The Five Points Association worked in conjunction with the City of Columbia to beautify the existing Norfolk Southern railroad bridge in Columbia that crosses Blossom Street which is a prominent gateway between the historic Five Points business district and the University of South Carolina’s campus. As part of the ongoing celebration of Five Points’ Centennial in 2015, permission was requested to access the Norfolk Southern right of way and re-paint the bridge’s wing walls. This beautification project was completed in three phases, taking place over four years.

About the Process:

Phase I: completed November 2016

The first phase of the project was the stripping and repainting of the buttresses on either side of the train tracks.

Phase II: completed April 2017

The second phase of the project included the planting of several new planters surrounding the entire train trestle, along with installing irrigation to ensure that the plantings would last.

Phase III: completed July 2018

The third and final phase of this project included the pressure washing and painting of the steel overpass, followed by the installation of lettering reading “Five Points” across both sides.

With the completion of the final phase, the Five Points Association became the first group in South Carolina to complete a train trestle beautification; a project that would not have been possible without the generous support of Richland County, City of Columbia, and Five Points Association board and staff.