It's National Public Works Week, and this year's theme is “People, Purpose, Presence.” The City of Columbia wanted to join in on a trend + honor the public works professionals to serve in their communities every day in style.

If there are any citizens out there curious about how Public Works works in Richland County, we’re here to help — and so are they. The Public Works Department performs daily tasks that support the infrastructural maintenance, repairs, and improvement of 836 miles of the County Road Maintenance System.

CIP resurfacing project on Hollingwood Dr. | Photo from richlandcountysc.gov

What does that look like?

Road Maintenance and Repair | Think: filling in potholes, smaller paving jobs, curb and gutter maintenance, sidewalk repairs, and more.

Drainage Maintenance | Think: clearing of pipes, reinforcing concrete in pipes, installation of drainage pipes, and more.

Traffic Control and Traffic Safety | Think: installing stop signs, speed humps, road painting, and other traffic operations.

Vegetation Maintenance | Think: trimming trees back so you can see road signs, unclogging drains, and various mowing needs.

Slope mower cutting vegetation back in Richland County | Photo via richlandcountysc.gov

Emergency Maintenance and Road Hazards | Think: time-sensitive requests, like removing any obstacles that block the flow of traffic.

Roads + Drainage – Projects Section | Think: complex, lengthy infrastructure projects that exceed repair maintenance, like addressing flooding concerns.

Capital Improvement Projects | Think: smaller sidewalk construction or road paving.

City of Columbia's Public Works

The City of Columbia's Public Works is available to citizens who need help with or are curious about:

Forestry and beautification
Traffic engineering
Solid waste and recycling
Street Maintenance
And more

How can I submit a request?

For Richland County — citizens are encouraged to call the Ombudsman's Office at (803) 929-6000 or stop by in person at 2020 Hampton St. and head to the third floor.

For Columbia — if you need street or sidewalk maintenance, you may submit a request or contact Street Maintenance at (803) 545-3790.

After you submit a request, Street Maintenance will determine who maintains the street or sidewalk. If the City maintains it, your request will be added to the maintenance list. If not, Street Maintenance will notify SCDOT of your request, and you can contact SCDOT directly at (803) 786-0128.