The Road Ahead: Modernizing Transportation in South Carolina | | |
In his September update, Secretary of Transportation Justin Powell shares highlights from his recent presentation to the South Carolina Transportation Modernization Ad Hoc Committee.
Secretary Powell spoke about the agency’s vision for the future and commitment to ensure that SCDOT can modernize South Carolina’s transportation system and build a future that supports growth, commerce, and quality of life for every community in our state.
| | Innovative Traffic Plan Set for Garners Ferry Road Bridge Replacement | | |
SCDOT is preparing to replace the bridge over McCords Ferry Road (US 601) on Garners Ferry Road (US 378). The bridge was originally built in the 1950s, and SCDOT engineers have determined that it is time to replace the structure. Construction is scheduled to begin in October and is expected to take approximately 14 months to complete.
The project introduces an innovative approach to traffic management. Instead of building the bridge in two stages with reduced lanes, crews will construct the new bridge in one phase while maintaining two lanes in each direction, utilizing the ramps around the bridge as the temporary lanes. SCDOT will put up temporary traffic signals for the construction period to help with the flow of traffic as well.
“We want to get all the traffic off the old bridge so we can replace it and keep traffic moving,” McCarter explained. “That, combined with the cost savings, time savings, and safety improvements during construction, really made a lot of sense to us.”
| | Bridge Upgrades in Newberry County Improve Interstate Travel | | |
SCDOT and its partners have successfully completed rehabilitation work on the SC 773 bridge over I-26 in Newberry County, following similar work completed on the SC 121 bridge earlier this year. Both projects were part of a bridge package focused on raising interstate overpass clearances to a minimum of 16 feet throughout the corridor.
This new standard clearance height improves traffic flow by reducing the risk of strikes from oversized loads, which can cause significant traffic delays and require expensive repairs. This proactive approach to clearances demonstrates SCDOT’s coordinated effort at enhancing safety and mobility along these well-traveled interstate corridors.
| | SCDOT Accelerates Emergency Bridge Replacement on North Burris Road in York County | | |
On September 26, 2024, Hurricane Helene made landfall in South Carolina, damaging and closing over 900 roads and 24 bridges, including the North Burris Road Bridge in York County.
During the storm, the North Burris Road Bridge was washed out after large amounts of heavy debris traveled downstream. SCDOT has accelerated the replacement of this bridge to help restore the critical connection between Sharon and McConnells Highway.
“We’re currently replacing a 230-foot, three-span bridge that was washed out during the storm,” said Jared Bragg, SCDOT Resident Construction Engineer in York County. “From the start of construction to the end, we’re looking at probably six months.”
For resilience purposes, the new bridge will be raised about one and a half feet higher than the original structure to account for 50 and 100-year flood events.
| | SCDOT Delivers Smoother, Safer Roads Across Darlington County | | |
SCDOT is making major roadway improvements across Darlington County to provide smoother, safer, and more efficient travel. Recent work includes rebuilding 6.5 miles of McIver Road, resurfacing over six miles of US 401 near I-20, and upgrades to Main Street sidewalks and paving in the City of Darlington. Indian Branch Road has also been widened and resurfaced to handle event traffic near the Darlington Raceway.
Ahead of the August 31 NASCAR race, SCDOT coordinated with law enforcement to manage traffic flow, post temporary signs, and pause construction projects during race week to reduce congestion and ensure a seamless experience for both residents and visitors.
| | I-26 Widening and Interchange Improvements Underway in Berkeley County | | SCDOT is widening 7 miles of I-26 in Berkeley County and rebuilding the SC 27 interchange into a diamond roundabout design. The $182.3 million project includes new bridges, culverts, and interstate lanes, with completion expected ahead of schedule in October 2026. | | SCDOT Honors Legacy of Service with Peter Jerome Gosnell Jr. Bridge | | |
The Big Salkehatchie River Bridge on SC 63, right at the Hampton/Colleton County line, now bears a new name that carries with it decades of service, leadership, and love for community.
In May 2025, the SCDOT Commission passed a resolution dedicating the bridge in honor of Peter Jerome “Jerry” Gosnell Jr., affectionately known as “Goose” to many. Jerry spent more than 30 years with SCDOT, rising through the ranks from maintenance to Resident Maintenance Engineer for Hampton County. His impact went beyond roads and bridges. He was a mentor, a leader, and so more and showed devotion to family and community, leaving a lasting mark.
The Peter Jerome Gosnell Jr. Bridge honors a life of service, standing as both a roadway for today’s travelers and a symbol of the community Jerry Gosnell helped shape.
| | SCDOT, GDOT Break Ground on I-95 Widening & Improvements Project in Jasper County | | |
SCDOT and GDOT have officially broken ground on a transformative $825 million project to widen and modernize I-95 between the Savannah River and US 278, a 10-mile stretch at the South Carolina, Georgia border.
In addition to the ceremony, SCDOT launch the updated FixTheDrive95.com website, featuring a new interactive map.
Now you can explore what’s happening near you such as:
- Search by mile marker
- See project details & timelines
- Track interchanges, bridges & widenings
- Opportunities for public comment & meetings
| | U.S. 52 is one of Darlington County’s busiest highways, seen below in May 1952 and present-day. It’s still the route of choice for those traveling between the cities of Florence and Darlington. While it hasn’t changed much over 73+ years, it has received certain safety improvements, such as wider lanes and rumble strips. | | Safety Spotlight: Hurricane Season | | As we continue to prepare for any potential storms this hurricane season, SCDOT encourages anyone with a smartphone to download the 511SC app. The app features live traffic cameras and updates, including any closures or evacuations during severe weather. | | |
Pictured above: 2025 SCDOT Innovation Showcase recognizes innovative solutions that SCDOT employees have made in the field to improve the safety and overall efficiency of jobs.
Congratulations to all of our winners!
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