WIS News 10 - Columbia, South Carolina | Wet weather delays Columbia's construction of handicap-accessible curbs

Wet weather delays Columbia's construction of handicap-accessible curbs

(Columbia) Feb. 16, 2004 - Rainy weather over the weekend caused some construction for handicapped access to be delayed in Columbia.

In November WIS News 10 told you about some sidewalks with no ramps cut into the curbs in Columbia's downtown area. Without the ramps, the curbs can be treacherous for people in wheelchairs.

The DOT planned to put in special ramps by the weekend, but officials say rain postponed the construction's start until Wednesday.

Ron Rutledge was paralyzed by a stroke, so he uses a wheelchair. He says his wheelchair tipped over when he attempted to leave the sidewalk.

Four months ago Jim Cagney with the state Department of Transportation and he vowed to fix the sidewalk problems. When it wasn't fixed in February, Cagney explained, "We did make it a top priority. We had to identify the quantity, set up the contract and work it through the procurement process to get to this point and it does take that much time."

The project will include two days of tearing out the pavement before they can begin putting the ramps in. Cagney says the DOT also plans to fix or replace ramps on Sumter Street between Elmwood and Gervais and Bull Street.

posted 10:39am by Chris Rees