Columbia, South Carolina – Community members will soon have a chance to learn more about a major road project set to reshape downtown Columbia. On Monday, June 16, 2025, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., the City is inviting residents, business owners, and anyone interested to attend an informational meeting about the planned Williams Street extension. The gathering will be held at Stormwater Studios, located at 413 Pendleton Street.
The meeting is set up as a drop-in session, so people may come when they want and talk to City officials and project experts directly. Visitors may expect to examine new project materials, find out when building is expected to start, and look at plans for new mobility options that will work with more than one mode of transportation. There will also be information about environmental issues and other effects of the project.
The Williams Street Extension is a significant undertaking. The project will build a new route that connects Blossom route and Senate Street, bringing these two streets back into the city’s street system. The first step of the project is to create around 4,700 feet of road, put in new sidewalks along the same distance, and make any other needed modifications to the infrastructure.
City officials think the project is more than just a road extension. They think it will make Columbia’s rivers easier to get to, help businesses expand in nearby communities, and make both public safety and connection better. The extension is expected to boost the community’s pride and provide new ways to enjoy the city’s natural resources by adding elements that make it easier for people to walk and improving outdoor recreation options.
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City planners are getting ready for a first evaluation by the Planning Commission later this summer as the design process comes to an end. After getting the green light, the project will go to the bidding stage before building can officially start.
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For those unable to attend the meeting, updates and additional information about the Williams Street Extension will continue to be posted on the City of Columbia’s official website and through its various social media channels and newsletters. Community members are encouraged to stay informed and to provide input as this transformative project moves forward.
