City Launches Data-Driven Plan to Improve 235 Miles of Roadways

Issue #713

April 23, 2026

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

⛅️ Columbia’s Friday Weather - Partly cloudy, then overcast w/ high of 81, low of 59

📰 City Launches Data-Driven Plan to Improve 235 Miles of Roadways

👉 Food, Music and Secret Stops Highlight Downtown Columbia Tour

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

🗓 Know of Some Local Events Not Listed? Send us the Details!

City Launches Data-Driven Plan to Improve 235 Miles of Roadways

The City of Columbia is advancing a comprehensive Pavement Management and Preservation Program to improve road infrastructure. This proactive effort focuses on enhancing roadway conditions, strengthening long-term planning, and maximizing infrastructure investments across the city.

The City has partnered with Alfred Benesch and Company and its subconsultant, Citylogix, to collect high-resolution roadway data, analyze pavement performance, and develop a long-term, prioritized maintenance and improvement strategy.

“Investing in our infrastructure is investing in the future of Columbia,” said Mayor Chaz Molder. “We’re putting the right tools in place to better understand our road system and make informed decisions that will benefit the city for years to come.”

This program introduces a data-driven approach to managing the City’s 235 centerline miles of roadway. Using advanced imaging, LiDAR, and 360-degree high-definition data collection, roadway conditions will be assessed with precision, allowing the City to better visualize needs and prioritize repairs.

A key component of the program is pavement preservation—techniques designed to extend the life of roadways. The City will work with Alfred Benesch and Company to implement cost-effective methods that prolong pavement life and reduce long-term maintenance costs.

The initiative also includes standardized plans and specifications for future projects, community education materials, budget scenarios, and a comprehensive Pavement Management Plan to guide future investments.

“With reliable data and advanced analytics, we can prioritize projects more effectively and extend the life of our roadway system,” said City Manager Tony Massey.

Work is scheduled to begin in April, with data collection, analysis, and program development continuing through December. The final Pavement Management Plan is expected to be completed by December 2026.

Food, Music and Secret Stops Highlight Downtown Columbia Tour

Columbia Main Street is excited to announce the return of its highly anticipated 4th Annual Upstairs Downtown Tour on April 30 from 5:30 to 8 PM. This self-guided, ticketed experience invites residents to explore downtown through a curated selection of properties, showcasing both upstairs and downstairs spaces.

Along the way, attendees will sample locally sourced food and non-alcoholic beverages, enjoy live music performances, an interactive photo booth, and learn about the history behind each location. Every stop offers something new, from unique flavors to a variety of musical styles, creating a lively and immersive evening experience.

Participants will begin their journey at the Columbia Main Street office, located inside the Visit Columbia Welcome Center, where they will receive their official tour map and instructions. From there, guests will have two and a half hours to explore all featured locations at their own pace.

Each year features a completely new lineup of properties, ensuring even returning guests enjoy a fresh experience. Locations remain a surprise until the day of the event, when attendees receive their tour map at the Welcome Center.

Date: Thursday, April 30, 2026

Time: 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM

Start Location: Visit Columbia Welcome Center (713 North Main Street, Columbia, TN 38401)

Tickets are $30 per person and can be purchased at ColumbiaMainStreet.com. Availability is limited, and the event typically sells out.

All proceeds from the Upstairs Downtown Tour will support Columbia Main Street’s downtown beautification projects, helping enhance and preserve the charm of the district. For more information, visit ColumbiaMainStreet.com or follow @columbiatnmainstreet on social media.

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Upcoming Local Events

🗓 Have an event to add? Send us the Details!

Thursday, April 23rd

Friday, April 24th

Saturday, April 25th

Sunday, April 26th

👇 Click the Links to Learn About our Local Business Sponsors! 👇

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Thursday, April 23
Todd Ciprian - Tito’s, 6–9 PM
Ashton Smith - Whiskey Alley Saloon, 7:30–9 PM

Friday, April 24
Rett Stocstill & The Ministry of Fun - Buck & Board, 6–8 PM
Nick Bentley - Grinder’s Switch, 7–9 PM
Johnny Jameson & The Empty Pints - McCreary’s Irish Pub & Eatery, 7–9 PM
Ben Cannon - Whiskey Alley Saloon, 7:30–9 PM
The Deltaz - Puckett’s, 7:30–9 PM
Wentzel Brothers Band - Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8–11 PM

Saturday, April 25
Ben Daniels - Keg Springs Winery, 2–5 PM
Crossbridges - Amber Falls Winery & Cellars, 3–7 PM
Writers Round - The Bourbon Gospel, 7:30 PM
Justin & Tab - Puckett’s, 7:30–9 PM
Marci Mitchell Band - The Boondox, 8 PM
MFT - Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8–11 PM

Sunday, April 26
Cliftones - Amber Falls Winery & Cellars, 1–5 PM
Jackie Saturday - Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 2–5 PM
Vintage Voltage - The Rebel Bar & Grill, 4–7 PM

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