COLUMBIA, S.C. — Exciting News on the Construction Front!
Residents of downtown Columbia have something to cheer about! The bustling Taylor Street intersection, which serves as a vital connection for students and visitors of Allen University and Benedict College, is nearing the finish line after a significant redesign.
Completion by Early January!
City officials announced that the ongoing construction project is expected to wrap up by early January, just in time for students returning to campus after the holidays. This improvements project has been in the works for several months and aims to enhance both pedestrian safety and the overall look of the area.
Beautifying the Corridor
Thanks to the collaborative efforts of the South Carolina Department of Transportation, the City of Columbia, Allen University, and Benedict College, the changes are designed to really beautify the entryway to both universities. Assistant City Manager Clint Shealy enthusiastically stated, “It’s really going to beautify the entryway into both Benedict and Allen University and that whole corridor along Harden Street.”
What’s New?
So, what can passersby expect? The major upgrades include:
- Freshly paved sidewalks: Making it easier and safer to walk around.
- New crosswalks: Clearly marked paths for pedestrians.
- Shortened pedestrian crossings: Less distance to cross means increased safety!
- Bump outs: These extensions into the road will shorten crossing distances and create a safer environment for those on foot.
- Signalization improvements: New mast arms will make signals more visible.
Sneak peek into the future? A smoother and safer experience for pedestrians is on the horizon! “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,” Shealy explained. “So, it makes it a little bit easier and safer for the pedestrians.”
No Taxpayer Dollars Used!
One of the most noteworthy aspects of this project is that it’s been funded through federal Local Public Agency dollars and assistance from the Richland County Transportation Committee (CTC) — that means no city taxpayer dollars were directly used for this work! In fact, about $1.6 million worth of improvements will be made, using funds from gas taxes and federal contributions.
Looking Ahead
As the project draws to a close, crews are gearing up for the final touches. The focus will be on restriping and additional paving over the next few weeks. Additionally, other intersections in the area like the Taylor and Pine Street intersection and the Blanding and Harden Street intersection have also received improvements as part of this initiative.
All work is projected to be completed shortly after the holiday season, allowing for an enhanced and safer experience for students and residents alike. It’s all about promoting a community where walking around downtown feels just a little bit nicer, and a whole lot safer!
So hang tight, Columbia! Exciting developments are just around the corner, and your city is getting a lovely facelift that will benefit everyone.
