Secretary Hall Announces Retirement

Commission appoints Powell next Secretary of Transportation

At the January 2024 meeting of the South Carolina Department of Transportation Commission, the Commission appointed Justin P. Powell to serve as the next Secretary of Transportation, pursuant to section 57-1-410 of the South Carolina Code of Laws. Powell's appointment will be submitted to the South Carolina Senate for confirmation. This action follows the retirement announcement from Secretary of Transportation of Christy A. Hall, P.E. 

Secretary of Transportation Appointee and current Chief Operating Officer Justin P. Powell said, "I am honored and humbled to be appointed to serve as the next Secretary of Transportation. I want to thank the Commissioners for their trust and confidence in me to lead this department. Our most important asset at SCDOT is our people and I am committed to supporting our employees as they continue to diligently serve our great state. To me, there is no higher calling to serve the people of South Carolina and I look forward to the bright future ahead." 

In his capacity as Chief Operating Officer he manages the day-to-day operations of SCDOT including its $5 billion construction program and maintenance of the nation's fourth-largest state highway system Powell joined SCDOT in 2019 as Deputy Secretary for Finance and Administration with responsibility for SCDOT's $2.7 billion budget and oversaw the growth of the construction program from $3 billion to $5 billion. In 2022, he was promoted to Chief of Staff, serving as the senior advisor to the Secretary of Transportation and led numerous strategic initiatives on the Secretary's behalf. Click here to read the press release.

Watch a message to SCDOT employees from Powell below.

Click here to watch the video.

On Tuesday, Jan. 30, SCDOT officials and SCDOT Commission members were joined by Governor McMaster and members of the General Assembly to break ground on the I-26 at I-95 Interchange Improvement Project.

The project will reconstruct the existing system interchange at Interstates 26 and 95. It will include full reconstruction of the current interchange ramps and acceleration and deceleration lane tie-ins. Construction will include replacement of the bridge on S-38-1302 (Whetsell Pond Road) over I-26.

The I-26 at I-95 Interchange Improvement Project is part of SCDOT’s Strategic 10-Year Plan, which includes improving Interstate highways in our state, helping support the connection between South Carolina’s economy and the world.

Click here to view the full groundbreaking ceremony.

Let's spend some time with District 5 Bridge Maintenance Foreman ED Garner. With nearly 50 years at the department, Garner tells us about his job and show us the joy he has working with his coworkers at SCDOT.

Click here to watch the video.

SCDOT LEAD Class Builds Bridges

In January 2024, the SCDOT LEAD Class completed a bridge building competition; a team-building and skills activity that class members look forward to each year. SCDOT LEAD is a year-long leader development course designed to identify and train South Carolina Department of Transportation employees who wish to advance their skill sets and careers within SCDOT. The year-long class includes mentoring, peer-to-peer connections, and valuable resources provided by a multi-faceted panel of experts and professionals.

SCDOT responds after category EF2 tornado rips through downtown Bamberg, South Carolina.

Click here to watch the video.

Update on I-20 bridge over Wateree River near Camden

Bridge and road work in the Upstate region

The work continues on Country Club Road in Spartanburg County. SCDOT will be working on several operational and intersection improvements. These enhancements include the building of a curb and gutter and storm drain installation. 

In Pickens County, SCDOT is working to replace the bridge on SC 124 over Georges Creek. Most of the work will involve improving the caps, beams, and deck over the next couple of months. Drivers can expect to be traveling on the bridge as early as this summer!

Update on McClellanville storm recovery

A Nor'easter in mid-December 2023 caused damage to several parts of the Lowcountry. In Charleston County, a washout on Old Cemetery Road in McClellanville cut off access to an adjacent neighborhood. SCDOT responded quickly, working with Charleston County and the Town of McClellanville to provide a temporary access road within a day and rebuilding the road and approaches to the bridge within several days. Old Cemetery Road was recently repaved, restoring long-term access through the neighborhood's original entrance.

Intersection improvement underway in Aiken County

This month's throwback photo is a look back at Main Street in Greenwood in 1953.

Pictured

The bridge on US 17 over the Waccamaw River in Georgetown County is undergoing repairs for approximately six weeks. Read the press release for more information about planned traffic shifts on this route.

SCDOT to hold public involvement meeting in Marlboro County

SCDOT requests comments on proposed projects

SCDOT requests public comment on the formula grants for rural areas - Section 5311

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