Traffic Troubles in Columbia: Residents Brace for More Challenges Ahead!

Traffic Troubles in Columbia: Residents Brace for More Challenges Ahead!

Columbia is buzzing with excitement over new developments and construction projects, but it seems that all this hustle and bustle is causing some serious traffic headaches for locals. Just a few months ago, River Drive, located north of Elmwood Avenue, wasn’t even on anyone’s radar when it came to major traffic issues. But with a booming corridor bounded by River Drive, Sunset Drive, and North Main Street, things have taken a significant turn for the worse.

Frustration Rises Among Residents

One frustrated resident took to Facebook in late October after a maddening 32-minute drive home from the corner of Hampton and Main, exclaiming, “Something needs to be done!” They noted that some drivers were even taking shortcuts through the Earlewood garden area, cutting people off and making an already precarious situation even more dangerous.

Another local voiced concerns about speeding and reckless driving on River Drive, reporting that cars were zipping along at speeds of 45 to 50 miles per hour and swerving around vehicles waiting to turn. With all these complaints flooding in, it was no surprise when Columbia Police decided to step in.

Police Response and Traffic Safety Measures

With residents crying out for help, Columbia Police became involved in September, aiming to tackle the growing concerns. A memo from the police department revealed they had begun conducting traffic enforcement on River Drive as much as their busy schedule allowed. In just a couple of months, officers issued 20 traffic tickets, five of which were related to collisions. However, the police also reported minimal speeding during peak commuting hours, indicating that while complaints were rampant, the problem might not be as dire as it appeared.

To further address the traffic chaos, authorities installed a temporary speed trailer to alert drivers when they were speeding. Unfortunately, due to a processing error, the vital data collected during a two-month speed study was lost. Talk about a hiccup!

The Bigger Picture: Ongoing Construction Projects

The heart of the traffic problem lies in a significant construction project currently underway on Sunset Drive. This $5.2 million venture, funded by the Richland County transportation tax, is set to upgrade utilities, create a new five-foot wide sidewalk, and pave the road all the way to North Main Street. But here’s the kicker: this project won’t be completed until mid-2025, meaning drivers will likely face years of rerouted traffic.

Adding to the congestion, the South Carolina Department of Transportation has also recently completed work on new, buffered bike lanes running along River Drive, which was just announced in October. But that’s not all! Brand new apartment complexes are popping up all around, including the affordable housing complex known as Benton Crossing. A market-rate apartment project with 300 units will soon join the mix, repurposing an old shopping center at the corner of Sunset and River Drives.

Potential Road Closures Ahead

As if that wasn’t enough, residents may soon have to brace for yet another wave of disruption. Next year, a portion of River Drive could close for nearly a year as the Department of Transportation prepares to replace a bridge over the CSX railroad. This could force traffic onto already busy routes like Sunset Drive and North Main Street, which currently sees an impressive 20,300 vehicles daily—up from 18,300 just a decade ago.

The Community is Optimistic

Despite the soaring traffic numbers and ongoing construction chaos, community leaders are holding out hope for a positive outcome. John Wilkinson, president of the Elmwood Park neighborhood association, stated, “We know development is necessary, and while it comes with some increased traffic, the benefits will outweigh the downsides.”

Wilkinson emphasized the need for better connectivity between neighborhoods to ease the growing traffic burden and create a more pedestrian-friendly environment. City Councilman Tyler Bailey echoed these sentiments, assuring residents that if the situation doesn’t improve post-construction, the city will look into long-term solutions to enhance traffic safety and efficiency.

As Columbia continues to grow and evolve, one thing is clear: the buzz of construction is here to stay, and the community will have to adapt to the ever-changing landscape of its beloved city!