(Richland PIO) – Richland County will soon open a 1.7-mile stretch of North Main Street, the culmination of a multi-phase Penny project. Construction on the project extends from Anthony Avenue to Fuller Avenue, just north of downtown Columbia.

In addition to widening and repaving the stretch of roadway, upgrades from the work include:

• Improved intersections, particularly at North Main Street and Monticello Road
• Imprinted and textured pavement stamping for designated crosswalks
• Landscaping improvements
• Street lighting to improve nighttime safety
• Improved pedestrian routes
• Overhead utilities relocated underground

“The construction phases for the widening and intersection project were a culmination of efforts by many professionals,” said Michael Maloney, Richland County Transportation director. “The City of Columbia commissioned the design, and the Richland County Penny brought it to construction. The many entities involved have delivered a great improvement.”

In addition to $35.4 million in funding from the County’s Penny program, this project was also funded through:

• $16.7 million from a federal TIGER discretionary grant
• $1.3 million from federal legislation
• $5.8 million from the City of Columbia for water and sewer work

At a news conference at 11 a.m. Monday, April 24, County representatives, Transportation staff and other local leaders will share details from the project while offering insight and answering questions. The news conference will be at 950 Jackson Ave., Columbia, with parking available at Hyatt Park.

To arrange coverage, email Susan O’Cain, Richland County’s director of communications, by 5 p.m. Friday, April 21: o’cain.susan@richlandcountysc.gov.

For more about Transportation improvements, visit www.richlandcountysc.gov/transportation or call 844-RCPENNY.