COLUMBIA, S.C. — Monday night SCDOT representatives, state and local lawmakers all gathered at 701 Whaley to discuss the future of the Historic Mill District.
After traffic studies, data collection, resident road rage and commuter headaches, transportation and state leaders say progress is soon coming to this area near the University of South Carolina.
Locals said they're ready for some road relief.
"That's why we pulled together the transportation folks because as we assessed our needs, transportation is front and center," Viola Hendley, Mill District spokesperson said.
"We expect a $500,000 allocation to a street project that they want to have happen in their area tomorrow. And additionally, we're trying to get information about other traffic needs and calming devices that we need to put in for the Mill District, which is the Whaley Street neighborhood, Olympia, these are historic communities," said Seth Rose, state house representative for district 72.
SCDOT said the $500K allocation set to pass Tuesday is to redesign, realign, repave and paint Heyward Street.
"We don't have any concrete plans to do anything on that board other than what we've discussed, right. The Heyward realignment and pursuing some re-striping on Olympia that would do the bike lanes," said Lori Campbell, SCDOT district traffic engineer.
Hendley, the host of Monday night's meeting, said it's vital to consider pedestrians in the district's transportation needs.
"It is absolutely scary to see these kids on these uni-bikes, just flying through traffic without any kind of shoulder that's delineated, no bike lanes," Hendley said.
Other long term goals include repaving and painting Olympia/ Bluff Road before the end of June and resurfacing Dover and Texas Streets before next October.
According to the Mill District Alliance, there will be more meetings like this in the future. If you'd like to learn more and get involved, you can visit their website here.