News Summary
Residents in South Carolina are thrilled as the Lower Saluda Greenway Trail project progresses towards completion. This trail will connect various areas from Lake Murray to Columbia and beyond, enhancing outdoor activities and community connectivity. Construction of the next phase is set to begin soon, with phases planned to further extend the greenway and include pedestrian bridges. This project, decades in the making, aims to offer residents a beautiful, accessible outdoor space for leisure and recreation. With a budget of $24 million, the community is excited about the future of this invaluable resource.
Exciting Developments on the Lower Saluda Greenway Trail in South Carolina!
Residents of South Carolina are buzzing with excitement as the Lower Saluda Greenway Trail project is finally making headway! This incredible project, which aims to connect multiple areas from Lake Murray to Columbia, West Columbia, and Freely Cayce, is nearing completion and promises to enhance connectivity for all who live in the Midlands.
A New Outdoor Adventure Awaits
Construction is set to kick off on the next section of the greenway that will span from Lake Murray Dam to Saluda Shoals Park as soon as all the necessary permits are squared away. Residents are thrilled, with the initial section anticipated to be ready for public enjoyment sometime next year. How exciting is that? Just picture yourself strolling, jogging, or biking along the picturesque Lower Saluda River amidst nature’s untouched beauty!
Phased Approach to Trail Expansion
The trail project is structured into phases. Once phase one is up and running, the second phase will extend from Saluda Shoals’ lower boat ramp, utilizing the precious land of Shaw Industries all the way to the Gardendale boat ramp. And that’s not all—there’s a third phase in the works that will link to the existing Saluda Riverwalk, reaching all the way past the renowned Riverbanks Zoo. However, this segment is contingent upon the successful completion of the Carolina Crossroads project, which is expected to be done by 2029.
Bridging Communities Together
One of the exciting features of this project is the ambitious plan by the River Alliance to construct a pedestrian bridge across the Congaree River, which will connect the Lower Saluda Greenway to the charming Columbia Canal trail. This bridge will be a game-changer, enhancing accessibility and promoting outdoor activities for the community.
A Vision Realized—Decades in the Making
The dream of a unified Three Rivers Greenway has been a long time coming—over 40 years, in fact! Planning for this trail dates back to the late 1980s and early 1990s. It’s impressive to see how the vision is finally unfolding, with Dominion Energy stepping in by leasing 200 acres upstream of the Riverbanks Zoo. This initiative is set to contribute to completing the greenway from the dam all the way to where the Saluda and Broad rivers meet.
Funding and Construction: The Road Ahead
With a total budget of $24 million, the project is made possible through a combination of local, state, and federal contributions, along with a generous $3.2 million federal grant. The Irmo-Chapin Recreation Commission is working diligently to collaborate with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to secure the required permits. Once those are granted, construction is expected to take about 15 months. By mid-next year, residents should be gearing up to explore the first phase of the trail—a thrilling prospect!
Building Connections in the Community
The plans don’t stop there! The city of Columbia is also putting its efforts into enhancing access points to the greenway, including projects like the William Street extension and the construction of a riverfront park. There are also plans for a pedestrian bridge across the **Broad River**, which would create improved access for everyone to enjoy this valuable new resource.
Your Opinion Counts!
Exciting times are ahead, and public participation is highly encouraged! The community is invited to contribute to the Lower Saluda Greenway Feasibility Study to ensure that the project best meets the needs of all future trail users. Your voice matters, and this is a fantastic opportunity for everyone to get involved!
The Lower Saluda Greenway Trail is shaping up to be a beautiful addition to the Midlands, combining nature, recreation, and the joy of community togetherness. With the greenway on the horizon, it’s time to lace up those walking shoes and get ready for some outdoor fun!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- The State
- Wikipedia: Greenway
- Lexington Chronicle
- Google Search: Saluda Riverwalk
- Post and Courier
- Google Scholar: Lower Saluda Greenway Trail
- Cola Today
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Greenway
- WLTX
- Google News: Lower Saluda Greenway
Author: STAFF HERE Chapin
CHAPIN STAFF WRITER The CHAPIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREchapin.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chapin, Lexington County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Chapin Christmas Parade, Fourth of July Celebration, and the Chapin Fall Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chapin Chamber of Commerce and the Lexington School District One, plus leading businesses in retail and recreation that power the local economy such as Lake Murray Tourism and the Chapin Visitor Information. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaiken.com, HEREbeaufort.com, HEREchapin.com, HEREcharleston.com, HEREclinton.com, HEREcolumbia.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, HEREgreenwood.com, HEREgreenville.com, HEREhiltonhead.com, HEREirmo.com, HEREmyrtlebeach.com, HEREnewberry.com, HERErockhill.com, HEREspartanburg.com, HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
