Message From the Secretary of Transportation

I know we are all glad to see winter weather in the rearview and as we look forward to the spring, I wanted to share a quick progress update with all of you.

We built a 10-year plan focused on four key areas: rural road safety, paving, bridges and interstates. We’re delivering on that plan. Every time I give a presentation, I share the story of the progress we have made and the future we are forging ahead.

In this edition of the Connector, you will find stories that highlight that progress. Progress we are making because of you and the contributions you make to our mission.

We have exceeded our original goals on rural road safety, and we have more than 1,200 miles of projects underway in pursuit of our expanded goal of 1,300 miles. Those aren’t just miles, those are lives saved. On corridors where we have made these improvements, we’re seeing a 30% reduction in deadly and serious injury crashes.

We have more than a quarter of our fourth largest highway system in the nation under contract for repaving. That’s an impressive feat and a significant improvement for drivers across the state of South Carolina. And we’re not slowing down.

464 bridges that need repair or replacement are complete or under construction and we increased the goal again to 550 bridges because of additional investment from the General Assembly.

You can’t drive on an interstate here in South Carolina without seeing the work we’re putting in to improve mobility through the state and the region. Since 2017, 128 miles of interstates have improvements underway and those include major projects on I-26, I-95, I-85 and I-77.

I’m proud of the headway we’re making together – let’s get to work.

Modernizing the US 21 and I-26 Interchange in Lexington County

Crews are making steady progress on a major upgrade to the interchange at US 21 and I-26 in Lexington County. The project includes the construction of new on- and off-ramps, upgraded traffic signals, and extensive paving improvements designed to enhance safety and traffic flow for vehicles traveling through the corridor.

In addition to ramp improvements, the project features a newly constructed bridge and a redesigned intersection at US 21 and I-26. These enhancements aim to improve connectivity, reduce congestion, and better accommodate current and future traffic demands in the growing Midlands area.

This effort is part of SCDOT’s broader initiative to modernize interchanges across South Carolina. By updating designs and adding safety enhancements, the agency is working to create a safer and more reliable transportation network for commuters, truckers, and local traffic as well.

Construction is ongoing, with the new bridge and improved intersection expected to be completed by the end of April 2026.

Wrapping up Bridge Package 32 in District 7

The six bridges included in Bridge Package 32 are nearly all complete. With only two bridges remaining to open, SCDOT District 7 Special Projects Engineer Pete Stickles gives us an overview of the finishing work happening on the Middle Willow Road Bridge in Orangeburg County. This is one of the final two bridges to be complete.

Bridge Package 32 aims to build bridges in place of six washed out culverts or pipes in Orangeburg, Calhoun, and Bamberg counties that were damaged by severe flooding in November 2024. All six bridges are expected to be completed by the end of March 2026.

Carolina Crossroads Project Team, SCDOT Host Phase 3C Public Meeting

Carolina Crossroads personnel and SCDOT engineers hosted a public meeting on Feb. 17, 2026, detailing Phase 3C of the Carolina Crossroads mega project.

At the meeting, attendees learned about the changes happening on I-20 between Exit 61 (US 378) and Exit 63 (Bush River Road).

Phase 3C is split into two stages. During the first stage, work will start on the outside of the current travel lanes. Crews will begin constructing new bridges beside the existing bridges over the Saluda River and CSX railroad. New pavement will also be constructed to tie into the new bridge structures.

In the second stage, traffic will shift to the new pavement and bridges, opening the median for construction. Crews will then replace the median concrete barrier, upgrade drainage, and build the center sections of the new bridges.

Construction on Phase 3C has already started and is anticipated to be completed in late 2029.

To learn more about Phase 3C, visit the Carolina Crossroads project website. Here, you’ll find infographics and videos explaining Phase 3C in more detail.

Big Upgrade to US 378 Little Saluda River Bridge

In January, SCDOT and its partners began clearing operations to prepare for the construction of a new bridge on US 378 over Little Saluda River in Saluda County.

The current bridge is more than 70 years old and is load restricted. With an average of 3,100 vehicles travelling across the bridge each day, the aging bridge was due for replacement.

The new bridge is being constructed using current bridge design standards. It will be wider and include paved shoulders, unlike the current bridge - making it safer for the traveling public.

As the new bridge is being constructed off alignment, the current bridge will remain open during construction, removing the need for a detour and minimizing impacts on drivers. During March, crews will be focused on foundation work, beginning with drilling shafts for concrete piles that will hold the weight of the new bridge.

The new bridge is expected to be complete in the summer of 2027.

New Roundabout Under Construction in Spartanburg County

In December, SCDOT broke ground on a roundabout at the intersection of Gap Creek, Hampton, and Gary Armstrong Roads, replacing the existing four-way stop to better manage traffic volume and improve sight visibility for drivers.

Roundabouts are a proven safety tool, slowing vehicles down and encouraging drivers to make safer movements through high-traffic corridors. With 6,100 vehicles passing through this intersection daily, the upgrade is expected to meaningfully improve flow and reduce conflict points for everyone on the road.

Work is well underway, with completion expected this fall.

20 Miles of New Paving in Fairfield and Chester Thanks to Pavement Improvement Program

SCDOT recently completed paving on SC 215 in Fairfield County and SC 901 in Chester County, adding 20 miles of new paving to South Carolina’s roads. This new paving is all part of SCDOT's Pavement Improvement Program.

The Pavement Improvement Program was created to focus on the resurfacing and rehabilitation of non-interstate, primary, and secondary routes across the state. The program began in 2017 and aims to increase the percentage of pavements in good condition to maintain and improve the state's road network.

The routes included in the Pavement Improvement Program are selected through a ranking process based on objective and quantifiable criteria, including existing pavement conditions and traffic volumes.

SC 901 recently received just over 10 miles of new paving through this program. This route touches Fairfield County, mainly passes through Chester County, and connects to Rock Hill. The latest paving not only added a smooth new surface but also new rumble strips and painted lines on the road.

SC 215 in Fairfield County sees around 2,000 vehicles per day. It also serves as a connecting route between five counties, including Richland, Fairfield, Union, Chester, and Spartanburg. SCDOT completed 10.27 miles of paving along this route and completed substantial work at the end of last year.

By focusing on data-driven project selection and long-term investment, the Pavement Improvement Program continues to improve ride quality, enhance safety features, and extend the lifespan of critical routes that connect South Carolina communities.

US 76 Bridge Replacement Underway in Marion

District 5 Bridge Engineer Will Fulton gives us a brief summary of the work happening on the US 76 Bridge over Catfish Branch in Marion County. This bridge is located just outside the City of Marion. Construction began on the project in January 2026 and is scheduled to be complete by the end of the year.

The new 110-foot-long bridge is being built in alignment. This means that US 76 is fully closed to traffic within the project limits while the new bridge is built in the same location as the old one.

Please use caution when traveling around these bridge projects in the City of Marion and never drive around closed road barricades.

Rural Road Safety Project Update on SC 303 in Colleton County

SCDOT remains committed to improving rural routes statewide. Beginning last year, work is underway on 12-mile stretch of SC 303 in Colleton County.

Through our Rural Road Safety Program, over 1,200 miles of rural routes have been upgraded since 2017. As result of these projects, there has been a 30 percent decrease in fatal and serious injury crashes and 54 percent decrease in fatal and serious crashes resulting from roadway departure.

These small safety enhancements like upgraded guardrails, wider shoulders, and rumble strips are saving lives.

Steady Progress on Community Road Near Scout Motors Facility in Blythewood

Work is steadily advancing to reopen Community Road in Blythewood as construction continues on the Scout Motors interchange project. Community Road serves as a critical connector in the area, and its reopening marks an important milestone in supporting both local and business travel tied to the Scout Motors development.

The interchange project is designed to improve access, enhance safety, and accommodate increased traffic volumes associated with the new manufacturing facility and surrounding development.

In the coming months, crews will focus on several major elements of construction, including the installation of five new bridges, paving operations, guardrail placement, and other roadway improvements.

Community Road is expected to reopen to traffic at the end of March 2026.

Here is a look at the Town of Winnsboro from 1962. The black-and-white photo depicts a bustling BUS 321 with shops lining the street and the clock tower overlooking it all. In the modern-day, color photo, the route now features street lighting, traffic signals, and refreshed storefronts.

Safety Spotlight

Pictured above: The ongoing interchange improvements at the I-26/ I-95 Interchange in Orangeburg and Dorchester Counties continue. The goal of the project is to replace the existing cloverleaf design with direct-connection ramps to reduce congestion and improve safety for vehicles traveling daily on both interstates.

Employee Updates: