City submits funding grant application for Bear Creek widening project

Special to The Daily Herald
·2 min read
The city has submitted a grant application for funding regarding the Bear Creek Pike widening project, which will encompass 7.2 miles of the road leading from Columbia to the updated I-65 interchange.
The city has submitted a grant application for funding regarding the Bear Creek Pike widening project, which will encompass 7.2 miles of the road leading from Columbia to the updated I-65 interchange.

The city of Columbia took a step towards enhancing its road infrastructure by submitting a grant application for the 2023 Statewide Partnership Program on Aug. 4.

The application seeks funding to undertake the project of widening 7.2 miles of Bear Creek Pike, stretching from Nashville Highway to Interstate 65.

If successful, this initiative would mark one of the most substantial investments in road infrastructure that the city has witnessed in a generation, city officials said in a recent press release. The project holds immense significance for Columbia and its residents, as it aligns with a long-standing priority and vision for enhanced road connectivity and accessibility.

Bear Creek Pike's expansion to a four-lane highway from Florence, Alabama to Columbia, subsequently connecting to Interstate 65, underscores its regional importance.

“This segment of Bear Creek Pike provides a regional connection to Interstate 65 and is a priority for the city of Columbia due to the impacts that increasing traffic will create regarding safety, congestion, and economic opportunities, City Engineer Glenn Harper said. "The widening would bring notable efficiencies to the daily commute for countless residents who utilize this route.

The City of Columbia logo is designed to depict the city's history, such as the Maury County Courthouse, President James K. Polk and Mule Day, produced in the image of the town's iconic downtown square.
The City of Columbia logo is designed to depict the city's history, such as the Maury County Courthouse, President James K. Polk and Mule Day, produced in the image of the town's iconic downtown square.

“I am pleased the city of Columbia, and our City Council have agreed to the most significant partnership investment in city history — $10 million dollars over 10 years to show Columbia’s commitment to the project,” Columbia Mayor Chaz Molder said.

The timing of this proposal dovetails perfectly with ongoing infrastructure projects. Currently underway is a $29 million enhancement project for the interstate interchange at I-65 Bear Creek Pike.

“The city has committed $4.5 million for enhancements for the Bear Creek Pike intersection and Nashville Highway intersection," City Manager Tony Massey said.

By integrating these planned improvements into the broader Bear Creek Pike widening project, two major corridor improvements would be achieved.

This article originally appeared on The Daily Herald: City submits funding grant application for Bear Creek widening project