COLUMBIA, S.C. – Major Upgrades Coming to Busy Downtown Intersection!
Get ready, Columbia! Exciting changes are on the way for one of the city’s busiest intersections. That’s right, the Taylor Street intersection, where Allen University and Benedict College come together, is getting a fantastic makeover. City officials have announced that this long-awaited construction project is expected to wrap up by early January!
A Focus on Safety and Style
After months of hard work and dedication, this project aims to enhance not just pedestrian safety, but also the overall look of the area. Imagine _freshly paved sidewalks_, _new crosswalks_, and _shortened pedestrian crossings_ that make it easier and safer to navigate this busy spot. Columbia’s Assistant City Manager, Clint Shealy, couldn’t be more enthusiastic about the improvements.
Shealy stated, “It’s really going to beautify the entryway into both Benedict and Allen University and that whole corridor along Harden Street.” And who doesn’t want a beautiful, inviting entrance to our local institutions?
The Nitty-Gritty of the Construction Work
So, what exactly are we looking at? The project comes with some clever features, including something called **bump outs**. What’s that? Simply put, they’re extensions at intersections that reduce the distance pedestrians have to cross, making it safer and more user-friendly. It’s just one of the many thoughtful touches being added!
Another key improvement involves updating the signaling system, along with adding new mast arms for traffic lights. This means better traffic flow and safer crossings for everyone, especially students rushing between classes.
Funding Without Taxpayer Dollars?
You read that right! This fantastic initiative didn’t rely on city taxpayer dollars. It’s all been made possible through federal Local Public Agency funds and the incredible support from the Richland County Transportation Committee (CTC). Shealy explained, “We partnered with our county transportation committee to get additional funding—about $1.6 million worth of improvements—all funded through gas tax and federal dollars.”
It’s wonderful to see a project that puts the community’s needs first without affecting local taxpayers. Now that’s a win-win situation!
What’s Next?
In the upcoming weeks, look out for crews to tackle **restriping** and **additional paving**. Not only will the Taylor Street intersection get a makeover, but nearby intersections, like the Taylor and Pine Street intersection and the Blanding and Harden Street intersection, are also part of this improvement initiative. This means a more coordinated and cohesive feel for the whole area!
Mark Your Calendars!
As the holiday season approaches, residents can expect all work on the project to be finished shortly after New Year’s. It’s the perfect way to kick off a fresh year in Columbia—what better way to celebrate than with safer streets and a prettier downtown?
So, keep your eyes peeled for these exciting changes in downtown Columbia. If you’ve been dodging traffic while making your way through the Taylor Street intersection, those days are soon coming to an end! The city is working hard to ensure that pedestrians can walk safely and enjoy the beauty of one of Columbia’s lively corridors. Here’s to a safer, more beautiful downtown!
