Garth Avenue Improvement Project: Walkability Win!
City Council approved Garth Avenue Improvement Project's: paving the way for better streets to walk, bike, and roll.
Monday, April 21st, 2025 City Council approved the Garth Avenue Improvement Project between Texas Avenue and Thurman Street. This project will bring some exciting upgrades for pedestrians, bicyclists, and drivers in Columbia.
One of the biggest wins is the addition of new sidewalks along the east side of Garth Avenue. Right now, gaps make walking the corridor challenging. This project will fill in those missing pieces and create a continuous, safer path for people on foot!
The project will also repair broken sidewalks and curbs along the corridor. These repairs will make it easier and safer for everyone to get around, especially people using strollers, wheelchairs, or mobility aids.
Another exciting feature is the addition of bump outs at key intersections on Garth Avenue. Bump outs narrow the roadway, encourage drivers to slow down at intersections, and shorten the crossing distance for people walking. This simple design improvement can make a big difference in how safe and comfortable it feels to cross the street!
Public feedback throughout the planning process showed strong community support for these pedestrian improvements. It is clear that residents value walkability and safer streets.
Construction will be funded by the Capital Improvement Program Sales Tax and the county road tax fund. Construction is scheduled to begin in the summer of 2026. Once complete, walking, biking, and rolling along Garth Avenue will be safer, smoother, and more welcoming for everyone.