Big Changes Planned for Gervais Street in Columbia, S.C.

News Summary

The South Carolina Department of Transportation is set to implement significant safety improvements on Gervais Street in Columbia. With a focus on pedestrian and cyclist safety, the plans include new sidewalks, signage, and medians. Residents are encouraged to provide feedback before the April deadline. The project aims to address concerns raised due to an increase in traffic-related incidents in the area. A budget of $5 million is allocated for these enhancements, contributing to a larger initiative to improve urban infrastructure across Columbia.

Big Changes Coming to Gervais Street in Columbia, S.C.!

If you’ve ever been down Gervais Street in Columbia, you know it’s one of the city’s busiest streets. With cars zipping by and pedestrians and cyclists sharing the road, it can sometimes feel a bit chaotic. But don’t worry, the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) has some big plans to make this bustling corridor a lot safer for everyone.

Why the Concern?

Every day, hundreds of locals navigate Gervais Street as they head to work and school. That’s a lot of foot and bike traffic! However, some folks have recently raised alarms about their safety on this street, pointing to a significant uptick in danger over the past few years. Local residents are particularly anxious, as they see more and more close calls on this lively route.

One resident put it simply: there’s a growing concern among those who walk and bike that safety measures are not keeping pace with traffic demands. With daily use being so high, it is crucial that something is done to ensure that everyone can get around safely and confidently!

The Safety Assessment

To tackle this issue head-on, SCDOT is diving deep into the data on Gervais Street. They’re focusing on the stretch between Gist Street and Millwood Avenue, where they’ve identified some alarming statistics: there have been over 1,700 crashes in this area over the past five years. And yes, at least 70 of those involved pedestrians. Yikes!

This isn’t just about stats, though. The department is keen on gathering public input and feedback throughout the design process. So if you’ve got thoughts or suggestions about what could improve safety on the street, you’ve got until April 10 to share your views with SCDOT!

What’s On the Table?

So what kind of improvements might we see? Well, the plans may include upgraded sidewalks, additional signage, and new medians to help separate pedestrian pathways from cars. But that’s not all! SCDOT is also considering adding LED-enhanced traffic signs to make sure drivers can see them clearly, especially at night.

Local opinions vary on the urgency of these improvements. Some believe that the current measures are just fine, suggesting that it’s up to pedestrians to be more aware of the traffic around them, especially at busy intersections. Others feel strongly that changes are necessary, and they want action now to prevent any more incidents.

Funding and Timeline

How much is all this going to cost? SCDOT has earmarked about $5 million for the project, funded through the Highway Safety Improvement Program. As for how long it’s all going to take, the design phase is set to wrap up in 2026, with construction anticipated to finish by 2027.

Residents can’t help but worry about potential delays—after all, they’ve seen it happen with other road projects around town. They want these improvements to be implemented sooner rather than later!

The Bigger Picture

This project on Gervais Street is part of a larger effort by the city to improve not just vehicular infrastructure but also pedestrian safety across Columbia. Along with Gervais Street, plans are underway for various upgrades on nearby Assembly Street as part of this ongoing initiative. The goal? To create a more friendly and safer environment for everyone—drivers, walkers, and cyclists alike!

As changes roll out, the hope is that Gervais Street will soon be a safer and more pleasant space to navigate. Keep your eyes peeled for updates, and don’t forget to share your thoughts with SCDOT before the April deadline!

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Additional Resources

• WLTX News
• Wikipedia: Gervais Street
• WIS TV
• Google Search: Gervais Street Columbia safety improvements
• Post and Courier
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Columbia
• Cola Daily
• Google News: Gervais Street Columbia traffic safety

Author: HERE Lexington