Improving Road Conditions in South Columbus
A significant $10 million project aimed at enhancing road conditions in south Columbus is now in the development stage. This initiative, which has been a long-awaited effort for many residents, seeks to address longstanding issues related to traffic flow, pedestrian safety, and accessibility for cyclists.
Engineers hired to oversee the project recently presented an update to the city council, outlining the timeline and key details of the project. The work will span from South Lumpkin Road, near the roundabout, to Victory Drive. The primary objective of this project is to reduce traffic disruptions for pedestrians and bicycle riders while also improving the overall safety and convenience of the area.
Residents have expressed mixed feelings about the project, with some highlighting the need for more comprehensive improvements. Anita Hardieway, a local resident, shared her concerns about the lack of infrastructure on the south side of the city. “A lot is not done on the south side, especially with the roads and stuff. It’s just weird how certain areas can get stuff done and other areas don’t. It seems like the southside always gets the rough deal,” she said.
The project is funded through the Georgia Transportation Investment Act, which aims to improve road safety and reduce fatalities and severe injuries. Currently, the road in question is four lanes wide, with a middle turning lane along South Lumpkin Drive that ends at the intersection of Victory Drive. Engineers have proposed reducing the number of lanes to three in order to make space for wider sidewalks.
“This street doesn’t have sidewalks, and people walk up and down the street a lot. It’s busy. It’s a lot of cars and a lot of traffic,” said an anonymous resident. “I feel like they do need to add more sidewalks and make them a little bit bigger because a lot of places on the south side that need sidewalks don’t have them.”
Hardieway echoed these sentiments, noting that the current sidewalks are too narrow for pedestrians. “It’s narrow enough for a bike, for a bike trail you know, but for people, that’s not wide enough. It needs to be wider,” she added.
According to the project team, the sidewalks on the right side of the road will be five feet wide, while the left side will feature a 10-foot shared space path. These changes are expected to provide better access for both pedestrians and cyclists, making the area more welcoming and safer for all users.
Residents who live and work in the area have welcomed the project as a positive step forward. “It makes me feel like they are investing in the southside, which is what they really need to do because a lot of people on this side do feel like the south is neglected,” said an anonymous resident. “So, it makes me feel good to know they are investing in the southside.”
Hardieway also expressed optimism about the changes. “It’s going to make the area brighter. And that’s what we need on this side,” she said.
Construction on the project is scheduled to begin in 2027, marking a significant milestone for the community. As the project moves forward, residents remain hopeful that it will bring lasting improvements to their neighborhood and serve as a model for future infrastructure developments in the region.
