COLUMBIA, S.C. — Construction started this week on a significant road safety overhaul project in Five Points.
This initiative follows a state safety audit that identified the corridor as one of the most dangerous in South Carolina.
The primary modifications entail reducing Harden Street from four lanes to two and Devine Street from four lanes to three. The overarching objective is to enhance pedestrian safety and accessibility in the area.
Five Points stands out as one of Columbia's iconic neighborhoods.
"You name it, everyone knows Five Points,” said Rep. Seth Rose.
However, it also holds the distinction of being one of the most hazardous zones for cyclists and pedestrians, as highlighted by a 2019 audit conducted by the State Department of Transportation.
According to the South Carolina Department of Transportation, there were more than 200 car crashes from 2013 to 2018.
Now, these concerns are being addressed as safety enhancements are set to be implemented.
The completed project includes a dedicated bike lane, a new median, a lane designated for commercial vehicles, and multiple crosswalks.
Rose, who played a pivotal role in securing $800,000 in the state budget for this nearly $5 million project, called it “transformative.”
“We are going to slow down the traffic and make it pedestrian friendly. And people are going to want to shop. they're going to feel like they can walk across the streets and not get run over,” said Rose.
This project is made possible through a collaborative effort between the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT), the City of Columbia, and the Five Points Association.
Rose said roughly $4 million came from a grant.
Residents tell News 19 they are excited for the changes.
“They need a lot of biker lanes because this is a biker area with college student and with people just riding through the neighborhood,” said Edmond McKnight.
Others aren’t so sure.
“I can see safety, but I can see congestion,” said Chris Goodlet. “There is a lot of traffic. If you’re cutting four lanes down to two, it’s going to take a little bit longer to get through.
Construction is expected to be complete in six months.
Rose has also secured $3.5 million in the state budget for improvements on Devine Street.