City of Columbia announces the Williams Street Extension project to improve our riverfront gateways

The City of Columbia announced phase one of the Williams St. Extension project that will further expand access to our riverfront and improve our riverfront gateways. This press conference took place today, August 20, at the future site of the project located alongside the river between the Gervais St. and Blossom St. bridges.

“As we take the next steps for Williams Street Extension, Columbia is finally unveiling our river, creating opportunities for easy public access, and paving the way for true riverfront development,” said Mayor Daniel Rickenmann. “We would not be making this announcement today without the charismatic regional collaboration from our State House Delegation, Richland County, the University of South Carolina, and local businesses and organizations. Thank you for uniting to make this catalyst project a reality.”

The future impact of the Williams Street Extension project has been imagined and conceptualized by numerous stakeholders across the community. Speakers at the announcement included:

• Mayor Daniel J. Rickenmann
• Mayor Pro-Tem Will Brennan
• City Manager Teresa Wilson
• Assistant City Manager of Columbia Water Clint Shealy
• South Carolina Senator Darrell Jackson (District 21)
• South Carolina House Representative Seth Rose (District 72)
• University of South Carolina President Michael Amiridis
• Richland County Council Economic Development Chairman Paul Livingston
• Darnall W. and Susan F. Boyd Foundation President George Bailey
• Guignard Associates Representative Charlie Thompson

Phase one of the Williams Street Extension project includes the construction of approximately 4,700 feet of new and improved roadway, 4,700 feet of new sidewalks, three electric car charging stations, two bike share stations, and other related infrastructure needed to support the roadway. The project focuses on several key objectives, including:

• Expanding public river access
• Spurring economic development in the area and surrounding communities
• Improving public safety and connectivity to our rivers, roadways and districts
• Enhancing outdoor recreational opportunities alongside and on the rivers
• Strengthening pride of our City and bolstering our sense of community

This project is being funded through the State of South Carolina and the Richland County Transportation Penny. Available funding is estimated at $20,600,000, with $16 Million coming from the State of South Carolina and $4.6 Million coming from Richland County Transportation Penny program.

The design of the project is currently underway with 30 percent of the plans completed. City Council approved a contract with Hussey, Gay, Bell and DeYoung in the amount of $2,835,625 at the City Council Meeting later that evening. The contract will cover design, permitting and construction administration services. The project is anticipated to go into bid in early 2025 with construction starting in the spring of 2025.