Columbia Residents Struggle with Traffic Interruptions Amid New Construction Projects

Columbia Residents Face Traffic Woes Amidst Flurry of New Construction

In the lively streets of Columbia, the hustle and bustle of construction is causing quite a stir. Residents, who are used to a more tranquil drive, now find themselves stuck in frustrating traffic backups as new developments spring up in the area. River Drive, situated just north of Elmwood Avenue, is seeing a dramatic rise in congestion, and many locals are voicing their concerns.

A Change is Coming

Traditionally, River Drive hasn’t been a major hotspot for traffic issues. However, with the corridor bound by River Drive, Sunset Drive, and North Main Street undergoing a transformation, locals are now grappling with the accompanying headaches. One Earlewood resident took to social media, sharing their frustration: “Took 32 minutes to get home from the corner of Hampton and Main. Something needs to be done!” It’s clear that as construction continues, concerns about safety and traffic flow are rising to the surface.

Another resident echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the dangerous speeds and reckless driving that are becoming an unfortunate norm: “Cars are flying 45-50 miles an hour. People are swerving around cars trying to turn instead of waiting.” These complaints prompted the involvement of the Columbia Police Department this past September, as concerned residents began seeking assistance.

The Police Response

In response to the growing concerns, the Columbia Police Department’s Traffic Safety Unit has been taking measures to combat these issues on River Drive. They’ve issued tickets and conducted enforcement to maintain a protective presence. Between September and October, a total of 20 traffic tickets were written, with five of those being related to collisions. Interestingly, the police found “little to no speeding” during the key commuting hours, suggesting that while tickets were issued, the rush hour may not be the primary offender.

Additionally, police installed a temporary speed trailer designed to alert drivers when they’re exceeding the limit. Unfortunately, some hiccups have arisen, as the speed study data couldn’t be retrieved due to technical errors. Councilman Tyler Bailey has stepped forward, acknowledging the validity of resident complaints and collaborating with police to explore potential solutions.

The Bigger Picture

So, what’s causing this increase in traffic woes? A major $5.2 million construction project on nearby Sunset Drive started back in April. This initiative is set to enhance utilities, pave the road, and even add a new five-foot-wide sidewalk extending from River Drive to North Main Street. Unfortunately, the construction has redirected drivers who would normally travel along Sunset Drive, pushing them onto River Drive. The project is expected to wrap up by mid-2025, but that’s just one piece of a larger puzzle.

As Columbia continues to grow, other developments are also adding to the congestion. Recently completed and upcoming projects include the installation of new buffered bike lanes along River Drive and the introduction of two new apartment complexes. One of these is the newly constructed Benton Crossing, focusing on affordable housing, while the other will bring 300 market-rate apartment units into the mix, repurposing a long-vacant shopping center.

Looking Ahead

Residents are preparing for more disruption, as next year, a section of River Drive may close for nearly a year due to a bridge replacement over the CSX railroad. Reflecting on these measures, John Wilkinson, the president of the Elmwood Park neighborhood association, highlights his belief that while increased traffic is a concern, it is manageable. “A lot of people complain about traffic, but we want the development and we know that will come with some more traffic,” he said.

Wilkinson encourages a focus on improved connectivity between neighborhoods, allowing residents to navigate their surroundings more easily without relying solely on busier routes. He envisions a friendly pedestrian environment that accommodates the growth Columbia is experiencing.

Future Solutions on the Horizon

Should traffic levels significantly increase beyond manageable capacity post-construction, Councilman Bailey mentioned the city is prepared to explore long-term solutions to address these challenges. For Columbia residents, the road ahead may be bumpy, but it’s part of an evolving community embracing growth and progress.

As Columbia continues to transform, residents are reminded that while the traffic situation may be frustrating now, the benefits of development could outweigh the temporary inconveniences in the long run. Buckle up—it’s going to be an interesting ride!