COLUMBIA, S.C. — Changes may be coming to one of Columbia's beloved entertainment districts. South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT), City of Columbia, and The Five Points Association have released renderings of the Harden Street Road Diet project, a years-long effort to calm traffic in the busy district while making it safer for pedestrians and cyclists.
Five Points Association president Steve Cook said, “The Five Points Association's collective effort in transforming this project via collaboration and engagement has resulted in a positive outcome that will lead to a more prosperous, beautiful and safe Five Points for our merchants and neighbors.”
The Five Points Association has worked in collaboration with the other organizations and Rep. Seth Rose to ensure the best possible outcome for the Five Points district.
Under the proposed "diet," Harden Street will go from four lanes to two between Devine and Blossom streets and crosswalks will be added halfway up the block in the 600, 700, and 800 blocks of Harden. This will allow pedestrians to cross in the middle of the block rather than walking to the intersection to cross.
SCDOT releases proposed Harden Street "diet"
Devine Street will be reduced from four lanes to three between Saluda and Harden streets.
Bike lanes will be added on Devine and Harden streets in the Five Points plan.
“The goal is to calm traffic and to increase pedestrian safety. We want to create a roadway system that everyone feels comfortable traveling along, no matter their mode of transportation,” says Heather McDonald, executive director of the Five Points Association.
According to SCDOT, between January 2013 and December 2018, 26 bicycle/pedestrian crashes occurred along the 3.2 mile corridor of Blossom Street and Devine Street, and 17 bicycle/pedestrian crashes occurred along the 0.6 miles of Harden Street.
There has not been a date set for the start of the project.