(Richland PIO) – During the week of Monday, Nov. 18, crews with Richland County Utilities will begin digging test holes near the intersection of Lower Richland Boulevard and Garners Ferry Road in Columbia.
Subsurface utility engineering crews will perform the tests to determine the precise location of water and sewer lines in the area. The County will use this information to avoid or minimize impact to water and sewer services from planned Transportation Penny improvements. Crews will use non-destructive vacuum excavation to safely expose, measure and map the water and sewer lines at specific locations.
No lane closures are expected in the area, but drivers could encounter delays. The testing will take place during daytime hours.
Residents with questions should call the Richland County Ombudsman’s Office at 803-929-6000 or email ombudsman@richlandcountysc.gov.
Widening Lower Richland Boulevard
This Richland County Transportation Penny project, slated to begin in May 2025, will widen a 1,300-foot stretch of Lower Richland Boulevard to five lanes (two lanes in each direction with a 15-foot center median) from Garners Ferry Road toward Rabbit Run. After 1,300 feet, Lower Richland Boulevard will be widened to three lanes (one lane in each direction with a 15-foot center median) before it intersects with Rabbit Run.
Additionally, the existing sidewalk along the east side of Lower Richland Boulevard will be extended to Garners Ferry Road, and crews will construct a new sidewalk on the west side of Lower Richland Boulevard running from Rabbit Run to Garners Ferry. A roundabout will be constructed at the intersection of Lower Richland Boulevard and Rabbit Run.