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5 road projects reshaping Columbia’s traffic landscape

Stories by The State journalists, with AI summarization

Columbia is experiencing a substantial transformation in its transportation infrastructure, with several ongoing projects aiming to improve traffic flow, safety, and connectivity. Efforts such as the widening of Interstate 26, which now includes six to eight lanes along key segments, highlight the Midlands Connection initiative's focus on modernizing highways for efficiency. Downtown revitalization projects, like the recently installed bike lane on River Drive, seek to enhance pedestrian and cyclist accessibility while addressing traffic congestion.

The city also secured $204 million in federal funding to reroute downtown train traffic, potentially alleviating vehicle delays caused by busy rail crossings. Additionally, the massive Carolina Crossroads project, including the overhaul of the “Malfunction Junction” interchanges, underscores the broader ambition to reshape Columbia’s roadways for long-term impact.

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories below were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.

Clemson Road in Richland County will be affected by utility work.

NO. 1: TRAFFIC WILL BE AFFECTED FOR MONTHS BY WORK ON BUSY RICHLAND COUNTY ROAD, SC OFFICIALS SAY

Part of the road is expected to be closed until December, according to the South Carolina Department of Transportation. | Published October 16, 2024 | Read Full Story by Noah Feit

A new bike lane in this growing Columbia corridor promises to improve safety and connectivity. By Morgan Hughes

NO. 2: TRAFFIC HAS BEEN BAD IN THIS COLUMBIA CORRIDOR. WITH SOME WORK DONE, WILL IT CHANGE?

The corridor outside of downtown Columbia has seen a lot of activity in the last year. With one project done, city leaders say things should calm down. | Published December 5, 2024 | Read Full Story by Morgan Hughes

All lanes of Interstate 25 between Irmo and Little Mountain after years-long project to widen the interstate.

NO. 3: TWO YEARS-LONG MIDLANDS INTERSTATE PROJECTS NEAR COMPLETION, LANES REOPEN. WHAT TO KNOW

One project widened more than a dozen miles of interstate heading to the upstate. | Published December 28, 2024 | Read Full Story by Hannah Wade

Traffic headed out of Columbia at Malfunction Junction. By The State file photo

NO. 4: OVERHAUL OF COLUMBIA’S ‘MALFUNCTION JUNCTION’ LEADS TO LAWSUIT AGAINST SCDOT. WHAT WE KNOW

In a lawsuit, a property owner claims the South Carolina Department of Transportation is refusing to pay to move necessary fire equipment. | Published January 28, 2025 | Read Full Story by Morgan Hughes

Motorists pass in front of a train before the crossing barricade is lowered at Assembly Street near Whaley Street at one of the 15 railroad crossings on the main Columbia thoroughfare.

NO. 5: COLUMBIA GETS $204M FEDERAL WINDFALL TO REROUTE TRAINS THAT OFTEN GNARL DOWNTOWN ROADS

Columbia leaders have wanted to reroute train traffic for more than 100 years. Now, they have the money to do it. | Published January 10, 2025 | Read Full Story by Morgan Hughes

A graphic displaying upcoming lane closures and detour along Interstate 26 in Columbia. on Feb. 24 and 27. By Provided

NO. 6: BRIDGE LANES ON COLUMBIA INTERSTATE TO CLOSE AS PART OF ‘MALFUNCTION JUNCTION’ OVERHAUL

The closures will occur the last week of February. | Published February 21, 2025 | Read Full Story by Kate Robins

This report was produced with the help of AI tools, which summarized previous stories reported and written by McClatchy journalists. It was edited by journalists in our News division.