South Carolina Department of Transportation

Today the U.S. Department of Transportation announced $175 million by the Federal Highway Administration to replace four bridges on I-95 over Lake Marion. This award will make it possible for SCDOT to replace the current aging bridges with new structures that will have additional safety features, allow for possible expansion, and stand for many decades. The new bridges will create a permanent crossing across Lake Marion for the Palmetto Trail, the 500-mile South Carolina network of hiking and biking paths that run from the Blue Ridge mountains of the Upstate to the salt marshes of Bulls Bay in the Lowcountry. And the bridges will support a high-volume water line across the lake from Orangeburg to Clarendon, bringing clean water and transformative opportunity for economic development to rural Clarendon County. SCDOT greatly appreciates the work and support of Senator Lindsey Graham, Congressman James E. Clyburn and Governor Henry McMaster in securing federal support for this project, which will fortify the Interstate Highway system along the East Coast and strengthen South Carolina’s connection to the global economy.

In Cherokee County, SCDOT recently completed repairs on the Gaffney T-Bridge, a historic structure constructed in 1919 and renovated in 1971. The project involved demolishing and reconstructing the bridge deck, as well as cleaning and painting the steel beams. Additionally, the damaged concrete on the underside of the bridge was repaired, and a pedestrian safety fence was installed over the railroad. Following completion of these necessary repairs, SCDOT held a ribbon cutting ceremony yesterday to announce the reopening of the bridge to pedestrian and vehicular traffic.

In Anderson County, SCDOT has recently finished construction on the Cherokee Road bridge over US 29. During the project, the clearance height of the bridge increased from 13 feet to 17 feet, and a new roundabout was constructed at the intersection of Cherokee Road and Joe Black Road.  

Here’s a look at some recently paved Clarendon County roads: Paxville Highway, Moses Dingle Road and Bill Davis Road. These newly resurfaced roads offer a smooth drive. Brighter pavement markings provide more visibility at night or in adverse weather conditions, helping drivers navigate these roads more safely. These are just some of the hundreds of miles of roads that SCDOT is working to repave each year as part of our pavement improvement program. 

SCDOT has made swift progress on the Woodruff Road Safety Improvement Project in Greenville County. Crews have installed new traffic signal foundations, graded curbs, and added new curbs, sidewalks, and pedestrian ramps. A new right-turn lane on Verdae Boulevard recently opened to traffic.

Today we’re celebrating the 2024 SCDOT LEAD class members, who wrapped up their year-long leader development course yesterday. Throughout the year, class members have gained hands-on experience and exposure to all aspects of SCDOT operations, completed a challenging and worthwhile class project, and formed strong peer relationships. At their graduation, Secretary of Transportation Powell encouraged the class to maintain those relationships and to remain true to themselves as they move forward on their leadership journeys. Congratulations, LEAD Class of 2024! We look forward to your continued growth as leaders at SCDOT.

As a part of maintaining and updating our state's interstate highway system, SCDOT performs cross slope correction during interstate resurfacing projects. Every stretch of interstate highway has a "cross slope," a term for the angle across the width of the road. The main function of a cross slope is to prevent water from standing on the road. This may require crews to work in the same area multiple times, adding or removing asphalt, and making sure the cross slope is just right. Learn more about cross slope correction: https://lnkd.in/eZs_nus8 

Have you taken the survey yet? Make sure your voice is heard about the future of transportation in South Carolina. Take a few minutes and provide your input: https://lnkd.in/euS_cCmQ

Here’s a look at the newly opened westbound ramp on Interstate 26 at Exit 119. A new eastbound ramp also opened today at this interchange, which connects I-26 with US 21/176 near the border of Lexington and Calhoun counties. Construction of these new ramps is a part of the I-26 at US 21 Interchange Improvement Project, which is modernizing the interchange, supporting the efficient movement of freight and enhancing the flow of traffic.

SCDOT recently completed a roadway safety project on SC 245 (Leagan Drive/Moss Crossing) in Cherokee County. This 2.18 mile traffic safety project was designed to help prevent roadway departures, and project elements included a high friction surface treatment, centerline rumble strips, brighter pavement markings, and a freshly paved surface.