Columbia Residents Invited to Share Views on Traffic Congestion Solutions

Columbia Residents Weigh In on Traffic Congestion Issues!

Hey there, Columbia! If you’ve ever found yourself frustrated while stuck in traffic, we’ve got some news that might just brighten your day. The Central Midlands Council of Governments is on a mission to tackle traffic congestion in our lovely region, and they want to hear from all of you! Yes, that’s right! Your voice matters and can help shape the way we travel around the Midlands.

What’s Cooking with Traffic Plans?

Since late 2023, this regional planning body has been teaming up with the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) to put together a traffic management plan that aims to ease congestion in our bustling areas. You see, the Federal Highway Administration has given them the green light (pun intended) to update their Congestion Management Plan, and they’re eager to get started.

Reginald Simmons, the transportation director, mentioned that improving the transportation network is a top priority. “Our goal is always to work in concert to improve the transportation network. When we know there are areas of congestion, we want to focus our efforts to help make good decisions,” he shared with a smile. It’s all about creating a better flow in our roadways, and Simmons believes that will benefit everyone!

How You Can Make a Difference

So here’s where you come in, Columbia! The Council is collecting feedback through a public survey until December 31. This is your chance to voice your opinions! They also plan to host several public meetings after gathering the feedback, aiming for solid solutions in the first quarter of the new year!

“We certainly want everybody to participate,” Simmons added, emphasizing the importance of community involvement. The more feedback they receive, the better the resulting plan can be, and let’s be honest, we all want smoother drives!

Spotting Problem Areas

The data they’ve gathered earlier this year points to some specific trouble spots that have been causing headaches for many. “We’ve observed congestion in the Lexington area, Richland County, downtown Columbia stretching out to Forest Acres, and even some areas around Chapin,” Simmons noted.

If you frequent any of these areas, it’s crucial for you to fill out that survey! The insights on where congestion occurs most often will guide the Council in making informed decisions moving forward.

What Does the Survey Look Like?

The survey itself is designed to be user-friendly, featuring five tabs with various categories and prompts for you to rate your experiences with congestion. Plus, it includes an interactive map highlighting both a.m. and p.m. congestion – talk about modern technology making our lives easier!

Find the public survey here and let your voice be heard!

Mark Your Calendars!

As if that wasn’t enough, the Central Midlands Council is also hosting a public meeting on December 18, from 4:30 to 7 p.m. at the Lexington Chamber of Commerce. This will be another opportunity for locals to discuss congestion issues and propose ideas for improvement.

So, Columbia, are you ready to make our roadways better? Your feedback is a crucial part of the equation, and with your help, we can create a smoother and more enjoyable driving experience for everyone. Drive safely, and let’s get to work on clearing up that traffic together!