News Summary
Devine Street in Columbia is set to undergo a major $5 million improvement project aimed at enhancing safety and accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists. With $3.5 million already secured in state funding, community members have had their say on necessary changes through a recent public input meeting. Proposed plans include the addition of protected bike lanes and a reduction of traffic lanes to prioritize safety. As residential development increases in the area, these enhancements are seen as essential for creating a more walkable and inviting environment.
Exciting Improvements Coming to Devine Street in Columbia!
Big news, folks! The bustling street of Devine Street in Columbia is set to get a much-needed facelift with a brand new improvement project that’s turning heads and sparking some serious excitement. With a total project cost of $5 million, state funding has finally piped in with $3.5 million already secured. This is fantastic news for those of us who deal with long-standing parking and safety headaches in the area!
Community Focused Development
The local business association has been all ears, gathering feedback to tackle those annoying issues that have plagued all of us who frequent Devine Street. Recently, the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) hosted a public input meeting on March 17, 2025. Community members provided their thoughts on what changes they want to see to make this busy corridor safer and more accessible. After all, who couldn’t use a little more clarity in traffic and a bit more safety while strolling around?
What’s in Store for Devine Street?
The improvements will span from Harden Street in Five Points to Millwood Avenue, focusing on several key enhancements. Among the most talked-about plans are measures aimed at slowing down traffic, upping pedestrian safety levels, and adding more infrastructure for parking. This is a win-win for business owners and shoppers alike!
Believe it or not, the Devine Street Association has noted that some vehicles have been resorting to parking on sidewalks or risking damage with on-street parking. That’s hardly ideal for those of us who walk or cycle along the street. It’s no secret that the intersection of Harden and Devine Street has been flagged as one of the most unsafe spots in Richland County for pedestrian accidents. So, these improvements couldn’t come at a better time!
Pedestrian and Cyclist Safety Takes Center Stage
Here’s where it gets even better: the proposals include the addition of protected bike lanes along Devine Street and a smart reduction of the current four-lane road to just two lanes, complemented by a turning lane in the middle. These changes aim to create a more inviting atmosphere for everyone, whether you’re walking, riding a bike, or cruising in a car.
But hold on, there’s more! A comprehensive traffic study is also on the agenda. This study will assess various factors affecting traffic flow, parking, and pedestrian facilities, ensuring that the final project plans reflect what the community really needs.
Growing Community and Needs
As residential development blooms in the area, the push for a safer, more pedestrian-friendly environment intensifies. The noticeable increase in pedestrian activity underscores just how vital these improvements are. Fortunately, if the remaining $1.5 million in funding is secured—something state representatives are confident about—construction could kick off within the next two years!
Looking Ahead: A Safer Future
With safety measures for both pedestrians and cyclists set as a top priority, these enhancements for Devine Street are shaping up to make a big difference. Recently, the $5 million Five Points traffic project is already underway, focusing on narrowing Harden Street from four to two lanes and improving sidewalks. Construction should wrap up by the end of March 2025, paving the way for further steps like those anticipated on Devine Street.
In the meantime, community interaction remains key to ensure everyone has a voice in this exciting decision-making process. So, keep your ears open and your thoughts ready! Changes are coming, and they are definitely worth cheering for!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Columbia City Council Proposes Housing Strategy Change
Additional Resources
- Cola Daily: SCDOT Hears from Community on Improvements Needed on Devine St
- Post and Courier: Devine Street Parking & Safety
- The State: Local News on Devine Street
- WLTX: Five Points Columbia Safety Project Update
- ABC Columbia: Millwood Avenue Corridor Improvements
- Wikipedia: Devine Street
- Google Search: Devine Street improvements
- Google Scholar: Devine Street Columbia traffic improvements
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Devine Street
- Google News: Devine Street Columbia improvements
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexington.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
