Columbia Secures $3.5 Million for Devine Street Upgrades

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Artists rendering of planned Devine Street improvements in Columbia, SC

News Summary

Columbia receives a significant boost as State Representative Seth Rose has secured $3.5 million in funding for extensive renovations along Devine Street. The project, costing a total of $5 million, aims to improve traffic flow, pedestrian safety, and parking issues in the bustling Five Points District. Community input has been pivotal, with local residents actively participating in discussions about essential upgrades. This initiative promises to create a safer and more accessible environment for both residents and visitors alike, and construction could begin in two years if additional funds are secured.

Exciting News for Columbia: $3.5 Million for Devine Street Improvements!

Columbia is about to see some significant enhancements as State Representative Seth Rose has secured a whopping $3.5 million in funding to improve Devine Street. This investment comes as part of ongoing upgrades in the vibrant Five Points District, aiming to tackle long-standing issues like parking difficulties and safety concerns that have plagued the area for years.

Funding Details and Future Plans

The total cost for the project is estimated to be $5 million. Rose is optimistic about gaining the remaining $1.5 million this year, so community members can keep their fingers crossed! Public interest plays a huge part in this project, as demonstrated by a recent meeting held on March 17 by the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT). During this session, locals came together to share their thoughts on what upgrades are most needed.

What’s On the Agenda?

The planned renovations will stretch from Harden Street in the lively Five Points area all the way to Millwood Avenue. Key aspects the community is eager to see include:

Slowing down traffic to create a safer environment for everyone.
Enhancing pedestrian safety as foot traffic continues to rise.
Addressing the parking situation that has long been a source of frustration.

Addressing Safety Concerns

Devine Street is known for its narrow, four-lane setup, which often leads to accidents and damage for cars parked on the street. With recent residential developments bringing in new residents, pedestrian activity has surged—making safety more crucial than ever. The intersection where Harden meets Devine has gained notoriety as one of the most hazardous spots for pedestrians in Richland County.

Emphasizing Cyclist Amenities

The improvements also aim to cater to cyclists, with proposals for a protected bike lane along Devine Street. But that’s not all; the possibility of a road diet is on the table. This could mean reducing Devine from four lanes to just two traffic lanes plus a turning lane, although nothing has been finalized yet.

Current Developments and Timeline

As the planning moves forward, construction on a related $5 million traffic project that converted Harden Street from four lanes to two is nearing completion. With only final touches like blacktop and road striping left to go, the project is set to wrap up shortly. If the remaining funds for Devine Street improvements are secured, construction could kick off in approximately two years!

Enhancing Columbia’s Main Thoroughfare

The main goal is to enhance safety and spruce up the look of Devine Street, a crucial thoroughfare in Columbia known for its buzzing dining and retail spots. On average, around 14,300 vehicles make their way down Devine Street each day, showing just how important these upgrades are to local traffic patterns.

Community Feedback Matters

During the public input meeting, community members voiced their dissatisfaction with current parking and safety situations, highlighting the urgency of these updates. The SCDOT has stressed the significance of public relations activities to ensure transparency with local businesses and residents as the planning process unfolds.

With the promise of brighter days ahead for Devine Street, residents can look forward to significant improvements that aim to make the area safer and more accessible for everyone!