County sets groundbreaking for $5.2M in improvements to Sunset Drive

Upgrades will include a sidewalk, plus road and utility enhancements

Richland County staff will soon announce a neighborhood improvement project along Sunset Drive in Columbia, just north of downtown.

Beginning April 1, Richland County Transportation crews will install a 5-foot-wide pedestrian sidewalk, plus curb and gutter, along a 0.75-mile long path running from Makeway Drive, near River Drive, to Elmhurst Road, near North Main Street. The upgrades, scheduled for completion in December, will be paid for through the Transportation Penny program.

The County will host a news conference to give details on the project at 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 26 at 301 Sunset Drive, Columbia. During the news conference, the County will also share details about recent intersection improvements at:

• Garners Ferry and Harmon roads in Lower Richland
• Percival and Screaming Eagle roads in Northeast Richland

Michael Green, transportation manager for Richland County, said the improvements are part of wider County efforts to improve safety and expand access for pedestrians traveling between the Broad River Road area and North Main.

Along with installing the sidewalk, the County will relocate a nearby water line and add structures to improve drainage along the corridor, including enhancements at driveways and a retaining wall at the culvert.

“These upgrades will improve the drainage system, and the new water line will provide service to the nearby neighborhood,” Green said.

No lane closures are expected for the area, but drivers should expect a temporary detour while work is ongoing. The County will release more details on a timeframe for the detour when they become available.