COLUMBIA, S.C. — Exciting Changes Ahead for Atlas Road!
Big news for the folks living around Columbia! A brand new project is kicking off that promises to make the hustle and bustle of Atlas Road much smoother, safer, and a lot more enjoyable for everyone. That’s right, local officials have officially broken ground on the long-awaited Atlas Road widening project, and it’s about time!
What’s the Deal?
Currently, Atlas Road is primarily two lanes, which, let’s be honest, can get pretty congested with all the traffic and the small businesses lining the street. But guess what? This project is going to jazz things up with three new lanes, including a fabulous center turning lane, plus sidewalks and even bike lanes! Talk about an upgrade!
Attrophia Bannister, a local resident, expressed her excitement saying, “It will be a good idea for them to go walking, running, exercise, kids can walk.” Sounds like a win-win for everyone, right? Parents can feel safer knowing their kids have a designated area to stroll or bike around, while folks like Bannister can get out and enjoy the great outdoors!
How Much is This Going to Cost?
The entire project is expected to run between $56 and $60 million, which is certainly a hefty sum. Public Works Director Michael Maloney noted that the project is split into Phase 1, running from Garners Ferry Road to Shop Road, and Phase 2, stretching from Shop Road to Bluff Road. Isn’t it nice to have a plan?
In fact, Phase 1 is already in full swing, with about $8 million already spent on relocating utilities along the road. That’s some serious groundwork! Maloney estimates that Phase 1 will total around $48 million, while the costs for Phase 2 are still being finalized, expected to be around $10 to $12 million.
What’s Next?
So, what can we expect moving forward? Maloney mentioned that the utility work is projected to take about 18 months, which will coincide with preparations for the actual construction of both phases. A little traffic disruption may be in store for locals, but as Bannister put it, “I live over here so I frequent in this area, so it would be a great idea.” You gotta admire that positivity!
When Will It Be Done?
The exciting part is that officials are aiming to put both phases of the project out to bid in 2025, and they are hoping to wrap up the work within the next three years. It may seem like a long wait, but just think of the smoother rides, the safer walks, and the happier cyclists ahead!
So there you have it, Columbia! Keep your eyes peeled for construction signs and announcements because big improvements are coming your way. Your commute on Atlas Road is about to become a lot easier, and who knows, it might even inspire some fun family outings along the way! Stay tuned for more updates!
