South Carolina DOT reports progress on rural road safety and infrastructure projects

In a recent budget hearing held by the Senate Finance Committee's Transportation and Regulatory Subcommittee, significant strides were reported in South Carolina's efforts to enhance road safety and infrastructure. The South Carolina Department of Transportation (DOT) outlined a comprehensive 10-year plan focused on four key areas, with a particular emphasis on improving rural road safety, which has been a pressing concern due to the state's alarming rural road fatality rate.

The DOT has initiated a program aimed at addressing these safety issues through engineering solutions such as adding rumble strips, widening road shoulders, and clearing vegetation. This initiative is part of a broader commitment to reduce fatal and serious injury crashes, with a reported 20 percent decrease in such incidents on completed projects.

Funding from the General Assembly has played a crucial role in these developments. Last year, an additional $117 million was appropriated from the Homestead Exemption Fund, allowing the DOT to expand its rural road safety projects. So far, over $66 million of this funding has been allocated to various projects across the state, with a goal of completing 1,300 miles of railroad safety improvements—surpassing the initial target of 1,000 miles.

In addition to road safety, the DOT is also focusing on the state’s extensive highway system, which ranks fourth largest in the nation. Nearly a quarter of the state highway system is currently under contract for repaving, with 9,400 miles of work underway. The agency has also increased its target for bridge repairs from 500 to 530, with 370 bridges already in progress, thanks to a $200 million investment from the General Assembly.

Interstate improvements are also a priority, with 111 miles of projects currently active, particularly along the I-26 corridor between Columbia and Charleston, which includes significant upgrades to the I-26 and I-95 interchange.

Looking ahead, the DOT highlighted the financial implications of the growing electric vehicle industry in South Carolina, noting the economic development spurred by new plants and conversions by major automotive manufacturers. This shift towards electric vehicles presents both opportunities and challenges for infrastructure planning and funding.

As these projects unfold, the community can expect safer roads and improved transportation networks, which are essential for supporting South Carolina's growth and enhancing the quality of life for its residents. The ongoing collaboration between the DOT and the General Assembly underscores a commitment to addressing the pressing infrastructure needs of the state.