News Summary
Columbia has celebrated the completion of the South Main Street Transformation Project, enhancing the area into a pedestrian-friendly corridor. The project includes South Carolina’s first separated bicycle track, wider sidewalks, and improved pedestrian infrastructure. Aimed at boosting local mobility and connecting businesses with the University of South Carolina, the $25 million initiative responds to community demands for safer pedestrian and cyclist facilities. Additional funding for pedestrian safety upgrades on Harden Street reflects the city’s commitment to improving urban walkability.
Columbia has officially celebrated the completion of the South Main Street Transformation Project, a significant upgrade that has transformed the area into a pedestrian-friendly corridor. The project was completed on July 10, 2025, and aims to create a safer and more aesthetically pleasing environment for pedestrians and cyclists alike.
The revamped South Main Street now features South Carolina’s first separated bicycle track, promoting safer cycling. The project, which is part of a broader $25 million initiative, includes improvements to pedestrian infrastructure and undergrounding utility lines. Noteworthy enhancements comprise widened sidewalks, extensive landscaping, new street lighting, and large green patches at intersections designed specifically for cyclists. Additionally, new signage has been placed to indicate these zones are exclusively for cyclist use.
A ceremony marking the project’s completion was attended by transportation officials and state legislators, highlighting the importance of the project for the local community. The South Main corridor, which runs through the University of South Carolina’s campus, is a hub for legislators, students, and workers. The improvements are expected to enable better mobility and create a stronger connection between local businesses and the university.
The construction phase of the South Main Street project began in 2022 as a direct response to long-standing community demands for enhanced pedestrian and cyclist infrastructure. Measures included in the design involve a concept known as a “road diet,” which intentionally reduces the number of travel lanes to prioritize safety for pedestrians and cyclists.
The project has received widespread praise from local advocates and officials, who emphasize the necessity of providing mobility options beyond traditional car ownership. Additionally, it is anticipated that local businesses along South Main Street will benefit from increased foot traffic and business opportunities following the completion of the project.
In conjunction with the South Main Street project, an allocation of $12 million has been dedicated to pedestrian safety upgrades on Harden Street in the Five Points area. Harden Street has been characterized as one of the most perilous areas for pedestrians in South Carolina, prompting the introduction of various safety enhancements such as new crosswalks and traffic calming measures.
The South Main Street transformation project aims not only to improve traffic conditions but also to enhance the overall experience for pedestrians and cyclists in the area. Future projections indicated that the South Main street enhancements would initially aim for a summer 2025 finish, though delays have pushed this timeline slightly back from earlier estimates.
As Columbia embraces these vital upgrades, the city takes a significant step toward fostering a safer and more connected urban environment, setting an example for other cities in promoting walkability and cycling as viable transportation options.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Columbia Community Honors the Legacy of Tammy Adams Stone
Whataburger Opening New Location in Columbia
Weekend Events in Columbia, SC: Art, Music, and Farmers Markets
Los Chicanos Launches New Dining Concept in Columbia
Tropical Storm Chantal Weakens After Hitting South Carolina
Charleston Braces for Impact from Tropical Storm Chantal
Independence Day Celebration in Lexington
Severe Thunderstorm Alerts Sweep Across South Carolina
Murder Investigation Underway in Irmo Following Gas Station Shooting
Water Service Disruptions in Lexington County
Additional Resources
- WLTX: SCDOT Harden Street and South Main Street, Columbia SC
- WIS TV: SCDOT Completes Construction of Two Downtown Columbia Roads
- Post and Courier: South Main Street, Columbia SC Roadwork Complete
- SC Daily Gazette: Backdoor to SC’s Statehouse Receives a $25M Makeover
- The State: Local News Article
- Wikipedia: Pedestrian Infrastructure
- Google Search: Columbia South Main Street Project
- Google Scholar: Pedestrian and Cyclist Safety Infrastructure
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Bicycle
- Google News: Columbia SC Roadwork
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.
