Introducing New Bill to Modernize SCDOT

In May, the South Carolina Legislature passed the SCDOT Modernization Bill — a landmark piece of legislation that will change how SCDOT is governed and chart a new course for our state's transportation network. The bill has been designed to improve and streamline operations for the agency.

Key provisions of the bill include a change in governance; new tools, processes, and partnerships to accelerate critical project delivery; enabling choice lanes on interstates — just like our neighboring states — and transferring NEPA environmental review responsibilities to the state level, all designed to move projects from planning to pavement faster.

Together, these reforms give SCDOT a stronger toolkit that prioritizes efficiency, innovation, and accountability so that we can continue to deliver safer and better roads for all users.

Now Open: Old Vaucluse Road Bridge over I-20 in Aiken County after Emergency Replacement

Members of SCDOT leadership and the South Carolina State Legislature came together in Aiken County on May 21 to cut the ribbon on the new bridge on Old Vaucluse Road over I-20!

On Father’s Day weekend of 2025, the bridge collapsed due to a tanker fire.

SCDOT crews quickly mobilized and tirelessly worked to demolish the bridge, repair the interstate and reopen the roadways, which was accomplished in less than 36 hours. In the months after the collapse, the bridge underwent an emergency replacement completed by SCDOT and its partners.

The bridge on Old Vaucluse Road, now reopened to traffic, was not only replaced, but improved to both be safer and longer lasting for the many drivers who rely on the route over I-20.

Transforming for the Future: US 378 over US 601 in Richland County

SCDOT is replacing the US 378 bridge over US 601 in Richland County as part of its statewide effort to eliminate load-restricted bridges. The project has been expedited and includes improvements to the on and off ramps between Garners Ferry Road and US 601, keeping traffic moving throughout construction.

Drivers can expect to travel the new bridge by the end of the year.

Built to Last: New Lanham Road Bridge Taking Shape in Edgefield County

In Edgefield County, SCDOT and its partners are working to replace the Lanham Road bridge over Horne Creek, after the original structure was washed out. Its replacement will be built to last nearly 100 years!

The new bridge will be wider and supported by steel piles, which offer greater adaptability and a longer lifespan than concrete. While the bridge serves a rural area with limited traffic, SCDOT remains committed to improving routes regardless of location.

The bridge is expected to open to traffic later this year.

Safer Road, Stronger Communities: Upgrading SC 14 in Spartanburg County

Along a four-mile stretch of SC 14 in Spartanburg County, SCDOT is making significant improvements as part of its Rural Road Safety Improvement Program.

Launched in 2017, the program targets safety upgrades that reduce hazards to drivers and the results speak for themselves. Across more than 1,200 miles of rural routes, it has driven a 30% reduction in fatal and serious injury crashes, and a 54% reduction in run-off-road crashes involving fatal and serious injuries.

The project on SC 14 is expected to be completed this fall.

Roads Recycled: SC 914 Reclamation in Lancaster County

SCDOT is in the peak of its paving season, and right now, crews are hard at work restoring SC 914 in Lancaster County.

The process starts with something called "reclamation” where the existing road is essentially rebuilt from the ground up by pulverizing the old asphalt and underlying base, then mixing it with cement. The result is a stronger, more durable foundation that crews will then top and smooth over with fresh asphalt.

Reclamation on SC 914 is almost complete. Please drive slowly when moving through the area and look out for crews working on this project.

Going Around in Circles for a Purpose in Darlington County

In Darlington County, SCDOT is addressing heavy traffic at the intersection of East McIver Road and Old Florence Road by converting it into a roundabout.

Several roundabouts have been completed statewide, and they have proved to be safer, reducing the chance of traffic collisions by forcing slower speeds and more careful movements.

This intersection also has a large amount of truck traffic and is expected to see a significant increase in traffic overall over the next several years. This roundabout will address congestion by eliminating traffic lights and has the capacity to handle anywhere from 30% to 50% more vehicles than a traditional intersection, according to the Federal Highway Administration.

The roundabout is scheduled to be completed later this year.

Paving the Way Forward: US 17A Improvements in Dorchester County

In Dorchester County, 10 miles of a frequently traveled rural route have now been improved to protect the lives of drivers on the highway!

Recently, SCDOT finished adding safety upgrades to US 17A between the Edisto and Ashley River bridges. Both lanes of the highway were repaved, shoulders were widened and multiple new sets of guardrails were installed along this section of the road.

Crews also added safety measures to prevent drivers from going off the road, such as improving the clear zone, the extra space off the shoulder of the highway, and adding rumble strips along the center and sides of US 17A.

These safety improvements are part of SCDOT’s Rural Road Safety Program, the agency's commitment to keep drivers safe across our state, no matter which roads they choose to take.

Fresh Asphalt for SC 210 and US 178 in Orangeburg County

Crews are close to completing a project to repave SC 210 and US 178 in Orangeburg County!

Nearly 10 miles of SC 210 are being repaved between the towns of Bowman and Branchville. The repaving of US 178 also begins in the town of Bowman, at the intersection of SC 210, and extends about seven miles east toward I-95.

As part of the improvements to the pavement, SCDOT and its partners have also been widening the shoulders of the highways and adding rumble strips to warn drivers if they start to leave the road.

The work along US 178 and SC 210 is expected to be complete by July.

SCDOT Names New District Engineers

Dusty Turner has been named the District Engineering Administrator for District 2, which covers the Lakeland region.

He holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Clemson University and began his career with SCDOT in 1995 as a Geodetic Technician in Abbeville County. He previously served the district as District Maintenance Engineer.

Davy Johnson has been named the District Engineering Administrator for District 5, which covers the Pee Dee region.

He holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Clemson University and began his career with SCDOT in 1998. In 2002, he transitioned to a full-time Engineer role in Dillon County. His previous position at the agency was District Construction Engineer.

Pictured here in 1974 is the I-26 and I-95 interchange along the Orangeburg and Dorchester County lines, photographed while still under construction.

This major thoroughfare sees thousands of vehicles each day and is currently undergoing a significant overhaul to improve its efficiency and safety. The improved interchange is scheduled to be completed next year.