ABOUT THE BLOSSOM BRIDGE PROJECT
South Carolina Department of Transportation is replacing the Blossom Street Bridge located in the heart of downtown Columbia between Huger Street and Gadsden Street over the Norfolk Southern and CSX Transportation Railroads.
Key Milestones
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Summer 2019
Project Launch
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Spring 2022
Environmental Document
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Spring 2022
Begin Final Design
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Spring 2023
Begin Right of Way Acquisition
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Summer 2024
Begin Construction
Why the Blossom Bridge Project?
The Blossom Bridge Project will:
- Replace the current, aging bridge structure
- Widen the bridge to include sidewalks
- Increase bicycle and pedestrian connectivity in the area
- Improve aesthetics to match the project area
Project Design
Based on preliminary design activity, environmental studies and public participation and feedback, the preferred alternative for the bridge was selected. This alternative includes closure of the Blossom Street Bridge for approximately six months.
The renderings below show what the new Blossom Street Bridge will look like. You can see a few aerial views of the bridge and surrounding improvements.
As shown in the project design renderings above, vehicular access adjacent to and under the bridge on the west side of the railroads will be removed. Therefore, to maintain access to the adjacent properties, Pulaski Street will be extended south to intersect with Wheat Street.
Because the Blossom Street Bridge will be closed to traffic for approximately six months during construction, modifications to nearby intersections will be made to improve movement through the downtown network. This could include signal timing changes and/or adding lanes to intersections. These changes would occur prior to the closure of the Blossom Street Bridge.
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Next Steps
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Final Design
Begins Spring 2022 -
Right of Way Acquisition
Begins Summer 2023 -
Utility Coordination
Ongoing -
Construction
TBD
Frequently Asked Questions
Q Will the new bridge include pedestrian accommodations?
The South Carolina Department of Transportation is committed to meeting the need for better and safer accommodations for those who choose to walk or bike. Sidewalks will be added to the bridge to allow for pedestrian access over the railroad. Additionally, a bicycle and pedestrian path will replace the current vehicular access road under the bridge. This path will connect with the Innovista Trail to provide connection for bicyclists to routes through the downtown network.
Q Will the project cause major disruptions to the downtown and University of South Carolina traffic flow?
The bridge will be closed for approximately six months during the construction of the new bridge. During this time, detour routes throughout the downtown network will need to be utilized. In order to minimize traffic impacts throughout the network, intersection improvements to nearby intersections will be completed to enhance movement and accommodate additional traffic.
