ceremonial ribbon cutting to mark the completion and urged continued partnership to expand safety work across the corridor.