COLUMBIA — A long-vacant parcel of land just south of Columbia’s Gateway Plaza, currently surrounded by chain-link fencing, is finally slated for transformation. After years of delay, construction is set to begin on a new pedestrian bridge that will connect the Providence Road sidewalk with Flat Branch Park.

“It’s finally coming together in terms of a project," said Columbia Parks and Recreation Director Gabe Huffington. "Emery Sapp & Sons plans to start down at the site in June to start constructing the end walls for the bridge, and then we are anticipating the bridge will arrive in August."

The construction of the end walls, which will serve as concrete supports for the 65-foot bridge, marks the official launch of the long-awaited infrastructure upgrade. Once the end walls are in place, crews can begin additional phases of the project.

“Then we can start to come in and clean up and connect both sides," Huffington explained. "We've got lighting to install, there's actually an outdoor art display that will be installed as well. We still have a time capsule from the bicentennial that will be placed."

The bridge project, part of the broader Flat Branch Park expansion, will offer pedestrians a new, safer pathway into downtown Columbia. Currently, the area lacks a direct and accessible route across Flat Branch Creek, and the bridge aims to fill that gap.

Design drawings released by Columbia Parks and Recreation show a modern pedestrian structure, integrated with lighting and artistic features to enhance both safety and aesthetics. The bridge will also serve as a symbolic link between historical preservation and modern development — emphasized by the inclusion of the bicentennial time capsule.

The total project is being supported by a combination of public and private funding, including significant contributions from Emery Sapp & Sons, a construction company with a history of involvement in community projects, along with city budget allocations and individual donations.

Officials expect the bridge to be completed by November, offering the public full access by the end of the fall season.

The project is part of the city's broader vision to revitalize green spaces and improve connectivity in the downtown area. Once finished, the bridge will act not only as a means of crossing but also as a cultural touchpoint with public art and historical elements incorporated into its design.

To report a typo or suggest a correction, please contact the Columbia Parks and Recreation Department or the city’s official communication office.

Originally reported by Taylor Freeman in KOMU.