Paving the Way for a Stronger South Carolina

A Message from Secretary Powell

This month, Secretary of Transportation Justin Powell speaks about the progress SCDOT has made in its paving program since the start of the Strategic 10-Year Plan in 2017. South Carolina is witnessing substantial growth both economically and in population. With this growth comes the need to keep our road network’s foundation strong through our continued paving efforts.

A Day in the Life: SHEP

The State Highway Emergency Program

Join us as we ride along with Greg Reynolds, an SCDOT Incident Responder with the State Highway Emergency Program (SHEP), serving the Myrtle Beach area. From assisting with disabled vehicles to clearing crash scenes and keeping traffic flowing safely, Greg plays a critical role in helping South Carolina drivers get back on the road quickly and safely.

In this behind-the-scenes look at a typical day, you'll see how Greg patrols busy highways, communicates with traffic management centers, and jumps into action when motorists need help. With a calm, can-do attitude and a heart for public service, Greg is one of the many dedicated team members working behind the scenes to keep our roads safe every day.

Whether it's directing traffic, providing fuel, or simply offering reassurance to a stranded driver, Greg’s day demonstrates how quick decisions, teamwork, and safety come first.

A Midlands Bridge Update

SCDOT is in Newberry County currently working on the SC 773 bridge over I-26. A project similar to the recently rehabilitated SC 121 bridge, this bridge will be raised and improved so that it will meet the current quality standards of today. Included in this bridge work will be concrete repairs, joint replacement, and a refreshed bridge deck! The bridge is expected to be reopened to drivers later this summer.

A look inside Public Involvement Meetings at SCDOT

Your input matters! SCDOT recognizes the importance of having the public participate in the decision making behind the road projects that take place in their communities. In this video, you will learn more about what takes place at public involvement meetings and how feedback from the public can impact a project.

Improving Safety from Every Angle on Old Post Road and Hyatt Street in Cherokee County

Big changes are coming to the intersection of Hyatt Street and Old Post Road to help ease traffic and reduce congestion near SC 11.

For years, the area was managed with just a stop sign, but as traffic grew, so did the backups. To fix that, SCDOT is realigning the intersection so drivers can move smoothly from Hyatt Street to Old Post Road and on toward SC 11. The south side of Old Post Road will now meet Hyatt as a “T” intersection, complete with a new traffic signal.

Upgrades at the SC 11 intersection are also in the works, including dedicated left-turn lanes in all directions to help cut down on delays.

Once grading is wrapped up, the entire area will be resurfaced, and new signals will be in place soon. Drivers should be able to start using the improved route in the coming weeks!

SCDOT and Horry County Government Tackle Coastal Congestion with Hwy 501 Widening

SCDOT and Horry County Government are moving forward with the US 501 widening project in Horry County, stretching about four miles from SC 544 to Myrtle Ridge Drive. This RIDE 3 project began in fall 2024 and is set to finish by fall 2026.

Crews are currently focused on University Boulevard and Singleton Ridge Road, working mainly at night to avoid lane closures during the busy summer travel season. No lane closures are allowed from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

The plan starts with widening southbound lanes toward Myrtle Beach, followed by the northbound lanes to Conway. Paving will resume this fall and continue into spring 2026.

“This will bring major relief to traffic,” said SCDOT’s Jonathan Mishoe. “Once done, it’ll be a much easier commute.”

The project aims to ease congestion and improve travel for locals and visitors in the Myrtle Beach area.

SC 462 Reopens with Stronger Roadway and Safer Travel

SCDOT has completed major reconstruction on a four-mile stretch of SC 462 (Lowcountry Drive), from just south of Old House Road to south of Three Mile Road. The project improved pavement conditions, widened asphalt shoulders, and strengthened the road to support heavier truck traffic.

Using a reclamation method, crews crushed and stabilized the old roadbed before laying new asphalt. Daily inspections and efficient scheduling helped accelerate progress. The road is now open, with final touches like rumble strips and pavement markings to be completed in the coming weeks.

Road to Recovery for SC 70 in Orangeburg County

In early November 2024, record rainfall from Hurricane Rafael caused widespread flash flooding and river flooding across Orangeburg County. This extreme weather led to 167 road closures.

While Hurricane Rafael never made landfall in the U.S., its moisture contributed to a "major rain event” that dropped 12-16 inches of rain in parts of Orangeburg County in just 24 hours. One of the hardest-hit areas was SC 70, where the floodwaters washed out sections of roadway and damaged critical drainage structures.

Thanks to the hard work of SCDOT crews and contractors, repairs have been completed and SC 70 is open to traffic. These efforts demonstrate that these aren't just repairs, they are investments in the safety of Orangeburg’s roads.

SCDOT’s 2025 RoadEO Showcases Precision and Teamwork at Statewide Competition

Another year, another successful RoadEO! Dozens of SCDOT employees tested their skills at the 2025 Equipment Operators’ RoadEO that was held on May 21.

This annual competition challenges highway workers to display their abilities to control and maneuver large vehicles and heavy machinery under demanding conditions. Factors such as infractions, completion time, and overall techniques are all reflected in the contestants’ final scores.

The RoadEO is made up of seven categories that include the following:

Single Axle Dump Truck
Tandem Axle Dump Truck
Tractor Truck with Lowboy Trailer
Backhoe
Motor Grader
Skid Steer
Tractor with Mower

Those who placed first and second place in each category will advance to the Southeast Regional Competition this coming fall. Those who won third place will continue to practice with their teammates to prepare for regional competitions and serve as alternative contestants.

Congratulations to this year's winners! Click here to see the full list of winners.

A look back at Beltline Blvd and Two Notch Road in Columbia from May 1966.

Safety Spotlight: Preparing for Hurricane Season

Pictured above: Lori Campbell, SCDOT Traffic Engineer for District 1, recently participated in a panel discussion which brought together community leaders to discuss the vital issue of street safety for cyclists and pedestrians.