The City of Columbia has announced that the Washington Street Parking Deck will close in March for comprehensive structural repairs, marking the first phase of a multi-year effort to upgrade downtown parking infrastructure.

The downtown facility will be closed to all parking beginning March 8, 2026, and is expected to remain unavailable for approximately 12 weeks as crews undertake extensive work to address concrete corrosion, replace joint sealants and expansion joints, and improve overall structural integrity. The project is part of the city’s broader Capital Improvement Plan for parking facilities, aimed at extending the life of critical public assets and ensuring safety for residents, businesses and visitors. 

Columbia officials said that concrete corrosion — a common issue in older parking structures where water infiltration can weaken embedded steel reinforcement — necessitated proactive repairs before conditions worsened. In addition to core structural work, the plan includes waterproofing and resurfacing measures designed to enhance durability and resilience against future wear and tear. 

To mitigate the impact on commuters and downtown patrons, the city is promoting several alternative parking options nearby. These include lots on Gervais Street, Assembly Street and Taylor Street, among others, with signage and guidance intended to help drivers navigate temporary changes while the deck is closed. 

City parking officials have coordinated directly with reserved parkers and businesses to manage disruptions, emphasising that phased work — one deck at a time — will allow other facilities to remain in operation as renovations proceed. Future phases of the Capital Improvement Plan will address additional parking structures such as Taylor Street, Arsenal Hill and Sumter Street decks. 

The Washington Street project underscores Columbia’s commitment to modernising essential infrastructure and supporting the long-term vitality of the city’s urban core, with authorities encouraging patience and cooperation from the public as the repairs are completed over the spring months.