Transportation Planning

All of the Council's transportation planning efforts are carried out under the guidance of the federal Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU), which calls for participatory, comprehensive long-range transportation planning and development of financially feasible local intermodal plans. Additional information about TEA-21 and the transportation planning process can be found in the Transportation Planning Process booklet.

Several Columbia area highway system improvements have moved forward, including:

• Completion of the widening of US 1 to 5 lanes between Lexington High School and Priceville Rd.
• Enhancement of US 378 to 5 lanes between Beech Haven Rd and Priceville Rd.
• Improvement to the Clemson Rd. and Two Notch Rd. interchange and the widening of Clemson Rd. to 5 lanes from Two Notch Rd. to Winslow Way Rd is underway.
• Activity was completed on the beautification project at the Beltline and Rosewood intersection and has been started for the City of Columbia.
• Installation of cameras along I-26 which will be used by SCDOT to monitor traffic conditions along the corridor during peak traffic hours from the SCDOT command center.
• Improvement and development activities continued on the upgrading of the metropolitan area's traffic signalization system.

At the close of the fiscal year, the Council unanimously approved a six year Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) . The TIP covers the period from October 2006 through September 2012

The Council continued its expanded transportation planning activities by continuing to contract with the S.C. Department of Transportation for the provision and updating of socio-economic data and growth projections for the rural areas of the central midlands region.

SHEP - State Highway Emergency Patrol

SHEP is South Carolina's first State Highway Emergency Patrol. Introduced in April 1996, the service is maintained by the South Carolina Department of Transportation with the endorsement and funding support of the Federal Highway Administration and the Columbia Area Metropolitan Planning Organization.

Four specially equipped 4X4 pickup trucks patrol I-20, I-26, I-126 and I-77. Hours of operation are as follows:

Morning: 7AM - 9AM

Noon: 12PM - 1PM

Evening: 4PM - 6PM

The vehicles are manned by SCDOT traffic personnel trained in traffic control, basic auto mechanics, emergency communications, precision driving, basic first aid and hazardous materials.

The trucks are equipped with equipment such as a permanently mounted arrow board, rear-mounted strobe lights, traffic cones, portable traffic advisory signs, sand and shovels. SHEP provides assistance to stranded or disabled vehicles and assist other response agencies in clearing traffic incidents.

Offered to motorists at no cost, SHEP services include providing a limited amount of gasoline, minor auto repairs and , with the written permission of the driver, relocation assistance for vehicles disabled in a travel lane. SCDOT says SHEP will not do any towing or major vehicle repairs. However, SHEP does assist emergency response agencies by providing early detection and confirmation of accidents, as well as detailed information about incidents.

In 1999, SHEP assisted 5,183 vehicles, of which more than 3,700 were in some way disabled. Motorists who were aided by SHEP have been very pleased as exemplified by the following excerpts from letters received by SCDOT:

• I would like to commend one of your Incident Responders for assisting us yesterday when our car broke down along the side of I-26...He and I tried every means possible to get the car operating enough to drive it to the mechanic. When it was apparent that our efforts were not enough, he provided me with a telephone book and stayed until he was certain that a tow truck was on the way. It was bitterly cold and he even came back by to ensure we were safe before the truck arrived.
• I want to compliment the state for its SHEP program and for the courteous and helpful assistance provided...when I foolishly ran out of fuel last night on I-20 East...he steadfastly refused either a tip or payment for the gasoline he placed in my tank. I was most impressed by his actions and by the service rendered by my state.
• I am writing to thank you again for your help...I'm the lady that was on I-20 before the 277 turn off. It was the water pump and it was repaired that same day...I don't know what I would have done if you hadn't come by. Thank you again for all your help.

Intelligent Transportation System (ITS)

The Intelligent Transportation System provides South Carolina's traveling public with accurate, real-time transportation information for use in making informed transportation decisions. Like SHEP, the service is maintained by the South Carolina Department of Transportation with the endorsement and funding support of the Federal Highway Administration and the Columbia Area Metropolitan Planning Organization.

The system, which originally included five blue, changeable message signs has been upgraded to a total of eleven. These signs are placed along the interstate system. They are managed from the DOT control center which alerts travelers of the need for detouring or cautious driving during accidents or unusual road conditions.

As part of ITS, SCDOT has installed five cameras along I-26 to view traffic conditions on South Carolina's most heavily traveled interstate. The corridor is know for its high traffic volume and accident rates. This system will be monitored by the SCDOT during peak traffic hours in order to respond to traffic situations in a more timely manner.

The CMCOG Bicycle & Pedestrian Facilities Plan is complete. Click here to view the plan.

The CMCOG Commuter Rail Feasibility Study is completed.  Click here to view the plan.

The S-48 Columbia Avenue Corridor Study is complete. Click here to view the plan.

View the Midlands Air Quality Report

Call For Projects (Section 5310) - Elderly & Persons w/Disabilities

CMCOG is now accepting project submissions for the FY 2008 Transportation Enhancement Program. Click here for more information