In his November 2024 employee address, Secretary of Transportation Justin Powell talks about SCDOT's rural road safety efforts and the progress we've made.

Click here to watch the video.

On November 6 and 7, counties in District 7 experienced a heavy rain event that saw 13 inches of rain fall.

Roads were flooded and as the rain continued to dump water in the area, SCDOT crews were out responded.

Crews began posting road closures and monitoring routes that were experiencing flooding like SC 4, SC 6, US 178 and US 301. After flooding closed US 301 in Orangeburg, SCDOT was able to work to get it reopened on November 9.

Sec. of Transportation Justin Powell said, "Crews worked continuously through the weekend and were able to begin repairs and reopen several roads. Although there are still more repairs to be made, the hard work and dedication shown by our crews will allow District 7 to further recover from this event. I am thankful and proud that these men and women continue to devote their time and energy to assisting South Carolina in its time of need."

SCDOT received $195 million in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation to support the Long Point Road Interchange Project, marking the largest single grant in the agency’s history.

This investment will enhance the I-526 and Long Point Road interchange, introducing dedicated flyover ramps to streamline port-related traffic and alleviate local congestion. Key community improvements, such as a multi-use path and noise walls, will also be included.

Governor Henry McMaster and other state and local leaders praised the project, which they view as a critical investment in South Carolina’s economy, quality of life, and infrastructure. With total project costs estimated at $325 million, the remaining funds will be sourced from existing state and federal.

Construction is set to begin in early 2026.

For the Upstate, a powerful hurricane like Hurricane Helene is something that happens once in a lifetime. Since the storm roared through the Upstate in late September, SCDOT has worked to restore the region to normal operations. Many continue to recognize the agency’s efforts during this time of recovery, including elementary school students who have written letters thanking their local SCDOT crews for their work.

In the front lobby of the SCDOT District 3 office in Greenville, a panel between the elevators is decorated with letters from Lakes and Bridges Charter School in Easley. A 5^th grade teacher dropped off notes from her class. One reads, “Thank you for taking off the trees. Thank you!” Another student said, “You guys are the best.”

At another SCDOT office in Laurens, the granddaughter of an employee sent in a letter of gratitude. Decorated with cut outs of everything she sees in her community—hard hats, safety vests cones, a sign, and a truck, the card reads:

“Thanks for all the hard work and time you all put in to helping Laurens County after the hurricane and every day!”

In response to her letter, several SCDOT employees signed a hard hat to gift to her to show their appreciation. 

Recovery work will continue as SCDOT and its partners work to get the Upstate back on its feet.

On Friday, October 18, SCDOT and Federal Highway Administration officials visited the Upstate to observe emergency repairs and damage caused by Hurricane Helene.

Acting Administrator Kristin White, SC Division Administrator Emily Lawton, Secretary Powell and part of the SCDOT leadership team met up in Greenville. From there, they visited three different locations.

Starting in Oconee County, they visited the US 76 Emergency Bridge Replacement project. They walked the site with Senator Thomas Alexander. During the storm, a washout damaged the bridge deck, exposing the piles and causing a slope and roadway failure. The new bridge is expected to be completed in the summer of 2025. 

They then moved on to the US 276 washout near Caesar’s Head in Greenville where crews were actively making repairs. Federal emergency funds helped to expedite the repair, and that section of US 276 was reopened less than two weeks later. 

Their last stop was to the Camp Creek road culvert failure in Tigerville. High water levels eroded the pavement, causing the failure. They surveyed the area with Senator Tom Corbin for several minutes before a press briefing. Acting Administrator White, Secretary Powell, and Sen. Corbin spoke to the media, attesting to the emergency federal funding that has been made available to expedite the recovery from Hurricane Helene.

As Phase 1 of Carolina Crossroads marks completion, those in charge of the project reflect on the progress so far and give a glimpse of what is to come.

Click here to watch the video.

In case you missed it on social media:

Recently, SCDOT reopened the Boundary Street bridge in Newberry County.

The bridge is nearly seven feet higher and six feet wider than the old bridge. SCDOT will redo the signal poles near the bridge on Nance Street. 

The improvements also included new lighting that calls back to the lighting on the original bridge and new fencing.

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Experience the beauty of fall throughout South Carolina with this interactive map.

Just click here or on the image below and then explore the map. Each pin you click will open a column on the left side of your screen that will show a video of a South Carolina road where you can see breathtaking views of fall foliage.

How To: Filling out a Maintenance Work Request

Have you seen a damaged sign? Or, maybe a tree limb that’s hanging over the roadway. Did you know that you can fill out a maintenance work request that gets sent directly to the local SCDOT maintenance office?

Filling out a work request is easy! Visit www.scdot.org to fill out a work request today. In doing so, you’re helping us keep our roads safe for everyone.

The photo on the left shows the construction of the US 301 Savannah River Bridge on February 10, 1964. The picture on the right was taken in 2024 and shows the now-historic swing bridge and the new highway bridge over the Savannah River.

Pictured: SCDOT officials held a ribbon cutting with members of the General Assembly for the Academy Road bridge in Marlboro County. The bridge was closed as a result of the 2015 flood. Click here to read more.

SCDOT Receives $195 Million Federal Grant for Long Point Road Interchange Project

SCDOT and FHWA provide an update on roads and bridges in South Carolina following Hurricane Helene

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