The first of July marks the beginning of the Fiscal-Year 2024-25. It’s a good time to take a look at the projects that are moving forward in West Columbia and to review the things that have been accomplished. 

West Columbia City Administrator Brian Carter explained the motivation behind upgrades the city is implementing. 

“We want to build up the infrastructure, address traffic and improve the quality of life,” he said. Below are some of the projects that he highlighted. 

West Columbia Riverwalk Park Improvement

One project that is coming involves West Columbia’s Riverwalk. In the summer, outdoor recreation lovers come to town from all over the country to tube down the Congaree River, ending up at the river access steps near the Riverwalk Amphitheater. With funding from the state legislature, the area where tubers exit the river will be made better. 

“We’re improving the access point on the river,” Carter said. “The upgrades will make it more convenient for people to use. “The City of West Columbia has also added showers beside the restrooms on Riverwalk. “The showers are a really nice amenity,” Carter said. 

US 1 Corridor Improvements

Other parts of West Columbia will look different in the next year or two.

Several projects are in the works for the Meeting Street-Augusta Road (US 1) Corridor. 
 From State Street to 9th Street, Meeting Street will be enhanced with on-street parking, dedicated left turn lanes, planted medians, pedestrian crosswalks, and shared-use paths designed to accommodate both walkers and bikers. 

Street Lighting and landscaping are also being added to the area. 

Further west on US 1, there are plans for stamped crosswalks and mast arm traffic signals to be installed at Dreher Road and Leaphart Road; Wade Street and the Westside Plaza Shopping Center; and at the US-1 Walmart entrance. 

“The upgrades will directly improve the entire Highway 1 Corridor and greatly improve the areas adjacent to it,” said West Columbia Mayor Tem Miles when the project was announced. In December, the City of West Columbia announced it had been awarded a $288,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) Safe Streets and Roads for All  program to fund a plan to improve safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers along the Highway 1 Corridor.

Also, the West Columbia Beautification Foundation is working to beautify multiple properties along the US 1 Corridor from the intersection of 12th Street and US 1 to Dreher Road to provide curb appeal and aesthetics to the area with the addition of trees and other plantings.

Blight Removal Program

The City of West Columbia has also improved several neglected properties with its blight removal program. As a part of the blight removal program, the City of West Columbia works with property owners to remove underbrush, debris, and trash from neglected property. Carter said cleaning the sites creates a clean and safe city for residents, businesses, and visitors. 

Pedestrian Bridge And Park Access Area

In September of 2023, the City of West Columbia announced that a pedestrian bridge and park access area would be constructed near the Botanical Gardens entrance to the Riverbanks Zoo and Gardens on Mohawk Drive, in West Columbia.

The announcement of the pedestrian bridge was hailed as an important milestone in the ongoing efforts to enhance recreational opportunities for residents and visitors.
“The City of West Columbia has worked for over 20 years towards a pedestrian bridge across the Saluda River. I am so excited we have taken this step to provide our citizens with better access to the river and greenway.”

Miles also thanked Sen. Nikki Setzler for his support and hard work to make the pedestrian possible.
The pedestrian bridge will also provide access to the existing riverwalk in Columbia. The park access area will include parking and restrooms. It is expected to become a vibrant connection for hikers, kayakers, and river enthusiasts, further enriching the City of West Columbia. 

So much has been done to improve West Columbia and more is coming. It will be exciting to see all of the projects being planned, come to fruition, in order to enhance the quality of life in West Columbia.