Building Momentum: SCDOT’s Year in Review

As 2025 comes to a close, we’re looking back on a year of hard work, major milestones, and dedicated service across South Carolina, from winter storm response to major construction progress on projects throughout the state. SCDOT employees and partners worked together to keep our state moving. Thank you to our team for an incredible year, and happy holidays.

From Study to Safety: How SCDOT is Bringing Change to US 1 in West Columbia

US 1 (Augusta Road) in West Columbia has seen some positive changes lately, thanks to an SCDOT Road Safety Assessment. A recent study revealed that this corridor was seeing a high number of crashes, so crews have been working hard to make this busy roadway safer. Concrete medians, dedicated turn lanes, high-visibility crosswalks, as well as intersection and drainage improvements have all been added to improve this roadway for everyone. These simple yet impactful upgrades will help improve traffic flow, prevent future serious or fatal crashes, and protect pedestrians along Augusta Road.

Bridge Progress in Newberry County

This year, SCDOT and its partners completed the jackings and rehabilitations of several bridges along a stretch of Interstate 26 in Newberry County. The project began in 2023 and was aimed at reducing bridge strikes from large vehicles or loads that could lead to inconvenient bridge closures, impacting the commute for drivers throughout the area. Eight bridges were part of this package, including SC 121 and SC 773, the last of the group to be completed in April and August, respectively.

These bridges were raised to a minimum of 16 feet, meeting modern-day clearance standards, and the rehabilitations included a new concrete surface, various repairs, paving of the approaches, and new guardrails.

Blink Bonnie Road Bridge Rebuild Moves Toward Reopening

Crews in Fairfield County are putting the finishing touches on the Blink Bonnie Road bridge over Thorntree Creek. The original timber-pile bridge was demolished to make way for a new concrete structure. Rebuilding the bridge was the best option for long-term safety and the lifespan of the structure. The bridge is expected to reopen by the end of the year, restoring an important connection between Bellefield and Longtown Road.

SCDOT Completes 24 Miles of Construction on I-95 in Dillon County

Work is finishing up on the Interstate 95 Southbound Rehabilitation Project in Dillon County.

With only punch list items remaining, both sides of this 24-mile-long stretch of interstate are fully rehabilitated, properly aligned and in full operation.

Construction began on the southbound lanes in early 2023 and covered from near the North Carolina border at mile marker 194 to the I-95 and SC 327 interchange near Florence at mile marker 170. This is the same section where the northbound lanes were previously rehabilitated under a separate project.

The southbound lanes have now been fully reconstructed, providing motorists with a new, smooth asphalt riding surface for the entire corridor.

As part of this work, two new bridge structures were built over Little Reedy Creek, replacing the aging culverts that once carried the creek beneath I-95. Traffic has been shifted onto the new bridges, and all alignment work and guardrail installation is complete.

SCDOT is working hard to update South Carolina’s interstate corridors, and I-95 is no exception. Work is steadily progressing at the I-26/I-95 Interchange Improvement Project, slated for completion in 2027, and we’ve broken ground on the I-95 widening effort near the Georgia border.

Be sure to stay tuned for more updates on these highly anticipated projects.

SCDOT Dedicates Hampton County Bridge to Jerry Gosnell

In November, SCDOT unveiled the new sign for the Peter Jerome “Jerry” Gosnell Jr. Bridge in Hampton County. Also known as the Salkehatchie River Swamp Bridge along SC 63, the bridge was dedicated to Gosnell earlier this year by the SCDOT Commission to honor his extensive service to the state of South Carolina.

A brief roadside ceremony took place on November 24, with remarks made by his widow and members of SCDOT's leadership. It was well attended by both family and colleagues alike.

Gosnell worked at SCDOT for more than 30 years, rising through the ranks and becoming the Resident Maintenance Engineer for Hampton County. He was passionate about building and sustaining the roads in his area and worked to maintain a life of helping others.

He was a man devoted to his family and his community, leaving an enduring mark through constant leadership and mentorship.

The dedication of this bridge in tribute to him will remind travelers of his legacy and how he was committed to positively shaping the lives of all those he encountered.

Making Our Roads Safer: The State Highway Safety Plan Explained

SCDOT's Highway Safety Improvement Program Engineer, Gene Taylor, provided an overview of SCDOT's Office of Traffic Safety and the agency's partnership with the South Carolina Department of Public Safety (SCDPS). The collaboration between both agencies has led to the creation of the State Highway Safety Plan, a resource and guide to help save lives on South Carolina roads.

The plan is updated every five years with new methods to positively impact driver behavior change and target areas for safety improvements on routes across the state.

SCDOT Celebrates Two Employees for Decades of State Service

Behling Guess poses with SCDOT Commissioners after being honored for 50 years of service to the state of South Carolina.

Molly Alston stands alongside SCDOT District One leadership after being honored for her 45 years of service to the state of South Carolina.

SCDOT would like to congratulate two long-time employees for their service to the department and to the state of South Carolina – Behling Guess and Molly Alston. Guess, who serves as Dorchester County Resident Construction Engineer, recently surpassed 50 years of state service. Alston, Richland Maintenance Administrative Coordinator, reach 45 years of state service in November. Congratulations to Guess and Alston for their remarkable achievements.

This 1960 photo depicts US-52 (Market Street) in Cheraw before the roadway was widened. This route now cuts through several residential streets, with a few businesses sprinkled among the homes. Although the old water tower is no longer there, the old Saint David’s Episcopal Church still stands tall, welcoming visitors and passersby along their way through Cheraw.