Construction is officially underway on the next phase of the Saluda Riverwalk project, marking a major step toward connecting key riverfront destinations in the Columbia area.
Phase two of the project began this week, with The Three Rivers Greenway sharing updates from the construction site on social media on Dec. 16. Once completed, the new walkways will create a direct connection between the existing Saluda Riverwalk, The Sanctuary at Boyd Island, the Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park.
“When complete, the new walkways will connect the existing Saluda Riverwalk and The Sanctuary at Boyd Island with the Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park at the shortest distance from bank to bank,” said Mike Dawson, CEO of The River Alliance.
According to the nonprofit organization, concrete pathways along the route are nearly finished, with boardwalk sections scheduled as the next phase of construction. Work on these elements is expected to wrap up in late spring or early summer.
Beyond the current construction, additional enhancements are planned for the Saluda Riverwalk, including a pedestrian bridge that would span the river. The proposed bridge would begin near the Botanical Gardens entrance to Riverbanks Zoo and Gardens on Mohawk Drive in West Columbia and extend across the river to connect with the riverwalk in Columbia.
The bridge project, first announced in 2023, is a collaborative effort involving the cities of West Columbia and Columbia. It represents a significant milestone in the broader Three Rivers Greenway initiative, which aims to build and connect approximately 25 miles of trails across three rivers in the Midlands region. The long-term goal is to allow residents and visitors to walk or bike from the Lake Murray Dam through Downtown Columbia, Cayce and West Columbia.
Dawson said the initial “ground” portion of the current construction phase is being funded through Richland County’s penny tax programs, while the pedestrian bridge is being funded by the Boyd Foundation and remains in the planning stages.
Together, the projects are expected to enhance public access to the riverfront, expand recreational opportunities, and strengthen regional connectivity along one of the Midlands’ most prominent natural corridors.
Originally reported by Sydney Dunlap sdunlap@free-times.com in Post and Courier.
