Exciting Upgrades Coming to Downtown Columbia’s Taylor Street Intersection
COLUMBIA, S.C. — Exciting news for residents and visitors alike! The busy Taylor Street intersection in downtown Columbia, located right where Allen University and Benedict College meet, is well on its way to getting a fresh new look. Construction has been going on for months, and city officials have announced that we’re expecting these upgrades to wrap up by early January.
What’s Happening?
This renovation project is more than just a facelift; it’s about enhancing pedestrian safety while making the area visually stunning. According to Columbia’s Assistant City Manager Clint Shealy, “It’s really going to beautify the entryway into both Benedict and Allen University and that whole corridor along Harden Street.” So, expect to see some grand changes when you walk through!
So what kind of upgrades are we talking about? Well, the project boasts some fantastic improvements such as:
- Freshly paved sidewalks that’ll make walking feel like a breeze.
- New crosswalks, making it easier to navigate safely.
- Shortened pedestrian crossings—nobody likes waiting too long in the traffic, right?
- And let’s not forget about those bump-outs! These nifty modifications mean that people crossing the street won’t have to walk as far or cross as many lanes of traffic. That’s a win-win for safety.
In addition to these physical improvements, there will also be signalization upgrades, complete with brand new mast arms for better traffic control.
Who’s Behind This?
This project is the result of a fantastic collaboration between the South Carolina Department of Transportation, the City of Columbia, Allen University, and Benedict College. And here’s some more good news—this project did not use any taxpayer dollars from the city. It’s funded through federal Local Public Agency dollars and the support of the Richland County Transportation Committee (CTC).
“We partnered up with the county transportation committee to secure additional funding, which totals around $1.6 million worth of improvements,” Shealy said. “And it’s all coming from gas tax and federal dollars.” It’s comforting to know that your local government is making strides for the community without dipping into city taxes!
What’s Next?
Before we ring in the new year, crews will focus on some finishing touches, including restriping and additional paving, which is expected to be completed in the coming weeks. Oh, and this isn’t just a one-and-done situation—there have also been upgrades at the Taylor and Pine Street intersection and the Blanding and Harden Street intersection as part of this same initiative.
So, if you find yourself in downtown Columbia after the holiday season, expect to see a brand-new, much safer Taylor Street intersection. It’s a fitting gift for the community that keeps on giving!
Stay tuned for more updates on this fantastic project, and get ready to enjoy the new pedestrian-friendly improvements coming to our beloved downtown!
