Exciting Upgrades to Enhance Safety and Aesthetics in Downtown Columbia Set for Early January Unveiling

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Exciting Changes Ahead for Downtown Traffic!

Residents of Columbia, get ready for some fresh changes in your downtown area! Construction at the bustling Taylor Street intersection, a major crossroads connecting Allen University and Benedict College, is nearly wrapped up. According to officials, we can expect the shiny new look to unveil by early January.

Making Roads Safer and More Beautiful

This project, which has been in the works for several months, is all about safety and aesthetics. The upgrades are not just useful; they make the area visually stunning as well. Assistant City Manager Clint Shealy shared his enthusiasm by saying, “It’s really going to beautify the entryway into both Benedict and Allen University and that whole corridor along Harden Street.”

One of the main focuses of this project has been to enhance pedestrian safety. We all know how hectic downtown can get, especially when students are darting across the streets. To tackle this, there will be freshly paved sidewalks, new crosswalks, and shortened pedestrian crossings. Sounds great, right?

What’s a “Bump Out”?

In case you’re wondering what “bump outs” are, they’re designed to make crossing the street a breeze. Shealy explained, “We do things called bump outs, so that folks that are crossing the street don’t have quite as far to walk and quite as many lanes of traffic to cross.” This means pedestrians can cross more safely and quickly, even during peak traffic hours. They’ll also see signalization improvements and new mast arms to direct traffic better.

A Team Effort!

It’s fantastic to see community spirit alive and well! This project is a wonderful collaboration between the South Carolina Department of Transportation, the City of Columbia, Allen University, and Benedict College. And here’s the kicker: this whole initiative didn’t rely on city taxpayer dollars! It’s all funded through federal Local Public Agency dollars and support from the Richland County Transportation Committee (CTC). That’s right, about $1.6 million of improvements came without dipping into the city’s pockets, all thanks to gas tax and federal funding.

Finishing Touches

Before they finetune everything to perfection, the crews will be focusing on restriping and additional paving in the upcoming weeks. And don’t worry, the community isn’t just getting a makeover at the Taylor Street intersection! As part of this same initiative, improvements have also spruced up the Taylor and Pine Street intersection, as well as the Blanding and Harden Street intersection.

What to Expect After Holidays

As we mark our calendars for the festive season, the city aims to complete all improvements shortly after. So, just as 2024 rolls in, Columbia will be ready to show off its newly refurbished look to both residents and visitors alike!

So, get ready for a safer, more attractive downtown area that not only enhances your daily commute but also warms your heart every time you stroll through that busy intersection. Cheers to progress, Columbia!