COLUMBIA, S.C. — Drivers in Columbia may see some changes to their route beginning Sunday night if they drive on a portion of Main Street.
The South Carolina Department of Transportation has announced that it plans to shift traffic as part of the South Main Street Streetscape Project. SCDOT said it will be shifting the traffic to two lanes on the eastern side of South Main Street - the side closest to Sumter Street.
Traffic will remain open in both directions and all businesses in the project area will remain accessible. However, drivers should expect delays in the area on Monday as SCDOT relocates stoplights to match a new traffic pattern.
The current phase of the project includes the relocation of electrical and telecommunication infrastructure, the state agency said in an announcement on Friday. It will also involve water and sewer work and the construction of curbs, driveways, drainage structures, and sidewalks on the western side of South Main Street that's closest to Assembly Street.
The overall project is a partnership between SCDOT, the University of South Carolina, and the city of Columbia. SCDOT describes the overall project area as involving four blocks that connect the South Carolina State House and the South Main Corridor - an area that is commonly used as a pedestrian route to the university campus.
SCDOT describes the end goal of the project as enhancing "the transportation experience for bicycle and pedestrians by reducing the number of vehicle travel lanes and improving non-motorized transportation options."
The total project budget is $7.9 million and included federal funds, Richland County transportation funds, and money from the University of South Carolina, SCDOT documentation states.
