A much anticipated Richland County Penny project is nearly complete, as the new Greene Street bridge in Columbia will soon open to pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles.
The County will unveil the new bridge and improvements as part of a ribbon cutting and news conference at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 7.
To arrange coverage of the news conference or the Greene Street opening, contact Susan O’Cain, director of communications for Richland County, at 803-576-2065 or o’cain.susan@richlandcountysc.gov.
Phase 2 of a 3-Part Project
In January 2020, crews contracted by Richland County began work on the second of three phases of the Innovista-Greene Street project, which aims to provide connectivity, ease movement for vehicles, and enable economic development opportunities in the County.
Phase 2 involved converting Greene Street from a four-lane and two-lane roadway to a three-lane curb and gutter roadway, with sidewalks and dedicated bike lanes from Huger to Gadsden streets. This phase also adds a bridge at the Norfolk Southern and CSX railroad crossing to reconnect Greene Street where the road had previously stopped.
“Innovista-Greene Street Phase 2 has been a long time coming and will greatly improve the way traffic flows in the heart of Richland County,” said Councilperson Allison Terracio (District 5). “With this bridge finally opened to the public, we look forward to motorists, cyclists and pedestrians getting to where they are going more safely.”
Other Innovista Phases
The first phase of the project involved converting Greene Street from a four-lane and two-lane roadway to a three-lane roadway with sidewalks and dedicated bike lanes from Assembly to Gadsden streets. This phase was completed in 2017 through the County’s Penny program.
Phase 3 aims to extend Williams Street from Blossom to Senate streets, as well as extending Greene Street to Williams Street. When complete, this phase will provide connectivity to a proposed waterfront park on the Columbia side of the Congaree River.
“Innovista-Greene Street is a prime example of how collaboration between Richland County and our municipalities and other partners can lead to major benefits for residents,” said Councilwoman Jesica Mackey, who represents District 9 and chairs the Richland County Transportation Ad Hoc Committee. “The County is excited about the progress made during the first two phases of this project, and we look forward to seeing the City continue that progress during Phase III.”
The County will provide Penny funds planned for Innovista, but the City of Columbia will manage the project and the timeline for its completion.
The Innovista-Greene Street project is part of the City of Columbia’s Innovista Master Plan. The University of South Carolina hired engineering consultant HDR to complete design for each project phase.
For more about Transportation improvements in Richland County, visit www.richlandcountysc.gov/transportation or call 844-RCPENNY.