SCDOT Maintenance Employees Surpass 70,000 Completed Work Requests Year to Date
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SCDOT has more than 3,000 field employees statewide that handle maintenance and construction year-round to maintain and improve our road and bridge network.
Crews have completed more than 70,000 work requests statewide this year, including handling drainage issues, installing signs, patching roadways, clearing vegetation and picking up litter every day around our state.
We are proud of the hard work, dedication and commitment they show every day to making South Carolina a safer place for our drivers.
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Pre-Construction Underway for Replacement of I-95 Bridges over Lake Marion | |
SCDOT is preparing to start construction on a major project in Orangeburg and Clarendon counties to improve conditions for drivers traveling across the southeast.
Within the last month, SCDOT has coordinated the transport of two crane barges from Maryland to the Midlands, bringing them down the east coast and into Lake Marion to begin pre-construction work for the replacement of the bridges on I-95 over Lake Marion. They’re currently being used to prepare the project site for the start of the construction process, which is on track to begin in December.
Drivers traveling in the area can already see work that has been completed in the median on either side of the bridges, where traffic will be shifted during the project as construction gets underway. Despite the occasional traffic shifts, two lanes of traffic in both directions of I-95 will remain open for the entirety of the project.
Once construction begins, crews are expected to work on the bridge replacement through 2030.
| | New Lanes Open on I-26 in Berkeley County as SCDOT Wraps Up Widening Project | |
SCDOT just made another step forward in its efforts to widen I-26 between Charleston and Columbia.
Two new travel lanes are now open along seven miles of I-26 in Berkeley County. SCDOT contractors recently opened the new lanes between the exits onto SC 27 and Jedburg Road, widening this portion of the interstate from four to six lanes.
At the eastbound and westbound exits onto SC 27, SCDOT contractors are also finishing construction on a roundabout interchange to help ease congestion during busy travel times. The roundabouts are replacing a pair of four-way intersections that saw frequent traffic backups, particularly in the afternoons. The new interchange has already made the flow of traffic smoother and conditions safer for drivers.
This project also includes replacing the twin bridges over the Cypress Swamp, which are being widened to improve safety and the flow of traffic through the area.
The project is on schedule to be completed by the end of October. Until then, drivers should expect to see occasional single-lane closures on this section of I-26 as contractors make finishing touches on the new travel lanes.
| | Paving the Way to a Safer US 521 in Sumter County | | |
Work is underway on a Rural Road Safety Project along a 6.34-mile stretch of US 521 in Sumter County, extending from Spencer Road to Old Boykin Mill Road.
The route runs through the community of Rembert and sees an average of 12,000 vehicles per day.
Designed to significantly improve driver safety and roadway infrastructure, the work includes tree clearing for better sight lines, the addition of guardrails along key points, resurfacing, enhanced pavement markings, and milled-in rumble strips. The project also features drainage upgrades along the route, including two culvert extensions.
The project is expected to be fully completed by August 2027.
| | A Safer Crossing Coming Around in Anderson County | | |
The busy four-way stop intersection at US 178, Liberty Highway, Baugh Road, and Ruhamah Road in Anderson County is about to see a major upgrade.
About 8,000 vehicles travel through this crossing each day, and to help traffic flow more safely and efficiently, the current intersection will be converted into a roundabout.
The project is expected to be completed by June 2027, with new pavement markings, reflectors, and lighting planned for the finished roundabout.
As construction continues, please slow down, stay alert, and follow posted signs.
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Completing the SC 418 Box Culvert Project in
Spartanburg County
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SCDOT has nearly completed the SC 418 crossing over Arnold Creek in Spartanburg County with a new box culvert, returning the structure to its original design.
The crossing began as a culvert in the 1940s before being widened over the years to become a bridge. Recent inspections found the aging bridge structure in need of replacement.
Instead of pursuing a full bridge replacement, SCDOT engineers took a more in-depth look at what the area needed and determined a culvert would be the best option. The new culvert will have fewer components to inspect and maintain and can be constructed more quickly than a traditional bridge, helping reduce the length of the road closure.
The new structure is also designed to meet current traffic needs while accommodating future growth in the area. The new crossing is expected to open this fall.
| | Upgrades to SC 9 Nearly Complete in Chester County
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Paving and safety improvements are close to completion along this Chester County highway.
About two miles of asphalt repairs are being made at the section of J.A. Cochran Bypass that runs from Columbia Street to SC 9, West End Road. A new pedestrian crossing has also been installed across from Chester High School.
These upgrades will help make a safer road for this section of J.A. Cochran Bypass, which sees approximately 8,400 vehicles per day.
Our crews are putting the final touches on this project and are expected to wrap up by the end of October. Please slow down in the work zone and look out for crews as we work to improve your ride along this road.
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SCDOT Replacing Little Pee Dee River Bridge
in Marlboro County
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Major upgrades are underway in Marlboro County. SCDOT contractors are hard at work to replace the bridge on SC 83 that runs over the Little Pee Dee River.
The bridge had to be closed in June of 2024 due to structural deficiencies. When reopened, the new bridge will boast an elevated height, improved lane width and a modern design.
Motorists can look forward to traveling this primary route again soon, as the project’s completion is targeted for the end of the year.
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Pictured above is a look at the original steel truss bridge on SC 45 over the Diversion Canal in Berkeley County, taken in 1950.
The photo was taken about 10 years after Lake Marion and Lake Moultrie had been built. The lakes were made by damming the Santee River to supply hydroelectric power to rural areas of the Lowcountry.
The bridge on SC 45 was made by reusing and repurposing three steel truss that were originally part of a bridge built over the Santee River in the 1920s.
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October is National Pedestrian Safety Month, a time to reinforce road safety for both drivers and pedestrians. SCDOT has been hard at work on improving pedestrian safety at intersections and sidewalks across the state.
Pedestrians and motorists both share the responsibility of remaining alert and removing distractions.
| | SCDOT District Engineering Administrator Retires After 36 Years of Service | | |
After 36 years of dedicated service to SCDOT and the people of South Carolina, District 1 Engineering Administrator Robert Dickinson has retired.
Dickinson began his SCDOT career in 1990 as a Geotechnical Engineer and held several leadership roles throughout his career, including Resident Construction Engineer, District Construction Engineer and District Maintenance Engineer, before becoming District 1 Engineering Administrator in 2017.
Throughout his career, Dickinson was a dedicated leader and public servant. In retirement, he looks forward to spending more time with his wife, Stacey, their children and grandchildren, traveling, participating in mission trips, and helping others.
SCDOT thanks Robert for 36 years of service and wishes him all the best in his retirement and next chapter.
| | Pictured above: Assistant Director of Bridge Management Emily Bickley (top) and Director of Public Engagement Tina Kennedy received trailblazer awards at the WTS South Carolina’s Transportation Trailblazers event in Columbia on Sept. 17, 2026. SCDOT’s Chief of Staff Kelly Moore was emcee for the event, held at the Columbia Museum of Art. | | | | | |
