Construction is underway on phase one of the Three Rivers Greenway extension, dubbed the Saluda Riverwalk. The project will unveil a scenic stretch of the Saluda River with shallow water + gray boulders along I-26 in Richland County that is currently inaccessible.

Once both phases are completed, the riverwalk will bridge Richland + Lexington Counties, forming a single route from EdVenture to Lexington Medical Center and onto the West Columbia + Cayce riverwalks. The $7.9 million project is being funded mostly by Richland County’s penny tax.

The completed Riverwalk will include:

🌊 | Three miles of hiking + biking trails

🌊 | Pedestrian bridges across Broad + Saluda Rivers, plus one connecting to an island on the Congaree

🌊 | Restrooms + a ranger station

🌊 | Small parking lot

While public reaction to the project has been largely positive, some kayakers, fishers + other frequent users are worried the public hasn’t had enough say in the design. Concerns include the placement of a boardwalk near the Mill Race Rapid that may limit access for river rescuers – and the 8 ft.-wide concrete walking path could interfere with natural whitewater flow + block shoreline access.

3 min read / The State