Columbia’s Assembly Street Set for Major Overhaul as DOT Unveils Three Traffic Solutions

Exciting Changes on the Horizon for Columbia’s Assembly Street!

Columbia, South Carolina, has been buzzing with talk about the long-awaited plans to tackle a major traffic headache in the heart of the city—those pesky railroad crossings on Assembly Street and through the Olympia neighborhood. For many years, residents have been all too familiar with the sound of trains rolling through, disrupting traffic and causing frustration as the boxcars slowly crawl by.

Dreams Turn into Plans!

Finally, it seems that decades of dreams are transforming into reality! The South Carolina Department of Transportation (DOT) has unveiled three options aimed at significantly reshaping this area and eliminating those troublesome crossings. If you’ve ever wished for smoother travel through this bustling stretch, keep reading because there’s a lot to unpack!

At a public information meeting this past Wednesday, DOT engineer Joey McIntyre explained that the planning team has worked hard, whittling down more than 25 initial traffic pattern ideas to just three feasible options. With an estimated cost of around $200 million, these plans are ambitious and promise to bring some Indiana Jones-worthy changes to Columbia’s streetscape. And the good news? Much of the funding is expected to come from federal grants, alongside a whopping $35 million in state earmarks obtained over the last three budget cycles.

What Do the Plans Entail?

Let’s delve into the specifics of the proposed plans!

– Plan A and Plan A-1: Both options propose building rail bridges over Assembly Street, which means the road would need to be lowered by 18 feet to accommodate these new structures. While both plans plan to consolidate and abandon part of the existing CSX track, they differ in the number of street-level railroad crossings they would close. Plan A suggests closing 11 crossings, while Plan A-1 goes for a heftier cut, closing 15 crossings. However, this does come at a cost, with both options requiring the relocation of a handful of homes and businesses—specifically five residences and approximately 15 to 17 businesses.

– Plan B: If you’re hoping to not mess with the tracks too much, this is the option for you! Plan B keeps most of the railroad in place and opts to build the new roadways over and around the tracks instead. This plan envisions two new roadway bridges: one that raises Assembly over the tracks near the old Capital City Ballpark and another bridge over Catawba and Whaley streets. The impact on residential properties here is lighter, affecting only one residence along with 15 businesses or institutions. But heads up—this plan comes with a bigger price tag than the others.

Making Sure Your Voice is Heard!

Now, here’s where you come in! Public feedback is crucial, and the DOT is eager to hear what you think about these plans. Residents have until January 11 to share their insights and preferences. It’s an open conversation, and residents can easily comment through the website, send an email, or give them a call. Your opinions matter in shaping the future of your neighborhood!

Local resident Vi Hendley, who’s actively involved with the Mill Village District board, shared that while there’s progress, some concerns remain, especially regarding how to maintain the neighborhood grid. Her preference for Plan A-1 is clear, albeit with a request to keep Lincoln Street open to traffic.

The Road Ahead

As the planning and design phases continue, it’s important to remember that construction is still quite a ways off. But with the momentum building, Columbia is gearing up for big changes that just might transform the way we travel and live in the area!

So, Columbia, are you ready for these exciting developments? Keep an eye out for updates, and don’t forget to let your voice be heard!