The South Carolina Department ofTransportation (SCDOT), in partnership with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA, lead agency) and the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) propose to improve rail operations and vehicular connectivity while alleviating vehicle congestion associated with frequent freight rail movements along Assembly Street and surrounding areas located south of downtown Columbia, South Carolina.

The project, as proposed, would result in certain modifications to the human and natural environment; the project team is completing an Environmental Assessment (EA), as required by NEPA.

The proposed improvements include replacing the existing bridge over Sawney Creek with a new bridge.

The need for railroad corridor improvements in the project area has long been recognized as a need for reducing delays in vehicle traffic, creating efficient operating speeds for railroad traffic and eliminating barriers to redevelopment. The Need for the project can be summarized as a result of the following factors:

• Decreased mobility and increased vehicle congestion
• Growth in population and increasing development
• Increased motorist delay and loss of productivity
• Safety concerns

The primary purpose of the proposed Assembly Street Rail Separation project is to implement a transportation solution that would improve vehicular operations in order to alleviate vehicle congestion associated with frequent freight rail movements through the area.

While engineering will take time, we will continue to provide updates on the progress of the project via this project page. Be sure to hit the "follow" button at the top of this page to receive direct notifications sent to your inbox. Opportunity for public comment will occur during the engineering design phase.The Comment period starts on 01/27/26 and ends on 02/26/26

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