Columbia City Council reviews transportation projects including greenways and sidewalks

The Monthly Transportation Penny Advisory Committee Meeting held on March 17, 2025, in Richland County, South Carolina, focused on reviewing various transportation projects and improvements across the region. Key discussions included updates on greenway projects, sidewalk enhancements, and intersection improvements based on public input.

Committee members reported that greenway projects are currently under review for budget allocation, with some feasibility issues being addressed in collaboration with the city. Notably, the committee recommended the addition of a sidewalk on Spears Creek Church Road to the project list, reflecting ongoing efforts to enhance pedestrian infrastructure.

The meeting also highlighted input from local towns, including Blythewood and Irmo, regarding specific intersection improvements. Blythewood proposed enhancements at the intersections of Lanford, Wilson Boulevard, and Blythewood Road, while Irmo's suggestions included modifications to Salem Church Road to improve safety and accessibility.

The City of Columbia presented several special projects aimed at street surface enhancements, including the Assembly Street rail separation project and various sidewalk installations. The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) outlined plans for over 20 intersection evaluations and identified several road widenings and pedestrian improvement projects.

Additionally, the committee discussed the need for a project manager to consolidate intersection data and facilitate traffic engineering support through a Request for Proposals (RFP). This step aims to ensure that traffic volumes at proposed intersections are adequately assessed to determine the necessity for traffic signals.

The meeting concluded with a call for a motion to approve the needs assessment for 2024, which will be forwarded to the council for further consideration. This assessment is crucial for aligning future transportation projects with community needs and ensuring effective use of allocated funds.