COLUMBIA, S.C. – Your Chance to Tackle Traffic Congestion!
Hey there, folks of the Midlands! Are you tired of sitting in traffic? Well, you’re not alone! The Central Midlands Council of Governments is reaching out to you for your thoughts on that frustrating traffic congestion we’ve all experienced. They’ve joined hands with the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) to craft a traffic management plan since late last year, and now they want to hear from YOU!
Why All the Fuss About Traffic?
The need to address our traffic woes isn’t just a local mumbo jumbo; the Federal Highway Administration requires the council to regularly update their Congestion Management Plan. So, it’s really crucial that they get it right! Reginald Simmons, the transportation director, shared their vision, stating, “Our goal is always to work in concert to improve the transportation network. So when we know that there’s areas of congestion, we want to focus our efforts to make good decisions to address that.“
So How Can You Get Involved?
The council is currently gathering feedback through a public survey that will run until December 31. It’s a valuable chance for you to sound off about your experiences with traffic jams in the area. After the survey wraps up, they’re planning a series of public meetings to dig deeper into the issues raised. By making your voice heard, you can help shape the solutions that are being proposed!
What Are the Trouble Spots?
Simmons highlighted some key areas where drivers are feeling the pinch of congestion. If you’re feeling like you’re spending too much time in your car, you might be zooming through one of these hot spots:
- Lexington area – Brace yourself for slowdowns!
- Richland County – More traffic troubles brewing.
- Downtown Columbia to Forest Acres – The rush hour crawl is real.
- Chapin area – A growing headache for commuters.
The group is really hoping for a large turnout for the survey, as the more feedback they collect, the better they can tailor their traffic solutions to the needs of the community. Simmons said, “We certainly want everybody to participate. The more feedback we get, the better the plan we can create.“
What to Expect from the Survey
If you’re ready to contribute, the survey you’ll be filling out consists of five tabs featuring various categories and rating prompts. It even includes an interactive map showing congestion levels during the early morning and evening hours. This is a fantastic opportunity for you to pinpoint exactly where you’re facing traffic struggles! Find the public survey here!
Mark Your Calendars!
To ensure an open and ongoing conversation about traffic concerns, don’t miss the upcoming public meeting scheduled for December 18, from 4:30 to 7 p.m. at the Lexington Chamber of Commerce. This is your opportunity to speak directly with council members and transportation officials, so make sure to bring your thoughts and ideas!
Let’s Make Traffic Better Together!
In the grand scheme of life, being stuck in traffic can feel pretty tedious, but remember – every voice matters! Join your community in tackling the congestion issues we face by participating in the survey and attending the public meetings. Together, let’s make our roads smoother and our commutes shorter!
