Construction activity is expected to remain a defining feature across Lexington County in 2026 as continued population growth drives new development, road improvements and infrastructure upgrades throughout the region.
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Over the past two decades, Lexington County has added more than 100,000 residents, fueling demand for housing, transportation improvements and commercial growth. As a result, construction zones marked by bright orange cones have become a familiar sight for drivers across the county. Several major projects are scheduled to either begin or reach key milestones in the coming year.
A long-anticipated road redesign project in West Columbia is expected to move closer to construction by the end of 2026. The project would reduce the number of lanes on Meeting Street/U.S. 1 from four to two between the Gervais Street bridge and Ninth Street.
City leaders believe the changes will improve walkability and accessibility in an area that has evolved over the past decade into a hub for restaurants, bars and local businesses. Planned improvements include 63 new on-street parking spaces, seven landscaped medians, more than 100 street trees and sidewalks measuring six feet wide.
Before construction can begin, the city must secure permits from the South Carolina Department of Transportation and put the project out to bid. Charles Howell, an architect with the firm overseeing the design, told city council that construction is anticipated to begin by the end of 2026. The $3.5 million project has been under discussion since at least 2018 and is part of broader revitalization efforts along U.S. 1, which carried an average of 12,300 vehicles daily in 2024.
A four-story, 111-room Courtyard by Marriott hotel planned for downtown Lexington is expected to be fully constructed by the end of 2026, with an opening likely in early 2027.
The 61,000-square-foot hotel at 116 E. Main St. will occupy a long-vacant parcel in the heart of downtown, an area that has seen increased dining and entertainment activity in recent years. Architect Craig Otto said construction should wrap up by the end of 2026, allowing the hotel to open shortly afterward.
West Columbia is also moving ahead with a major $15 million infrastructure and parking improvement project in the Mill Village neighborhood. Construction is scheduled to begin this month and is expected to last 18 months, placing completion in summer 2027.
The project includes upgrades and replacements to water lines, stormwater systems and roads, along with new street parking and sidewalks. Temporary road closures are expected throughout the project area, which spans from Augusta Street to Court/Oliver Street and between State Street and Alexander Road. City officials say the improvements will enhance safety, connectivity and pedestrian access in an area that currently lacks adequate sidewalks.
As Chapin continues to grow, road improvements are underway to address increasing congestion. Construction is set to begin this spring on a major widening and rerouting project along Columbia Avenue and the S-48 corridor.
The project includes new traffic signals, added lanes, a roundabout and a new east-west connector road linking Amicks Ferry Road, Lexington Avenue and Chapin Road. The project “aims to alleviate traffic congestion and enhance road safety along the S-48 corridor,” according to the Central Midlands Council of Governments.
While the South Carolina Department of Transportation initially allocated $32.7 million, officials said an additional $41.3 million will be needed to complete the work.
Several new dining and entertainment options are also on the horizon in Lexington County. Cayce’s river arts district is set to welcome George Robert’s Wine and Raw Bar, bringing seafood and an expanded wine and cocktail menu to the area.
In West Columbia, a new wine bar called Ikie Lu Record Club is preparing to open in a former church building. A December social media post teased the opening, stating, “Getting closer ... stay tuned.”
Meanwhile, Scoop of Heaven, a popular local ice cream shop, plans to open a second location near downtown Lexington at 312 Columbia Ave. later this summer.
Together, these projects highlight a year of continued growth and transformation for Lexington County, with major investments in infrastructure, commercial development and quality-of-life improvements expected to shape the region well beyond 2026.
Originally reported by Hannah Wade in The State.
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