Secretary Powell Introduces Momentum 2050

In his June 2024 update, Secretary Powell talks about the need for public input on the future of South Carolina's transportation network. Secretary Powell encourages you to participate in the Momentum 2050 Transportation Planning Survey. Learn more at MovingSouthCarolinaForward.com.

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Shape the Future of Transportation in South Carolina

Momentum 2050 is the statewide plan for the future of South Carolina’s transportation network. Your input is valuable and we invite you to join us in the planning process by taking a survey. The future of South Carolina’s transportation network starts now.

Take the Survey

SCDOT Breaks Ground on Widening Interstate 26 from Gaston to St. Matthews

The widening of I-26 is now underway between mile markers 125 to 136 in Calhoun and Lexington counties. Dignitaries broke ground on May 20, 2024, to signify the start of the widening project. This project will widen I-26 from two to three lanes in each direction between Gaston and St. Matthews. The project also includes the rehabilitation and replacement of seven bridges and is part of the larger effort to widen I-26 from Columbia to Charleston.

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SCDOT employees put their skills to the test during the 2024 Equipment Operators’ RoadEO State Finals on May 14 and 15. Having won competitions at their respective districts, they came to win again.


Focusing on efficiency and skill, this annual statewide competition allows highway workers the opportunity to display their mastery of vehicle handling, trailer maneuvering and heavy equipment precision.  


The RoadEO is comprised of seven individual events: Single Axle Dump Truck, Tandem Axle Dump Truck, Tractor Truck with Lowboy Trailer, Backhoe, Motor Grader, Skid Steer, and Tractor with Mower. Contestants are judged on their operating skills as they navigate various obstacles and challenges, while racing against the clock. Performance, completion times and infractions that result in point deductions are all reflected in their scores.  


The first and second place winners from each event will advance to the Southeast Regional Competition this fall. Third-place winners will practice alongside their teammates to prepare for regionals, and serve as alternate regional contestants.

Single Axle Dump Truck

3rd: William Blackwell-D5

2nd: Collin Newton-D5

1st: Brandon Varnadore-D4


Tandem Axle Dump Truck

3rd: Brandon Vanradore-D4

2nd: Dock Bowick-D2

1st: Jeremy Shrewsberry-D4


Tractor Truck with Lowboy Trailer

3rd: Terrence Wilson-D6

2nd: Don Simms-D1

1st: John Davis-D2


Backhoe

3rd: Charles Long-D2

2nd: Tommy Johnson-D3

1st: Jeremy Etters-D4


Motor Grader

3rd: Whitney Hayes-D3

2nd: Jake Pagels-D3

1st: Brady Davis-D2


Skid Steer

3rd: Austin Coleman-D1

2nd: William Darnell-D3

1st: Paul Baker-D4



Tractor with Mower

3rd: David Wallace-D5

2nd: Micah Schlagenhauf-D3

1st: Jeremy Etters-D4

Bridge Construction: Setting a Straddle Bent at Carolina Crossroads

Crews worked to a place straddle bent in its permanent location at the Carolina Crossroads Project site May 2, 2024. The straddle bent, which is roughly 200,000 pounds, is raised and lowered into place on top of two bridge columns straddling either side of CSX railway, which runs parallel to I-126 outside downtown Columbia, South Carolina. This operation has allowed for the final girders for the new bridge leading from I-26 westbound to Colonial Life Boulevard to be put in place. This work is all part of Phase 1 of the Carolina Crossroads project, which includes major enhancements to the I-26/I-126 and Colonial Life Boulevard interchanges.

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Edgefield Employees Recognized at State House

On May 2, two members of the SCDOT Edgefield maintenance crew were recognized at the State House for their heroic efforts in saving the life of their fellow team member.


In February, Crew Foreman James Gray and Equipment Operator Shaquille Oliver had recently completed their annual first aid training when a member of their crew was severely injured. Their quick thinking played a major role in lessening the severity of the incident, and as a result, the injured individual was able to make a full recovery. 


Safety is SCDOT’s number one priority, and we continue to express our gratitude to both Mr. Gray and Mr. Oliver on a job well done!

Millwood Avenue Bike Lanes Added in Columbia

Resurfacing work on Millwood Avenue, which runs between Gervais Street and Devine Street in downtown Columbia, has nearly been completed. The section from Gervais Street to Gladden Street was completed as part of a previous project. Completion of the current corridor improvement project, from Gladden Street to Devine Street, will add to the previous improvements. 


Resurfacing in this project section is nearly complete and temporary pavement markings are in place. In keeping with the SCDOT’s Complete Streets Policy, adopted in 2021, the corridor now includes bike lanes on both sides of Millwood Avenue, which in some locations has replaced on-street vehicle parking. 


Final pavement markings are being added for features including bike lanes and enhanced crosswalks. Additional signage and updates to traffic signals will also be completed soon. 

SCDOT Opens US 1 over I-20 in Lexington County

Marking a major milestone for the Interstate 20 Interchange Improvement Project, SCDOT opened the bridge on US 1 over I-20 in Lexington County to vehicle traffic on May 8. SCDOT has more than 100 miles of Interstate Highway improvements underway in South Carolina.

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Summer Interns Tour South Main Street Project

SCDOT offices across the state have recently welcomed 85 summer interns. Some of these interns recently toured the South Main Street project which extends along South Main Street from Pendleton Street for four blocks to Blossom Street. The tour provided interns a real-life look at the project development process as well as the construction phase. Tour leaders included Program Manager Berry Mattox, Resident Construction Engineer Travis Jolly, and Assistant Resident Construction Engineer Rick Hall. The project is expected to be complete next summer.

Necker Speaks to Upstate Mobility Summit

On May 16, Deputy Secretary for Intermodal and Freight Programs Jen Necker attended the Upstate Mobility Summit in Greenville. While there, she gave a presentation about the state of SCDOT, spoke about the new Momentum 2050 plan, and how SCDOT plans to work on improvements to public transit services throughout the state. 

Scott updates Charleston Chamber about I-526

Project Director Kit Scott provided an update on anticipated impacts of the I-526 Lowcountry Corridor Project to the Charleston Metro Chamber Regional Policy Committee on May 1. SCDOT is working to widen I-526, with project plans including enhancements like improved bus stops, landscaping, parks, and community recreation facilities. The scope of the project means that some businesses and residents will be affected by construction. With the input of local communities in the corridor, SCDOT has developed a comprehensive plan to address community needs.


Recent updates include the opening of a new community project office in North Charleston and scholarships for environmental justice community members. Construction is set to begin in 2029, with ongoing updates to be provided by SCDOT. Learn more about the project at 526lowcountrycorridor.com.

Bowman Talks Traffic Safety and Law Enforcement

State Traffic Management Coordinator Mike Bowman spoke on camera for the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy (SCCJA) about how law enforcement can help SCDOT safely manage traffic during road work. The video that SCCJA creates will be used as part of law enforcement training across the state. As a current SCDOT employee who previously spent 30 years in law enforcement, Bowman is an expert on the how officers and SCDOT can collaborate to safely manage traffic on South Carolina's roads.

Mowing Season at Abbeville Maintenance 

Mowing season is underway here at SCDOT! Mowing crews from the Abbeville office are working hard to maintain the clear zones for all drivers in the county.

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Congratulations to SCDOT's New Certified Public Managers

Join us in applauding these SCDOT employees who are among South Carolina’s 2024 class of Certified Public Managers. Congratulations on your achievements and thank you for your commitment to excellence in serving the people of South Carolina.


Left to right: Procurement Director Emmett Kirwan, Asst. District 7 Maintenance Engineer David Brandyburg, Talent Acquisition Manager Tiffany Jones, and Asst. District 6 Maintenance Engineer Ray Molinaroli.

How to Navigate a Roundabout

Roundabouts, like traffic signals and stop signs, control the flow of traffic at roadway intersections. The circular shape is designed to control the direction of traffic, reduce speeds, and minimize roadway accidents. Explore how to properly navigate through them.

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SCDOT Crews Respond to Spring Storm Damage

On May 9, strong thunderstorms brought damage to some areas of the Upstate.

More than 80 trees were downed in Anderson County, and crews worked to remove trees and debris to make roads safe for travel again.


In Oconee County, heavy rains caused a washout on the shoulder of North Pine Street in Oconee County. SCDOT closed the road as a precaution, and crews responded as soon as the storm was over and quickly made repairs so that the road was back open the next afternoon. 

The SC Office of Inspector General is charged with investigating and detecting fraud, waste, abuse, mismanagement, misconduct, violations of state or federal law, and wrongdoing in the Executive Branch.


To report fraud, waste, abuse, mismanagement, or misconduct within or involving a state agency, call the SC Office of Inspector General at 1-855-723-7283 (I-855-SC-Fraud), or visit the SC Office of Inspector General’s website to file a complaint online.

Employee Updates:



June 2024



New Employees


Promotions



Retirements

Recipe of the Month: Smoked Chicken Thighs


Click here to see the recipe.


We want your recipes! Please send us an email.

Here's a look back at traffic on US 321 Business in downtown Winnsboro in Fairfield County, shown here in April 1962.

Pictured: Curtis M. Spencer of Sumter has been named a South Carolina Department of Transportation Commissioner, representing the 5th Congressional District. Read the press release.


SCDOT Commission Approves 2025 Pavement Improvement Plan


Traffic Pattern Change at U.S. 176 and Mudville Road as SCDOT Converts Intersection to Roundabout


Temporary partial closure of Montague Plantation Road for rail improvements in Berkeley County


SCDOT requests comments on proposed projects

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