(Columbia, SC) – The City of Columbia, in collaboration with the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT), has announced the completion of the River Drive Buffered Bike Lane Project. This initiative, designed to enhance safety for bicyclists, motorists, and pedestrians, marks a significant milestone in the implementation of the City’s Walk Bike Columbia Master Plan.
The project was completed as part of SCDOT’s routine resurfacing schedule and reflects a shared commitment to improving multimodal transportation infrastructure. Buffered bike lanes were incorporated into the design without reducing the number of vehicular travel lanes, utilizing the width of the existing roadway.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for tomorrow, December 5, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. near the intersection of Anthony Avenue, across from the NOMA Community Garden (2714 River Drive). Remarks will be delivered by Mayor Daniel J. Rickenmann, District 1 City Councilwoman Tina N. Herbert, District 4 Richland County Councilman Paul Livingston, and other community partners.
Project Highlights
- Improved Safety:
- Narrower vehicular lanes encourage safer driving speeds.
- Shorter pedestrian crossings enhance walkability and reduce conflicts with bicyclists.
- Buffered on-street bike lanes provide a safer option for bicyclists while maintaining sidewalk access.
- Strategic Planning:
The project aligns with the Walk Bike Columbia Master Plan, adopted in 2015 and reaffirmed through the Columbia Compass comprehensive plan in 2020. These plans prioritize infrastructure projects that improve safety and accessibility for all modes of transportation. - State Collaboration:
SCDOT’s Complete Streets Directive (DD28), adopted in 2021, played a key role in integrating multimodal infrastructure into state-maintained roadways.
Community members interested in learning more about the River Drive Buffered Bike Lane Project or other multimodal transportation initiatives can visit https://planninganddevelopment.columbiasc.gov/river-drive/.
For updates on similar projects and ways to get involved, sign up for the Walk Bike Columbia e-newsletter or participate in bi-annual pedestrian and bicyclist counts.
