Soon, we may see some significant improvements on the edges of downtown and pedestrians may find it a little easier to travel into The District.
The City has put out bids for the removal of the concrete overpass on Providence Road, just north of Ash. The goal is to replace this dated and unattractive bridge with accessible crosswalks, pedestrian signals and a landscaped median. The Columbia Public Schools and Douglass High are also on board, working with the city to replace the chain link fence outside the school with attractive landscaping.The plan also includes a memorial to Beulah Ralph, a key player in the integration of Columbia Public Schools.
On the eastern edge, Stephens College is also planning an upgrade for their two pedestrian bridges, increasing their usability and attractiveness. Not only will the improvements allow the bridges to better connect the campus visually, they will provide a more pleasing entrance into The District from the east. Stephens is currently working on securing funding for these improvements.
In the meantime, additional pedestrian enhancements are being added to the nearby Walnut and College intersection. The City is planning on crosswalk improvements, countdown crosswalks and the addition of another lane on Walnut, west of College.
We've always love our walkable downtown and we're excited that these projects will make walking into our downtown easier and more enjoyable.
