Sick of potholes in Columbia? SC crews will fix parts of these major roads, streets soon

Columbia has its perks, but driving through the city isn’t heaven on Earth.

Some of Columbia’s roads are notable for their traffic and unfavorable conditions, but there is hope that these roads will become much better from upcoming projects by the South Carolina Department of Transportation.

In 2026, SCDOT plans to invest millions of dollars to Richland-county roads, outlined by their 2025-2026 Pavement Improvement Program.

South Carolina has invested billions of dollars in pavement improvements across the state since the SCDOT strategic 10-year plan began. This will be the ninth year of the overall program and will add another 732 miles of roadway to the more than 7,700 miles of ongoing road work, the DOT states.

How are roads picked?

The road and street projects are selected through a ranking process using objective and measurable criteria that align with the 10-year plan, SCDOT states. The ranking process also prioritizes a fair distribution of paving funds across all counties in the state.

Columbia pavement improvements

Below is the list of all the planned pavement improvements in the Columbia area for 2026. To review 2026 road projects in the rest of the state click here.

Two Notch Road

From the program, a portion of Two Notch Rd will be renovated. Between I-77 and Poll Rd, 2.86 miles of pavement will be worked on.

Assembly Street

This year, SCDOT plans to work on 1.48 miles of Assembly Street, between Elmwood Avenue and Blossom Street.

Forest Drive

SCDOT will also improve 1.64 miles of pavement on Forest Drive, between Two Notch Rd and N Beltline Blvd.

Winnsboro Road and Fairfield Road

US-321, which includes Winnsboro Rd and Fairfield Rd, will have 4.14 miles of pavement restored.

This story was originally published January 13, 2026 at 6:00 AM.