Building Momentum in 2026: Major Projects Moving South Carolina Forward

As we begin the new year, SCDOT is looking ahead to a productive 2026 filled with continued progress on some of the state’s most significant transportation projects. Major efforts such as the I-26/I-95 Interchange Improvements Project, the Carolina Crossroads revitalization of I-20, I-26 and I-126, and Greenville’s US 29 Church Street Bridge Project will all reach important milestones in the year ahead.

We’re grateful to our dedicated SCDOT team members and contracting partners whose continued collaboration and commitment are helping move these projects toward completion and improve mobility across South Carolina.

Dutch Fork Road Improvements to Begin, Enhancing Safety and Bridge Reliability

Work is soon to be underway on Dutch Fork Road in Ballentine. Crews will be working to improve safety and long-term reliability along this important corridor starting this month.

The US 76 improvements will focus on strengthening the bridge to eliminate the current load restrictions and smoothing the road surface on top of the bridge. Construction will begin with substructure repair in the first few months and end with milling and paving in the summer. While crews are working on top of the bridge, traffic will be detoured using Rauch-Metz Road.

This project reflects the ongoing commitment of SCDOT to investing in South Carolina’s transportation system and ensuring roadways remain safe, functional, and dependable for the traveling public.

New Roundabout on US 29 in Anderson

After a year of construction, SCDOT has completed a new roundabout at the intersection of US 29, Old Williamston Road, Bowlan Road, and Mitchell Road.

The former intersection was heavily congested and created safety concerns for nearly 17,000 drivers each day. To improve traffic flow and safety, the area was reconfigured and realigned, with portions of Bowlan Road, Old Williamston Road, and Mitchell Road removed. Bowlan Road now connects to Old Williamston Road about 700 feet south of the original intersection, restoring access to US 29. One leg of the roundabout also ties into a new signalized intersection at US 29 and Bowlan Road.

Roundabouts improve safety by reducing speeds and conflict points, while their continuous flow helps ease congestion by eliminating long waits at traffic signals.

Improving Your Route: Wade Hampton Boulevard

This year, SCDOT will begin upgrading twelve intersections throughout the Wade Hampton Boulevard Corridor. A heavily traveled route, the project will include several safety enhancements for both pedestrians and drivers and is expected to be completed next summer.

Shining Light on SCDOT's Sign Replacement and Road Inspection Team in District 4

Across South Carolina, roadway signage is essential to keeping drivers informed and safe. In District 4, SCDOT’s Sign Replacement and Road Inspection Team works year-round to inspect, maintain, and replace signs on state-maintained roads to ensure they meet safety and visibility standards.

Beyond signage, the team responds to storm damage and roadway hazards by clearing fallen trees, addressing damaged guardrails, and identifying issues during routine inspections. Their specially equipped trucks allow them to assist during and after severe weather, including Hurricane Helene in 2024, when the team also helped oversee a debris management site to ensure accurate documentation.

Through ongoing inspections and coordination with county partners, the team plays a vital role in keeping South Carolina’s roads safe, reliable, and ready for daily travel.

Construction Complete on Holly Circle in Florence

The Holly Circle Widening Project in Florence is complete. Serving as a busy shortcut connecting SC 51 to US 76, the road was upgraded in just under a year.

This project delivered more than just a fresh coat of asphalt. Holly Circle is now three lanes wide, has improved drainage, and new traffic signals to streamline the flow of vehicles on this heavily travelled route. New sidewalks were also constructed on both sides of the road, increasing safety for pedestrians.

Work Progressing on Ashley Phosphate Road in North Charleston

Work is underway on the Ashley Phosphate Road Safety Improvement Project, which began in July 2025 and continues to make steady progress. The project focuses on enhancing safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers along this busy corridor.

Improvements include the installation of new bus shelters, construction of concrete medians to reduce conflict points, and new traffic signals at key intersections to improve traffic flow and safety for all road users.

New Bridge Construction on Middle Willow Road Over Roberts Swamp in Orangeburg

Middle Willow Road in Orangeburg is entering a major phase of construction as crews work to replace infrastructure damaged during the November 2024 flood.

The former culvert has now been removed, clearing the way for the project team to drive pile supports for a new bridge and shape the roadway embankment on both approaches.

This bridge is one of six new bridges being constructed in Orangeburg, Bamberg, and Calhoun counties. This progress marks an important step toward restoring safe travel along the corridor and improving its long-term resilience.

SCDOT Employees Spread Holiday Cheer Through Adopt-A-Family Program

This holiday season, the SCDOT family continued an annual tradition and came together to make a meaningful difference through our annual Adopt-A-Family program. Thanks to the generosity of employees across every district, donations were collected for 30 families, fulfilling every item on their wish lists.

In total, SCDOT volunteers raised more than $10,000 and donated nearly 400 gifts. Thank you to everyone who helped make the season brighter for families in need and demonstrated the true spirit of the SCDOT family.

Take a look back at the intersection of SC 151 and SC 34 in Darlington County, shown in 1966 and today. While SC 151 has expanded from two to five lanes, the intersection itself remains largely unchanged and still sits midway between Darlington and Hartsville.