Official Blossom Bridge Project Logo

Blossom Bridge Project

Aerial view of the Blossom Street Bridge

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

  • Summer 2019

    Project Launch

  • Spring 2022

    Environmental Document

  • Spring 2022

    Begin Final Design

  • Spring 2023

    Begin Right of Way Acquisition

  • 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.

New Blossom Street Bridge rendering
New Blossom Street Bridge rendering
New Blossom Street Bridge rendering

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.

Blossom Bridge Street Loop Road Map

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.

Project Area Map

Next Steps

  • 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.