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Regional Boards => Southeast => Topic started by: wriddle082 on January 30, 2011, 07:53:11 PM

Title: South Carolina
Post by: wriddle082 on January 30, 2011, 07:53:11 PM
Now that I'm a resident of the Palmetto State, I figured I should go ahead and begin a general thread for this state since there hasn't already been one created.

Since I've been here, for the past four weeks I had been commuting back and forth from West Columbia to Augusta, GA for work (for the next two weeks I'll be working locally, then possibly back to Augusta or somewhere else in Eastern GA after that).  Anyway, here are some of my general observations about I-20 and other roads west of Columbia:

* The I-20 weigh stations (WB in Lexington Co. around mm 54, EB in Aiken Co. around mm 41 I thnk) have never been open any time I pass by them (yes I passed by them during "business hours"), but the I-26 weigh stations NW of Columbia seem to be open fairly often.

* I really dislike SC's practice of resurfacing only one direction of interstate at a time.  :pan:  It seems like WB I-20 has worse pavement than EB I-20 b/w Lexington and I-520.  From SC 6 to the Aiken Co. line WB, there are work zone signs, but it appears that very little work has taken place.  From US 1 to just before I-520, the WB pavement appears to be not that old, but it's deteriorating a a pretty rapid pace.  Most of the time I had to stay back from most semi trucks so I wouldn't get my windshield cracked, and stay in the left lane to avoid the worst spots.

* I-520 in SC is a great road, and gets you from I-20 to Downtown Augusta very quickly, but the 60 MPH speed limit is a bit too slow for now.  They could stand to maybe make it 65 MPH until development (if it ever happens) justifies lowering it to 60.

* I-26 pavement in Laurens Co from I-385 to the Newberry Co line is terrible in both directions!  It's only marginally better through Newberry Co.  Lexington and Richland Cos seem to have decent pavement.  Looking at SCDOT's upcoming projects list, they don't have any resurfacing planned for I-26 in Laurens Co for the next couple of years.   :pan:

* Went up I-385 towards Greenville a couple of times.  The pavement rehabilitation appears to have been a success.  Four smooth concrete lanes with full concrete shoulders from I-26 up to (I think) SC 101.  :biggrin:

* Columbia traffic, in general, flows A LOT better than Nashville traffic.  I find it very refreshing.

* Paying personal property taxes on my vehicles to the county clerk before picking up license plates from the SCDMV really really sucks! (and it's expensive)

* Having reflectors on most of the state secondary roads is nice, especially since I've been doing a lot of driving before dawn.

I could go on for a while, but I'm curious to hear what others have to say about their Palmetto State experiences.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Alex on January 30, 2011, 09:43:24 PM
Quote from: wriddle082 on January 30, 2011, 07:53:11 PM
Now that I'm a resident of the Palmetto State, I figured I should go ahead and begin a general thread for this state since there hasn't already been one created.


There was one originally, but it got partitioned into various route-based threads...

Was last in Columbia last October. Drove around downtown for a bit on a Sunday and was amazed at how light the traffic was:

(//www.aaroads.com/forum_images/southeast/sc-012_columbia.jpg) (//www.aaroads.com/forum_images/southeast/sc-012_columbia.jpg)
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: wriddle082 on January 31, 2011, 09:57:41 AM
A week ago, SCDOT issued a press release to seek public comment about two proposals:

1) Widening of I-26 in the vicinity of I-20 (a.k.a. "Malfunction Junction") including the usage of express lanes

2) Interstate resurfacing projects throughout the state using OGFC (Open Grade Friction Coarse) asphalt

For my part, I commented that I-26 needed to have a local/express setup starting west of St. Andrews Rd (or further west) and ending east of I-126.  Keeping traffic trying to get from I-20 to I-126 (and vice versa) away from the I-26 through traffic wold solve the bulk of the problems, and they could even leave the 20/26 interchange as a cloverleaf if they wanted to since I don't think any one particular movement justifies a flyover, but I could be wrong.

http://www.scdot.org/ArtMan/publish/article_1173.shtml
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Mapmikey on January 31, 2011, 08:27:46 PM
You should've seen how bad 26 was in the 1980s...

West of I-20 the interstate was still configured in its original 1950s design (drive today's I-85 Bus through Spartanburg for an idea of what that is like).  Traffic was horrible all the time especially around I-20 and US 378.

Flyover could be useful for I-20 WB to I-26 EB (although with I-77 now finished this is less choked than it once was) and possibly I-26 EB to I-20 EB.

Mapmikey
SC Resident 1974-91; 93-95
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Henry on February 04, 2011, 01:59:50 PM
Quote from: AARoads on January 30, 2011, 09:43:24 PM
Quote from: wriddle082 on January 30, 2011, 07:53:11 PM
Now that I'm a resident of the Palmetto State, I figured I should go ahead and begin a general thread for this state since there hasn't already been one created.


There was one originally, but it got partitioned into various route-based threads...

Was last in Columbia last October. Drove around downtown for a bit on a Sunday and was amazed at how light the traffic was:


Looks more like Nevada than South Carolina! :-D

Please remove large images when quoting.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: brownpelican on February 11, 2011, 05:08:31 PM
Quote* Paying personal property taxes on my vehicles to the county clerk before picking up license plates from the SCDMV really really sucks! (and it's expensive)

Tell me about it. I spent four years in Greenwood and another year in Greenville (2000-2004). You think those car taxes are high, they were really high when I was there (10 percent of car's value. I think it's 5 percent now). If you have ride that's six years old or younger, you will feel it.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: agentsteel53 on February 11, 2011, 05:14:14 PM
10% of a vehicle's value every year??  that's incredibly high!  I thought it was bad enough that I had to pay 8.75% sales tax once!
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: brownpelican on February 11, 2011, 06:08:41 PM
Try paying 8.5 to 9.5 percent (my neck of the woods). The trade-off is that I don't pay car taxes...just $20 every 4 years for my car tag sticker.

S.C.'s sales tax is 5 percent statewide. That's why car taxes are so high.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: wriddle082 on February 12, 2011, 10:13:03 AM
Quote from: brownpelican on February 11, 2011, 06:08:41 PM
S.C.'s sales tax is 5 percent statewide. That's why car taxes are so high.

7% now, same as neighboring Georgia, but they eliminated the sales tax on groceries.

And I had to shell out over $500 total for taxes and tags for both mine and my wife's vehicles.  Mine is a 2005, hers is a 2011.

Anyway, back to roads...  I had to drive to Augusta again yesterday, and it looks like my "favorite" stretch of I-20 westbound is about to get remedied.  Right before US 1 in Aiken Co westbound, there was a portable VMS stating "ROAD WORK BEGIN / 2/14 NEXT 16 MILES / EXPECT DELAYS", which would take it to the I-520 interchange, this fixing the worst part of I-20.

This tells me that SCDOT is not so good at updating their website because it's not listed in the Aiken Co Active Projects list.  They only list the I-20 EB resurfacing from US 1 to the Lexington Co line, which currently does not have the final layer of pavement on it and has been that way all winter (though they did slap some reflectors down on it a couple of weeks ago).
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Alex on March 25, 2011, 11:48:02 AM
Carter passed along two bits of road news:

Fixing Malfunction Junction (http://www.thestate.com/2011/02/05/1679904/states-top-priority-fix-malfunction.html)
$400 million overhaul eyed for perilous I-20-I-26 intersection

QuoteAlthough specific plans have not been drawn up, officials are already discussing ideas of how to make the corridor safer and more efficient, including:

-  Creating an express lane that would take westbound I-26 motorists who plan to remain on the highway past local interchanges faster. That is, a motorist could leave Columbia on I-126 and shoot out to the Irmo area on a special interstate lane separated from other traffic.

-  Widening I-26 from St. Andrews Road to Broad River Road.

-  Radically changing or enlarging the cloverleaf where I-20 meets I-26. These days, it's far safer to build elevated ramps, known as "flyovers,"  at such intersections.

Its $400-plus million estimated price tag for an overhaul puts the Malfunction Junction proposed work into an elite state group of only three mega Interstate projects, each expected to cost $400 million or more. The other two are in Charleston, on I-26, and in Greenville, on I-85.

Read more: http://www.thestate.com/2011/02/05/1679904/states-top-priority-fix-malfunction.html#ixzz1HcupzQq9




He also wrote that six laning of I-385 has began between South Carolina 146 and the I-185/U.S. 276 interchange. This is being done as part of a massive rebuild between the I-85/385 and SC 146 (Woodruff Road) interchange:

http://www.scdot.org/public/pdfs/meetings_I-85_I-385_handout.pdf

Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: wriddle082 on March 29, 2011, 11:14:49 PM
Just spotted Clearview for the first time in SC.  All of the BGS's along I-95 from the GA border up to I think Exit 38 have been replaced.  The shield numerals still use FHWA fonts.  The signs are very clean looking and pretty much follow SC standards.

Oh yeah, those blue-on-white median-mounted signs warning of the Ridgeland speed cameras are in Clearview.  Not sure if they were put up by SCDOT or by Ridgeland, but I would think SCDOT put them up to warn of the scam since the state is on the record as being against this practice.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: agentsteel53 on March 30, 2011, 12:34:17 AM
Quote from: wriddle082 on March 29, 2011, 11:14:49 PMNot sure if they were put up by SCDOT or by Ridgeland, but I would think SCDOT put them up to warn of the scam since the state is on the record as being against this practice.

in that case, they should make the warnings much more obvious and blatant.  Yellow diamond "SPEED TRAP AHEAD", maybe repeated twice, confirmation of speed limit, and then, once you are past the camera van, "SC DOT, LOOKING OUT FOR YOU" or something similar.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Bryant5493 on July 16, 2011, 09:41:46 AM
I will be traveling to Myrtle Beach in the next few weeks, coming from the Atlanta area. What's the best way to go: I-20 East to Florence then U.S. 76 East to U.S. 501 South, or through Savannah? Applicable speed limits and "speed traps," please.


Be well,

Bryant
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: brownpelican on July 16, 2011, 02:36:33 PM
Savannah is WAY out of the way. US 76 to US 501 is the most direct route...although it will have lots of traffic on it.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Revive 755 on July 16, 2011, 06:18:43 PM
^ I always thought the I-20/I-95/SC 327/US 76/SC 576/US 501 route was the best, though its been many years since I've tried any route between Columbia and Myrtle Beach.  That route should be 70 mph interstate, and then stoplight infested divided highways.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: NE2 on July 16, 2011, 06:52:21 PM
I assume US 378 is traffic-clogged on the two lanes east of Lake City?
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: 1995hoo on July 18, 2011, 05:08:37 PM
Quote from: wriddle082 on March 29, 2011, 11:14:49 PM
....

Oh yeah, those blue-on-white median-mounted signs warning of the Ridgeland speed cameras are in Clearview.  Not sure if they were put up by SCDOT or by Ridgeland, but I would think SCDOT put them up to warn of the scam since the state is on the record as being against this practice.

I drove through there two weeks ago (heading north) and the blue-and-white signs are gone, probably because (from what I've read in the news) the speed cameras are gone. The Ridgeland speedtrap was in full force, though; one cop up on an overpass shooting radar and using a handheld radio to communicate to four cop cars located further down the road. I knew of Ridgeland's reputation and had my cruise control set to 70, but plenty of other people didn't and were all dancing on their brakes and going 55 mph (in a 70-mph zone) when they saw all the cops. I kind of wish the cops would ticket those people for obstructing traffic!
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: wriddle082 on July 20, 2011, 11:26:28 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on July 18, 2011, 05:08:37 PM


I drove through there two weeks ago (heading north) and the blue-and-white signs are gone, probably because (from what I've read in the news) the speed cameras are gone. The Ridgeland speedtrap was in full force, though; one cop up on an overpass shooting radar and using a handheld radio to communicate to four cop cars located further down the road. I knew of Ridgeland's reputation and had my cruise control set to 70, but plenty of other people didn't and were all dancing on their brakes and going 55 mph (in a 70-mph zone) when they saw all the cops. I kind of wish the cops would ticket those people for obstructing traffic!

I noticed that too, they are gone.  I had been meaning to look back at news reports to confirm that Ridgeland had the cameras done away with (before they did away with Ridgeland), but haven't had a chance to do that.

I will still never stop at any Ridgeland exit for motorist services, on principal.  Whenever I go through that area (these days it's at least two round trips per month), I make sure to get my gas in Hardeeville, or closer to my home along I-26 where it's a lot cheaper.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: 1995hoo on July 25, 2011, 05:19:22 PM
Quote from: wriddle082 on July 20, 2011, 11:26:28 PMI noticed that too, they are gone.  I had been meaning to look back at news reports to confirm that Ridgeland had the cameras done away with (before they did away with Ridgeland), but haven't had a chance to do that.

I will still never stop at any Ridgeland exit for motorist services, on principal.  Whenever I go through that area (these days it's at least two round trips per month), I make sure to get my gas in Hardeeville, or closer to my home along I-26 where it's a lot cheaper.

I hadn't seen the news reports about them being gone before I drove through there, so I just slowed down to the speed limit in order to play it safe, and then after we got home I did a search and found that they were gone. But in a town that pulls a stunt like that I figure that they're still going to be out of control in trying to write tickets, and I guessed right!

I agree with you regarding not stopping there. Our trip earlier this month was the first time I had driven through there since 1991, and my gas gauge was starting to get low and my wife was getting hungry, but I said I would not stop in a chickenshit town like that and she understood my point.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Bryant5493 on August 07, 2011, 08:36:21 PM
I'm in Myrtle Beach. Does anyone know what the speed limit is on U.S. 17 (Bypass)? I drove on it today between 38th Avenue (I think that was the street name) and U.S. 17 Business, but didn't see a speed limit sign until the reduced speed limit signs (50 mph) at U.S. 17.


Be well,

Bryant
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: mtantillo on August 08, 2011, 04:20:22 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on July 18, 2011, 05:08:37 PM
Quote from: wriddle082 on March 29, 2011, 11:14:49 PM
....

Oh yeah, those blue-on-white median-mounted signs warning of the Ridgeland speed cameras are in Clearview.  Not sure if they were put up by SCDOT or by Ridgeland, but I would think SCDOT put them up to warn of the scam since the state is on the record as being against this practice.

I drove through there two weeks ago (heading north) and the blue-and-white signs are gone, probably because (from what I've read in the news) the speed cameras are gone. The Ridgeland speedtrap was in full force, though; one cop up on an overpass shooting radar and using a handheld radio to communicate to four cop cars located further down the road. I knew of Ridgeland's reputation and had my cruise control set to 70, but plenty of other people didn't and were all dancing on their brakes and going 55 mph (in a 70-mph zone) when they saw all the cops. I kind of wish the cops would ticket those people for obstructing traffic!

Its legal to go below the speed limit.  I do it in DC all the time to protest the speed cameras (especially the ones in the 3rd street tunnel).  Besides, if any of those cops are on the shoudlers, you have to slow down, its the (move-over) law! 
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: agentsteel53 on August 08, 2011, 04:29:30 PM
Quote from: mtantillo on August 08, 2011, 04:20:22 PM
Its legal to go below the speed limit.  I do it in DC all the time to protest the speed cameras (especially the ones in the 3rd street tunnel).  Besides, if any of those cops are on the shoudlers, you have to slow down, its the (move-over) law! 

oh, fuck the move-over law.  got forced into the median a few weeks ago by a truck blindly obeying the move-over law with no regard for actual conditions.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: 1995hoo on August 08, 2011, 04:36:03 PM
Quote from: mtantillo on August 08, 2011, 04:20:22 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on July 18, 2011, 05:08:37 PM
Quote from: wriddle082 on March 29, 2011, 11:14:49 PM
....

Oh yeah, those blue-on-white median-mounted signs warning of the Ridgeland speed cameras are in Clearview.  Not sure if they were put up by SCDOT or by Ridgeland, but I would think SCDOT put them up to warn of the scam since the state is on the record as being against this practice.

I drove through there two weeks ago (heading north) and the blue-and-white signs are gone, probably because (from what I've read in the news) the speed cameras are gone. The Ridgeland speedtrap was in full force, though; one cop up on an overpass shooting radar and using a handheld radio to communicate to four cop cars located further down the road. I knew of Ridgeland's reputation and had my cruise control set to 70, but plenty of other people didn't and were all dancing on their brakes and going 55 mph (in a 70-mph zone) when they saw all the cops. I kind of wish the cops would ticket those people for obstructing traffic!

Its legal to go below the speed limit.  I do it in DC all the time to protest the speed cameras (especially the ones in the 3rd street tunnel).  Besides, if any of those cops are on the shoudlers, you have to slow down, its the (move-over) law! 

Yes, but "legal" and "should do it" are two different things. There are lots of things that are "legal" that you shouldn't do, like driving 55 mph in the left lane of the Beltway. I drive below the speed limit past DC's speed cameras as well, however, for the simple reason that I want to protect against potential speedometer error. In Maryland that's less of an issue with the 12-mph cushion, but I don't know what tolerance DC allows.

I don't know whether South Carolina has a move-over law, though that's an example of the converse of the situation posed in my previous paragraph–even if the law doesn't require you to move over for stopped emergency vehicles, it's something you should do as long as you can do so safely.

In other words, slowing down to 65 mph in 70-mph zone speedtrap, sure. Makes perfect sense, especially in a chickenshit town like Ridgeland where they'd probably nail you if you were going 71 mph. But slowing down to 55 is more than a bit excessive.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Bryant5493 on August 09, 2011, 08:35:15 PM



Be well,

Bryant
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Bryant5493 on August 18, 2011, 08:14:46 AM
Florence, SC Roadgeeking




Be well,

Bryant
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: wriddle082 on August 21, 2011, 08:16:08 PM
Not sure if this question has ever come up in other threads, but does anybody know if SC 125 through the Savannah River Site is open to the general public?  There is a possibility that I would have to travel between Edgefield and Allendale Counties for work soon, and that route looks like it might save me some time.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Bryant5493 on August 30, 2011, 12:48:35 AM
Horry County, SC Roadgeeking




Be well,

Bryant
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: wriddle082 on September 03, 2011, 09:12:47 PM
I suppose SCDOT is smart in starting this project after Labor Day, and only the northbound lanes are being worked on...

http://www.scdot.org/ArtMan/publish/article_1261.shtml
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Bryant5493 on September 07, 2011, 12:23:23 AM
The Bypass (U.S. 17) - Myrtle Beach, S.C.




Be well,

Bryant
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: bhb192 on April 04, 2012, 11:45:59 PM
Quote from: wriddle082 on August 21, 2011, 08:16:08 PM
Not sure if this question has ever come up in other threads, but does anybody know if SC 125 through the Savannah River Site is open to the general public?  There is a possibility that I would have to travel between Edgefield and Allendale Counties for work soon, and that route looks like it might save me some time.
You've probably figured it out by now, but yes SC 125 is open to the public. The only thing is that you must keep moving, you cannot pull over except for emergencies. Also, do not take any pictures or record videos of the highway through the Savannah River Site.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: agentsteel53 on April 04, 2012, 11:48:10 PM
Quote from: bhb192 on April 04, 2012, 11:45:59 PM

You've probably figured it out by now, but yes SC 125 is open to the public. The only thing is that you must keep moving, you cannot pull over except for emergencies. Also, do not take any pictures or record videos of the highway through the Savannah River Site.

bleccch.  who invited the TSA to the SC DOT party?
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: NE2 on April 05, 2012, 12:01:05 AM
Google's got photos, so fuck 'em.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: bugo on April 05, 2012, 12:34:51 AM
Quote from: wriddle082 on July 20, 2011, 11:26:28 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on July 18, 2011, 05:08:37 PM


I drove through there two weeks ago (heading north) and the blue-and-white signs are gone, probably because (from what I've read in the news) the speed cameras are gone. The Ridgeland speedtrap was in full force, though; one cop up on an overpass shooting radar and using a handheld radio to communicate to four cop cars located further down the road. I knew of Ridgeland's reputation and had my cruise control set to 70, but plenty of other people didn't and were all dancing on their brakes and going 55 mph (in a 70-mph zone) when they saw all the cops. I kind of wish the cops would ticket those people for obstructing traffic!

I noticed that too, they are gone.  I had been meaning to look back at news reports to confirm that Ridgeland had the cameras done away with (before they did away with Ridgeland), but haven't had a chance to do that.

I will still never stop at any Ridgeland exit for motorist services, on principal.  Whenever I go through that area (these days it's at least two round trips per month), I make sure to get my gas in Hardeeville, or closer to my home along I-26 where it's a lot cheaper.

I refuse to shop at Panama or Shady Point, OK, for the same reason.  The US 59 expressway goes right through these speed traps instead of bypassing them.  ODOT cheaped out and the local pigs get to harass motorists from out of town.  Shady Point is barely a town, so why does it even have a police department?  It's a mile from Panama and about 3 miles from Poteau.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: bugo on April 05, 2012, 12:37:48 AM
Quote from: 1995hoo on July 25, 2011, 05:19:22 PM
Quote from: wriddle082 on July 20, 2011, 11:26:28 PMI noticed that too, they are gone.  I had been meaning to look back at news reports to confirm that Ridgeland had the cameras done away with (before they did away with Ridgeland), but haven't had a chance to do that.

I will still never stop at any Ridgeland exit for motorist services, on principal.  Whenever I go through that area (these days it's at least two round trips per month), I make sure to get my gas in Hardeeville, or closer to my home along I-26 where it's a lot cheaper.

I hadn't seen the news reports about them being gone before I drove through there, so I just slowed down to the speed limit in order to play it safe, and then after we got home I did a search and found that they were gone. But in a town that pulls a stunt like that I figure that they're still going to be out of control in trying to write tickets, and I guessed right!

I agree with you regarding not stopping there. Our trip earlier this month was the first time I had driven through there since 1991, and my gas gauge was starting to get low and my wife was getting hungry, but I said I would not stop in a chickenshit town like that and she understood my point.

I think it should be illegal for local pigs to patrol major highways.  If it's a surface street that goes through town that's one thing, but if it's a freeway or an expressway that doesn't even go through the town itself then the local cops shouldn't be allowed to patrol it or even to drive on it.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: agentsteel53 on April 05, 2012, 12:48:22 AM
Quote from: bugo on April 05, 2012, 12:37:48 AM
I think it should be illegal for local pigs to patrol major highways.  If it's a surface street that goes through town that's one thing, but if it's a freeway or an expressway that doesn't even go through the town itself then the local cops shouldn't be allowed to patrol it or even to drive on it.

I tentatively agree with you on this on grounds of jurisdiction (outside town boundaries, town police should not have authority), but the problem is that there is a criminal activity called "speeding", which is kept on the books for revenue purposes, while "reckless driving" - encompassing all manners of idiotic behavior, fast or slow - is tolerated because, hey, enforcing it requires effort.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Takumi on April 05, 2012, 12:54:05 AM
Quote from: agentsteel53 on April 05, 2012, 12:48:22 AM
while "reckless driving" - encompassing all manners of idiotic behavior, fast or slow - is tolerated because, hey, enforcing it requires effort.

Except in Virginia, where 81 MPH is automatically reckless driving no matter what the speed limit.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Alex on April 15, 2012, 09:34:19 PM
Is South Carolina 2 through central Cayce still state maintained, or is just a case of poor signage? It was not signed from US 21-176-321, and only one shield was posted on the L shaped route (State and Frink Streets) until Frink Street west at SC-35.

FYI, Taking SC-35 south to I-77, noticed that the road continues south of the interchange now. Google Maps shows it as the 12th Street Extension through to Old Wire Road.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: roadman65 on April 15, 2012, 10:46:26 PM
Does anyone know if Camden, SC still has that long 40 mph zone along US 1?  The last time I was there in 03, it seemed like it took forever to get through there as the city limits continue pretty far from its central business district.  Even after SC 34 departs from US 1 you still have a long stretch of 40 mph, which I thought was odd.  You think that they would raise it to at least 45 from SC 34 to the end of the city.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: jcarte29 on April 17, 2012, 11:02:45 PM
So, I am pretty stoked, because today I had my first chance to drive to Charleston SC (I had been there a few times with my family in the late 80s). Specifically I was excited about driving I-526 over to North Charleston where I had business for work (so rock on for a work-paid trip!).

I do have one question, is US 17 being widened in/near Mt Pleasant? It surely looks like it could support/need it...
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Alex on April 17, 2012, 11:29:32 PM
I downloaded some files from SCDOT and SC-2 is still shown through central Cayce. SC-555 is vastly unsigned south of SC-277, so it appears that it is just a case of poor signage between both routes.

Was researching some history on I-77 and such, and stumbled across the Airport Connector history. I drove right past it the other day and had no idea of its history or significance. It was originally touted as a road linking the airport with I-20 to the north and I-26 to the east. 2001 articles touted a completion of the connector to I-26 by 2011, but only the portion between S.C. 302 and S.C. 602 was ever built (July 2004). Officials tried to get stimulus money for the project in 2009, and through til now, its funding is still uncertain (http://www.columbiabusinessreport.com/news/43281-leaders-push-to-finish-john-hardee-project). You can view some of the right of way for it on the Lexington County GIS "Maptopia".

Also learned specific dates and segments for the completion of the Southeastern Beltway portion of I-77 for a future AARoads update and found one article that mentions the sign changes on I-26 eastbound for I-126 that read "ROUTE I-126".
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: wriddle082 on April 20, 2012, 04:46:20 PM
Quote from: Alex on April 17, 2012, 11:29:32 PM
I downloaded some files from SCDOT and SC-2 is still shown through central Cayce. SC-555 is vastly unsigned south of SC-277, so it appears that it is just a case of poor signage between both routes.

Was researching some history on I-77 and such, and stumbled across the Airport Connector history. I drove right past it the other day and had no idea of its history or significance. It was originally touted as a road linking the airport with I-20 to the north and I-26 to the east. 2001 articles touted a completion of the connector to I-26 by 2011, but only the portion between S.C. 302 and S.C. 602 was ever built (July 2004). Officials tried to get stimulus money for the project in 2009, and through til now, its funding is still uncertain (http://www.columbiabusinessreport.com/news/43281-leaders-push-to-finish-john-hardee-project). You can view some of the right of way for it on the Lexington County GIS "Maptopia".

Also learned specific dates and segments for the completion of the Southeastern Beltway portion of I-77 for a future AARoads update and found one article that mentions the sign changes on I-26 eastbound for I-126 that read "ROUTE I-126".

There really aren't very many major streets in SC cities that aren't maintained by the state, and SC 2 is certainly one of them.  Pretty much just poor signage, which I've found isn't nearly the problem in SC as it is in TN.

Not as familiar with SC 555 since I don't venture to that side of Columbia very often.

Now the Airport Connector, I really didn't know about that!  I've driven on the John Hardee Expressway (the section between SC 302 and SC 602) many times since I don't live too far from SC 302.  It does make more sense to me now that you mention it, and I know I'd use it quite frequently if it were ever built.  The stretch to I-26 is probably mostly a clear path, but a lot of work will have to be done to tie it in with the US 21/176/321/I-77 interchange complex.  Especially if you're merging in from the connector to I-26 east, and you intend on going to I-77 north, you'd have to weave two lanes to the left!  But I know the area leading to I-20 is dense residential, so I'd be curious to see what their ROW plans really are.

Quote from: Alex on April 15, 2012, 09:34:19 PM
FYI, Taking SC-35 south to I-77, noticed that the road continues south of the interchange now. Google Maps shows it as the 12th Street Extension through to Old Wire Road.

Sometimes I'll take SC 2 to SC 35 to access I-77.  I believe the SC 35 12th St Extension was built around 10 years ago.  The S-curve bridge over the wetlands and railroad is pretty neat.  Near I-77 is the next new commercial/industrial boom area for the Columbia area.  The corporate HQ for SCANA energy is located near there, and south of I-77 they are building a new Amazon.com distribution facility.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: mjb2002 on October 30, 2012, 05:00:02 AM
Quote from: formulanone on August 08, 2011, 04:50:04 PM
Just came back from South Carolina, and yes, they have a "Move Over Law".

Actually, I like it, because you get some idea that there's a potential speed trap coming up. Only catch is that it should only include police and emergency vehicles, all others are optional (although I apply the rule of "don't be a dick" for stranded motorists or any people alongside the road, if possible).

I like the idea of the Move Over Law including transportation workers. Transportation workers have been killed on the job in SC in the past.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: mjb2002 on October 30, 2012, 05:05:04 AM
Quote from: wriddle082 on August 21, 2011, 08:16:08 PM
Not sure if this question has ever come up in other threads, but does anybody know if SC 125 through the Savannah River Site is open to the general public?  There is a possibility that I would have to travel between Edgefield and Allendale Counties for work soon, and that route looks like it might save me some time.

To answer your question about SC 125, it is closed now as Aiken's SCDOT is doing road work there. The People Sentinel reported on that last week.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: agentsteel53 on October 30, 2012, 09:46:11 AM
Quote from: mjb2002 on October 30, 2012, 05:00:02 AM

I like the idea of the Move Over Law including transportation workers. Transportation workers have been killed on the job in SC in the past.

I do not like the Move Over Law.  More than once I've been forced into the left median by an overzealous trucker; once coming within two or three feet of plowing a bridge abutment.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Alps on November 01, 2012, 09:13:22 PM
Quote from: agentsteel53 on October 30, 2012, 09:46:11 AM
Quote from: mjb2002 on October 30, 2012, 05:00:02 AM

I like the idea of the Move Over Law including transportation workers. Transportation workers have been killed on the job in SC in the past.

I do not like the Move Over Law.  More than once I've been forced into the left median by an overzealous trucker; once coming within two or three feet of plowing a bridge abutment.
Problem is the law is properly stated, "Move Over IF SAFE," but people read that as, "It is safe to MOVE OVER." I have often inserted myself in the right lane intentionally, knowing I'll be stuck there, but even at 50 mph I can still get by the trucks going 40 in the left lane.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Alex on December 19, 2012, 03:47:48 PM
(//www.aaroads.com/shields/img/SC/SC19652761i1.jpg)

Carter informed me that this button copy sign was replaced this week with a new Clearview-based sign complete with the MUTCD-compliant "LEFT-EXIT" tab.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: cpzilliacus on December 20, 2012, 06:37:43 PM
Quote from: agentsteel53 on April 05, 2012, 12:48:22 AM
Quote from: bugo on April 05, 2012, 12:37:48 AM
I think it should be illegal for local pigs to patrol major highways.  If it's a surface street that goes through town that's one thing, but if it's a freeway or an expressway that doesn't even go through the town itself then the local cops shouldn't be allowed to patrol it or even to drive on it.

I tentatively agree with you on this on grounds of jurisdiction (outside town boundaries, town police should not have authority), but the problem is that there is a criminal activity called "speeding", which is kept on the books for revenue purposes, while "reckless driving" - encompassing all manners of idiotic behavior, fast or slow - is tolerated because, hey, enforcing it requires effort.

In Virginia, municipal cops have jurisdiction some distance outside of their corporate limits into nearby unincorporated counties.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Alex on January 05, 2013, 12:20:47 PM
301 Bypass completed (http://myflorencetoday.com/main.asp?SectionID=2&SubSectionID=2&ArticleID=1730&TM=45458.4)

QuoteThe final leg of the US 301 Florence Bypass connecting 301 North with 301 South opened last week following a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Nov. 29.

The bypass is now complete with a three and a half mile extension from Freedom Boulevard at the Pamplico Highway to the intersection at National Cemetery Road. This new part of the bypass connects to the section at National Cemetery Road and proceeds on to East Palmetto St. at the Florence Flea Market. The cost of the two year project was $15.5 million.

Mayor Frank Willis said this new road should help reduce traffic downtown and spurn growth in the eastern and southern sides of town.

Did not even realize that U.S. 301 had been relocated away from Florence until looking at the latest S.C. Official Highway Map.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: hbelkins on January 05, 2013, 05:26:37 PM
Quote from: cpzilliacus on December 20, 2012, 06:37:43 PM
In Virginia, municipal cops have jurisdiction some distance outside of their corporate limits into nearby unincorporated counties.

Same in Kentucky. In my little county, the police in the county-seat town have countywide jurisdiction.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Tom958 on January 05, 2013, 08:58:33 PM
I've been driving from my home near Atlanta to Charleston to work every week since November. I've composed a textwall of a trip report about it in my head-- maybe I'll post it someday. I will say, though: My opinion of SC highways has improved as a result of my travels. :)

One comment: After trying a variety of routes, my compadres and I have concluded that the best route between teh ATL and Charleston is 20/26, but connecting between them via US 1 in Columbia. The shorter distance outweighs the slower speeds on US 1, the shortcut avoids surprisingly frequent congestion at Malfunction Junction, and there's good C store with cheap gas at US 11 and I-20.

And a question: I've yet to see a single Clearview sign anywhere I've been down here. Is SC's dalliance with Clearview over?
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Alex on January 06, 2013, 11:08:37 AM
Quote from: Tom958 on January 05, 2013, 08:58:33 PM
I've been driving from my home near Atlanta to Charleston to work every week since November. I've composed a textwall of a trip report about it in my head-- maybe I'll post it someday. I will say, though: My opinion of SC highways has improved as a result of my travels. :)

One comment: After trying a variety of routes, my compadres and I have concluded that the best route between teh ATL and Charleston is 20/26, but connecting between them via US 1 in Columbia. The shorter distance outweighs the slower speeds on US 1, the shortcut avoids surprisingly frequent congestion at Malfunction Junction, and there's good C store with cheap gas at US 11 and I-20.

And a question: I've yet to see a single Clearview sign anywhere I've been down here. Is SC's dalliance with Clearview over?

The use of Clearview seems to be confined to I-95 in southern part of the state and the I-85 corridor thus far. I recently was on the entire length of I-20 in both directions and did not note a single sign in the font. I also spent a lot of time in Columbia in 2012 and noted no Clearview on the other Interstates, the SC 277 freeway, or any of the surface routes.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: wriddle082 on January 07, 2013, 09:51:05 PM
Quote from: Alex on January 06, 2013, 11:08:37 AM
Quote from: Tom958 on January 05, 2013, 08:58:33 PM
I've been driving from my home near Atlanta to Charleston to work every week since November. I've composed a textwall of a trip report about it in my head-- maybe I'll post it someday. I will say, though: My opinion of SC highways has improved as a result of my travels. :)

One comment: After trying a variety of routes, my compadres and I have concluded that the best route between teh ATL and Charleston is 20/26, but connecting between them via US 1 in Columbia. The shorter distance outweighs the slower speeds on US 1, the shortcut avoids surprisingly frequent congestion at Malfunction Junction, and there's good C store with cheap gas at US 11 and I-20.

And a question: I've yet to see a single Clearview sign anywhere I've been down here. Is SC's dalliance with Clearview over?

The use of Clearview seems to be confined to I-95 in southern part of the state and the I-85 corridor thus far. I recently was on the entire length of I-20 in both directions and did not note a single sign in the font. I also spent a lot of time in Columbia in 2012 and noted no Clearview on the other Interstates, the SC 277 freeway, or any of the surface routes.

I have also noticed new Clearview signs on the portion of I-385 in the Greenville/Mauldin area that's currently being widened to six lanes (and appears to be nearly finished as of the time of this post edit).  And the I-85 corridor Clearview also includes Business 85 in Spartanburg.

And I agree about US 1 being the best way to connect from 20 to 26, except during rush hours, when 1 can be a bit sluggish.  But if they ever finish the John Hardee Freeway to connect the airport to I-20 and I-26, that will probably become the connection of choice.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Tom958 on January 22, 2013, 08:56:36 PM
Ah, Business 85 in Spartanburg! It's one of my favorite roads. Why? Because I've been travelling that corridor for fifty years, and taking the ramp to Business 85 in Spartanburg is like going back in time. Other than the Clearview signs, cable rail in the median and some other details, it's pretty much the same as it was in the '60's-- and there's no traffic!  :clap: Within a couple of miles it has a roundabout interchange (http://goo.gl/maps/iDppy) built not too long after the Brits invented them and an Arkansas-style service interchange where the crossroad bridges both the freeway and its frontage roads (http://goo.gl/maps/6Dbcd) (I thought there used to be more of them, but according to my old official SC map I'm mistaken).

Weirdly, I always take Business 85 northbound and new 85 southbound.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Alex on February 06, 2013, 01:43:20 PM
Push for S.C. interstate [73] hits a roadblock (http://www.thestate.com/2013/02/03/2616446/special-interest-push-for-south.html#.URKjZmeE5i4)

Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: cpzilliacus on February 06, 2013, 03:45:44 PM
Quote from: Alex on February 06, 2013, 01:43:20 PM
Push for S.C. interstate [73] hits a roadblock (http://www.thestate.com/2013/02/03/2616446/special-interest-push-for-south.html#.URKjZmeE5i4)

Wonder if this would work as a toll road. 

It might, if higher tolls were charged during periods of high(er) demand. 

I know that Va. 168 (Chesapeake Expressway) charges higher tolls on what they call "peak weekends."
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Tom958 on March 06, 2013, 08:15:26 AM
I have a little story to tell:

Last year, my daughter's car tore up. She's going to school in Greensboro NC, and she needs a car to work and to visit her family, so I bought her a newish Scion tC and drove it up meet her in Charlotte to bring her home for Thanksgiving.

On her way home for Christmas on a drippy, drizzly day, on I-85 near Gaffney SC, her car started fishtailing, then spinning, then went into the narrow (36 foot) median. Fortunately, there was a cable barrier there. Unfortunately, the posts pulled right out of the soggy ground, and the car nosed under the barrier and came to rest with about two feet sticking into the northbound lanes. Two seconds later, an 18 wheeler hit her car.

Now, normally being hit by an 18 wheeler is a Bad Thing, but in this case it was almost lucky: Had a car hit her, it probably would've gone out of control and set off mayhem in the northbound lanes. But the truck knocked her neatly back into the median and slowed safely to a stop. Incredibly, my daughter was completely uninjured-- she didn't even have the next-day aches that often result from being jostled around like that.

Of course I wanted to run to her side, but practicality took the upper hand-- her boyfriend was visiting his parents in Charlotte, so he drove down and brought her there for the night, and we met halfway (outside Greenville) the next day. On the way down, her bf kept saying, "Is that where it happened?" after noticing several other places where the cable rail posts had been ripped out of the ground by impacts.

Why am I telling you this? Well, it's been obvious that I-85 in SC needs work-- not only could it use widening to six lanes, but it's also old and in poor condition, being one of the oldest sections of Interstate in SC. Indeed, several of the bridges carrying I-85 have been widened since 2000 or so, with the outside shoulders and guardrails added/replaced and the median decked over and a central Jersey barrier added. With SC's current funding troubles, I suppose that six laning is off the agenda for now, but I'm still grateful and impressed that SC went to the effort to add a cable median barrier even though they surely intend to add a Jersey barrier in the not-too-distant future. Even though it didn't perform properly, it almost surely saved my daughter's life. Points to SC for that.  :clap:

My own state of Georgia uses a variety of cable rail designs, but the more recent ones include a continuous concrete footing, which makes it extremely unlikely that the posts will pull out of the ground. Maybe that should become standard equipment.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: J N Winkler on March 06, 2013, 10:06:07 AM
Quote from: Alex on January 06, 2013, 11:08:37 AMThe use of Clearview seems to be confined to I-95 in southern part of the state and the I-85 corridor thus far. I recently was on the entire length of I-20 in both directions and did not note a single sign in the font. I also spent a lot of time in Columbia in 2012 and noted no Clearview on the other Interstates, the SC 277 freeway, or any of the surface routes.

I know I'm coming to this discussion rather late, but a couple of weeks ago I just filed a year's worth of signing plan extracts for SCDOT projects, and can promise you all that they are still using Clearview.  SCDOT let one sign replacement contract in the last year, on I-26 (Exits 52-97), and the sign panel detail sheets show Clearview.  There were, however, just three projects with pattern-accurate signing for the whole year.  My guess is that with its ongoing funding problems, SCDOT is focusing on bridge replacements and resurfacing at the expense of signing.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: cpzilliacus on April 23, 2013, 03:23:30 PM
TOLLROADSnews: Greenville SC Southern Connector closed for three days for film shoot (http://www.tollroadsnews.com/node/6520)
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: jcarte29 on April 23, 2013, 07:55:41 PM
Any word on I-73 in SC?
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: WashuOtaku on June 22, 2013, 08:28:10 AM
Hello all,
I am trying to do some research as to how the U.S. and State signs appeared from long ago.  I know that the U.S. Highway signs were mostly cut-outs with "S. Carolina" written on top and was from the 1927-1960 time frame, more modern version came out in 1961.  But how were the Business and Alternate routes labeled on those signs?  Also, when did the SC Highway signs transition from the state outline (1920s) to the S.C. box signs? 

Thank you in advance.  :sombrero:
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Mapmikey on June 22, 2013, 09:29:49 AM
Bannered routes have been around in SC back to at least the 1940s.

This sign was in Fort Mill into the mid-1980s (from aa gallery)
www.aaroads.com/shields/show.php?image=SC19500211 (//www.aaroads.com/shields/show.php?image=SC19500211)

I also saw a US 501 Business cutout like that in Conway in the late 1980s.

'Alternate' banners existed early on, using tiny-sized banners that probably fit perfectly over the smaller shields used in the past - think the size of banners on Virginia cutout postings.  I am not aware of any pictures online but saw one on US 221 ALT in Chesnee in 1989 and another on SC 41 ALT near its north end.

I do not know an exact date of switching from shield-shaped state routes to the first version of SC box shields, but they were pretty much all gone by 1970.  Pictures I've seen of the early box version from the late 1960s show them already looking pretty old so my guess is the mid-1950s or so the started showing up.  White border US shields were used initially, starting in the 1950s as well.  A couple dozen US cutout shields made it to the late 1980s, mostly in Spartanburg County.  One set in Greenwood made it to the 2000s - www.aaroads.com/shields/show.php?image=SC19500251 (//www.aaroads.com/shields/show.php?image=SC19500251)

The 1949 Official shows the route shields in use at the time (cutouts and state shapes) with banners on top

Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: WashuOtaku on June 22, 2013, 10:29:59 AM
For the bannered, I was interested how it was signed with the old layout, so that example of Fort Mill is what I was looking for.  But since I haven't found an old version of an Alternate route, I was concern if they used the same method North Carolina used by adding an "A" after the number... I'm starting to believe not the case.  Of course I know what they use now, which is "ALT" and older signs with black background used "Alternate."  So maybe they used "Alternate" on the cutouts as well.

For the state highway signs, I have seen pictures as early as 1961 using the square; so yea, I'm guessing somewhere in the 1950s too, wish I knew more exact.

Using all this information to correctly display signs on Wikipedia.  Here's my current work on US Highway list: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_U.S._Highways_in_South_Carolina (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_U.S._Highways_in_South_Carolina)

Yes Mapmikey, I've been using your old SC site for a lot of the refs.  :spin:
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Mapmikey on June 25, 2013, 12:52:23 PM
It is extremely unlikely SC used the 'A' designation.  Official County Maps from the 1930s show numerous ALT routes, designated on the map as "Alt. xx" inside the shape-shield (which they continue to use on current county maps).

There is a photo archive of old SCDOT photos, but exceedingly few route shields.  But here is one from 1957 showing ALT and Alternate in use at US 123 in Easley

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fweb.archive.org%2Fweb%2F19980625084623%2Fhttp%3A%2F%2Fwww.dot.state.sc.us%2FRoadDesign%2Fdothistory%2F1957%2F1.gif&hash=7459f23918faa37fd153029768eeb8144e81ab21).

The link to the index is http://web.archive.org/web/19980625054841/http://www.dot.state.sc.us/RoadDesign/frhistory.htm (http://web.archive.org/web/19980625054841/http://www.dot.state.sc.us/RoadDesign/frhistory.htm)


I would characterize my SC site as generally accurate.  There are next to no SC highway fans to my knowledge, so updating it takes a back seat to Virginia and N. Carolina.  But I do have dozens of new routes to add from county map collections I've seen over last few years.  There has even been a second SC 50...

Mapmikey
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: agentsteel53 on June 25, 2013, 01:07:30 PM
Quote from: Mapmikey on June 25, 2013, 12:52:23 PM
It is extremely unlikely SC used the 'A' designation.  Official County Maps from the 1930s show numerous ALT routes, designated on the map as "Alt. xx" inside the shape-shield (which they continue to use on current county maps).

I have seen an embossed shield which said S.CAROLINA/US 15A
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: WashuOtaku on June 25, 2013, 05:44:48 PM
Quote from: agentsteel53 on June 25, 2013, 01:07:30 PM
I have seen an embossed shield which said S.CAROLINA/US 15A

Oh, I hope it exists somewhere on the Internets.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Mapmikey on June 27, 2013, 09:22:17 PM
Quote from: agentsteel53 on June 25, 2013, 01:07:30 PM
Quote from: Mapmikey on June 25, 2013, 12:52:23 PM
It is extremely unlikely SC used the 'A' designation.  Official County Maps from the 1930s show numerous ALT routes, designated on the map as "Alt. xx" inside the shape-shield (which they continue to use on current county maps).



I have seen an embossed shield which said S.CAROLINA/US 15A

Now I get to be even more wrong...apparently some SC 41 ALT postings are 41A shields.

There were definitely zero A shields in SC during the 1980s-90s.

http://goo.gl/maps/VGQuN

Mapmikey
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Avalanchez71 on June 27, 2013, 11:03:13 PM
Quote from: bugo on April 05, 2012, 12:37:48 AM
Quote from: 1995hoo on July 25, 2011, 05:19:22 PM
Quote from: wriddle082 on July 20, 2011, 11:26:28 PMI noticed that too, they are gone.  I had been meaning to look back at news reports to confirm that Ridgeland had the cameras done away with (before they did away with Ridgeland), but haven't had a chance to do that.

I will still never stop at any Ridgeland exit for motorist services, on principal.  Whenever I go through that area (these days it's at least two round trips per month), I make sure to get my gas in Hardeeville, or closer to my home along I-26 where it's a lot cheaper.

I hadn't seen the news reports about them being gone before I drove through there, so I just slowed down to the speed limit in order to play it safe, and then after we got home I did a search and found that they were gone. But in a town that pulls a stunt like that I figure that they're still going to be out of control in trying to write tickets, and I guessed right!

I agree with you regarding not stopping there. Our trip earlier this month was the first time I had driven through there since 1991, and my gas gauge was starting to get low and my wife was getting hungry, but I said I would not stop in a chickenshit town like that and she understood my point.

I think it should be illegal for local pigs to patrol major highways.  If it's a surface street that goes through town that's one thing, but if it's a freeway or an expressway that doesn't even go through the town itself then the local cops shouldn't be allowed to patrol it or even to drive on it.
Why is that?  Having said that there are limitations in certain states.  In Tennessee if a town has less than 10,000 population then the town needs to ask permission from the Commissioner of Safety to do so.  The interesting thing is that in that same county an elected constable can win with just one vote and then patrol the same said highway with his own vehicle and then he may earn fees off of tickets he issues.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: WashuOtaku on July 07, 2013, 08:51:55 PM
In sad news, let us mark the passing of US 21 Business in Rock Hill.  In a report by AASHTO on May 3rd, a request by SCDOT to eliminate the business route was approved.   :-|

In the original request, the reason was because Rock Hill wanted control of the roadway through its downtown area, creating a gap; since business loops don't work that way they decided to kill the whole thing.   :ded:

Request (page 301): http://route.transportation.org/Documents/Binder-all%20applications%20May%202013.pdf (http://route.transportation.org/Documents/Binder-all%20applications%20May%202013.pdf)
Approval (page 8): http://route.transportation.org/Documents/Report%20to%20SCOH%20from%20USRN%20SM2013%20May%203.pdf (http://route.transportation.org/Documents/Report%20to%20SCOH%20from%20USRN%20SM2013%20May%203.pdf)
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Mapmikey on July 08, 2013, 06:24:03 AM
I'm curious as to what they will do with SC 5 which follows 21 Business through the part that will be eliminated from the state highway system...

Mapmikey
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: PColumbus73 on September 19, 2013, 03:08:36 PM
Regarding the I-20/26 interchange in Columbia, when I drove from Myrtle Beach to Greenville, I used the interchange. However, driving from Greenville to Myrtle Beach, I started taking I-26 East to I-77 North. Even though it adds a few miles to the trip, the stress of trying to fight your way onto I-20 from 26 validates looping around Columbia.

Meanwhile, here in Myrtle Beach, costruction on the Backgate Interchange is going fairly well. Not too long ago, a car crashed into the temporary traffic signals.

http://www.myrtlebeachonline.com/2013/07/16/3586989/traffic-delays-expected-at-myrtle.html

I haven't heard anything about the SC 31 extention to 707 yet.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: froggie on October 23, 2013, 04:03:53 PM
When did SCDOT drop the speed limit on I-95 through Florence to 60 MPH?  Thought I remembered it being higher.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: 1995hoo on October 23, 2013, 04:27:37 PM
Quote from: froggie on October 23, 2013, 04:03:53 PM
When did SCDOT drop the speed limit on I-95 through Florence to 60 MPH?  Thought I remembered it being higher.

I'm pretty sure I remember it being 65 mph on our most recent trip through there in late June or early July 2012 (the weekend immediately after the derecho hit the DC area). We didn't go through there on our last trip south (last Christmas) as I opted for a route further west.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Thing 342 on October 23, 2013, 08:32:19 PM
It was definitely 60 when I went through there on my way to Columbia in July 2013, so it changed sometime before then.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: DeaconG on October 23, 2013, 10:55:03 PM
Quote from: froggie on October 23, 2013, 04:03:53 PM
When did SCDOT drop the speed limit on I-95 through Florence to 60 MPH?  Thought I remembered it being higher.

Which also happens to be the only six-laned section of I-95 in the state. Brilliant.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: PColumbus73 on October 23, 2013, 10:59:41 PM
The speed limit on I-95 drops to 60 MPH between Exit 164 and 160 and then resumes to 70 afterward, I have no idea why, makes no sense to me.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: lordsutch on October 24, 2013, 01:04:35 AM
The only logical reason I can come up with is that the VDOT-NCDOT underposting virus is spreading south. 4 miles is just enough for some quality, Boss Hogg style revenue enhancement.

(Although GDOT's 2-mile speed limit drop in Valdosta between exits 16 and 18 may be the record-holder for shortest gratuitous Interstate speed limit drop.)
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: froggie on October 24, 2013, 07:45:54 AM
To be fair, it's not the whole 6 lane stretch that they dropped to 60 MPH...just the first couple exits north of I-20.  It was definitely back to 70 MPH before TV Road, 55 MPH construction zone at the SC 327 interchange reconstruction notwithstanding.  And on that note, they really need to finish that project...the lane weaving/merging northbound is horrid.  They close the right lane for the ramp construction, then open it back up just before the permanent left lane drop...with no restriping to keep things consistent.  Result is a LOT of unnecessary lane merging.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: PColumbus73 on October 24, 2013, 10:39:09 AM
What kind of road projects would you like to see in SC? I-73/74 has been mentioned several places.

Personally, I'd like to see I-26 widened to 6 lanes between Columbia and about I-385 (or all the way to Spartanburg), that stretch is fairly busy with truck/tourist traffic to and from the mountains and the ocean. Maybe even widen I-26 all the way to Charleston.

Also, fix the I-20/26 interchange in Columbia! From now until SCDOT does something about it, I plan on taking I-26 to I-77 whenever I travel from Greenville to Myrtle Beach.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: 1995hoo on October 24, 2013, 10:51:24 AM
Quote from: PColumbus73 on October 24, 2013, 10:39:09 AM
What kind of road projects would you like to see in SC? ....

Widen I-95 to six lanes (three per side) for its full length throughout the state. Same also applies to North Carolina, although obviously the Lumberton area would pose some problems there.

I recognize the high cost of a full widening, so in the interest of focusing the improvement in a way that could help move traffic, I'd focus first on the northbound carriageway starting at the Georgia state line. Traffic always backs up in Georgia around weekends with heavy beach traffic because the road narrows. I'd set a priority of widening South Carolina's I-95 at least to the exit for Hilton Head (to start) and then up to the US-17 exit south of Yemassee where Charleston-bound traffic peels off. I view northbound as the higher priority than southbound because of the bottleneck created by the road narrowing at the state line (in other words, while I often hit inexplicable slowdowns around Hardeeville going south, the number of lanes is not the reason).

On our last trip north there the traffic was at a complete standstill, so we exited at one of the last two exits in Georgia, crossed over into South Carolina on the road named "Alligator Alley," then took US-17 back to I-95. Worked pretty well, but I have no idea whether we saved any time. The backup that day didn't extend as far as I-16, which is why we didn't go around that way instead.



BTW, unrelated to this question, froggie's post made me recall that South Carolina was the first place I ever saw a 60-mph speed limit, back in August 1991 on a school trip to Atlanta. We were on a charter bus coming back up I-85 on the way home and they had posted 60-mph speed limits in some work zones. I remember wondering at the time why nobody else ever posted 60 mph anywhere.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: DeaconG on October 24, 2013, 12:31:23 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on October 24, 2013, 10:51:24 AM
Quote from: PColumbus73 on October 24, 2013, 10:39:09 AM
What kind of road projects would you like to see in SC? ....

Widen I-95 to six lanes (three per side) for its full length throughout the state. Same also applies to North Carolina, although obviously the Lumberton area would pose some problems there.

I recognize the high cost of a full widening, so in the interest of focusing the improvement in a way that could help move traffic, I'd focus first on the northbound carriageway starting at the Georgia state line. Traffic always backs up in Georgia around weekends with heavy beach traffic because the road narrows. I'd set a priority of widening South Carolina's I-95 at least to the exit for Hilton Head (to start) and then up to the US-17 exit south of Yemassee where Charleston-bound traffic peels off. I view northbound as the higher priority than southbound because of the bottleneck created by the road narrowing at the state line (in other words, while I often hit inexplicable slowdowns around Hardeeville going south, the number of lanes is not the reason).

On our last trip north there the traffic was at a complete standstill, so we exited at one of the last two exits in Georgia, crossed over into South Carolina on the road named "Alligator Alley," then took US-17 back to I-95. Worked pretty well, but I have no idea whether we saved any time. The backup that day didn't extend as far as I-16, which is why we didn't go around that way instead.



BTW, unrelated to this question, froggie's post made me recall that South Carolina was the first place I ever saw a 60-mph speed limit, back in August 1991 on a school trip to Atlanta. We were on a charter bus coming back up I-85 on the way home and they had posted 60-mph speed limits in some work zones. I remember wondering at the time why nobody else ever posted 60 mph anywhere.

Agreed, though if it were a cost-saving that needed to be brought into play I would go from the I-20 junction north to the North Carolina state line. That road in both states is turning into the world's fastest parking lot...
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: froggie on October 24, 2013, 05:26:31 PM
Based on traffic data (yes, I looked it up), top priority for 6 lanes in South Carolina should actually be I-26 between Columbia and I-95.

Secondary priority would go to the I-95 section from Georgia to where US 17 splits towards Charleston as Hoo noted, as well as I-85 between Spartanburg and Gaffney.

Tertiary priority would go to the remainder of I-85, all of I-77 that isn't already 6 lanes (per traffic data, stronger arguments can be made for widening all of I-77 *AND* I-85 in SC before I-95), I-95 south of I-26, and I-20 from Columbia to Camden.

Low priority would be I-26 from Charleston to I-95 and from Columbia to I-385 (an argument could be made for a higher priority up to around Newberry but not all the way to I-385), I-95 north of Florence, and I-385 north of Fountain Inn (if it isn't already).

I-95 from I-26 to Florence, I-26 from I-385 to the south edge of Spartanburg, and most of I-20 don't even hit a planning level threshold (usually lower than actual Level-of-Service calculations) of when 6-lane widening should be considered.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: 1995hoo on October 24, 2013, 05:48:32 PM
When you refer to traffic data, what sort of data are you looking at? Numbers of vehicles, average speed, type of vehicle, etc.? The reason I ask is that certainly we've all encountered the situation where you have a road that carries a large number of vehicles but often moves along at fairly high speed without much difficulty, and we've all also encountered roads that may carry a lower "raw" number of vehicles but that are more frustrating to drive due to the type of vehicles (roads with particularly high volumes of truck traffic would be a prime example because the trucks cause more of the slower drivers into the left lane).

I'm not disputing any of your statistical analysis, mind you; I'm just curious about the details. One reason why is that I've found that I-26 between Columbia and I-95 generally seems to move along at a pretty good clip and passing slower drivers is not usually a problem, whereas on I-95 passing can be a good deal more difficult. I would theorize (based solely on my own observations behind the wheel) that I-95 probably carries more long-distance trucking, whereas I-26 connects the state's two main population centers and carries a lower volume of long-distance trucks compared to in-state traffic.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: froggie on October 24, 2013, 07:14:51 PM
In this case, I was looking at average daily traffic, as that's all I have ready access to.  Few states put out a product such as VDOT's traffic logs, which actually have enough data from which one could go as far as making rough LOS calculations (if you have ready access to the Highway Capacity Manual).  But planning-level analysis typically starts with just AADT and perhaps truck volume data to identify rough areas for further detailed analysis.

Freight volume/traffic is particularly difficult to get a hold of for the layman.  What little I can find for South Carolina suggests that yes, I-95 sees more trucks than I-26, but I-85 sees more trucks than I-95.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: cpzilliacus on October 24, 2013, 10:11:51 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on October 24, 2013, 10:51:24 AM
Quote from: PColumbus73 on October 24, 2013, 10:39:09 AM
What kind of road projects would you like to see in SC? ....

Widen I-95 to six lanes (three per side) for its full length throughout the state. Same also applies to North Carolina, although obviously the Lumberton area would pose some problems there.

I recognize the high cost of a full widening, so in the interest of focusing the improvement in a way that could help move traffic, I'd focus first on the northbound carriageway starting at the Georgia state line. Traffic always backs up in Georgia around weekends with heavy beach traffic because the road narrows. I'd set a priority of widening South Carolina's I-95 at least to the exit for Hilton Head (to start) and then up to the US-17 exit south of Yemassee where Charleston-bound traffic peels off. I view northbound as the higher priority than southbound because of the bottleneck created by the road narrowing at the state line (in other words, while I often hit inexplicable slowdowns around Hardeeville going south, the number of lanes is not the reason).

If I had to choose and between widening I-95 in North Carolina and South Carolina, the Tar Heel State beats the Palmetto State hands-down. 

Having said that, I could see widening South Carolina's I-95 along two segments.  First, as you suggest above, from the Georgia border to the point where U.S. 17 heads away in the direction of the Low Country, Exit 33).  If you want to extend the six lanes north to S.C. 68 (Yemassee, Exit 38), that sounds fine. 

The second (and IMO higher-priority) widening would be from the end of the six lane section of I-95 at Florence (Exit 170) to the North Carolina border at U.S. 301/U.S. 501 at Dillon and South of the Border.

I should add this disclaimer - I don't live in South Carolina, and I make the statements above as a (somewhat) frequent driver of I-95 in the state.  Residents probably have other priorities, like completing I-526. 

As in North Carolina, I-95 in South Carolina makes a whole lot of political sense as a tolled highway, which could probably fund widening (including the widening of the long bridge over Lake Marion) and some interchange reconstruction projects.  A lot of out-of-state auto and truck traffic, and the lack of any large metropolitan areas along its path (except Florence), mean relatively little objection would be raised.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: 1995hoo on October 24, 2013, 10:27:38 PM
Quote from: cpzilliacus on October 24, 2013, 10:11:51 PM
If I had to choose and between widening I-95 in North Carolina and South Carolina, the Tar Heel State beats the Palmetto State hands-down. 

....

Agreed, but this is, after all, a thread about South Carolina.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: cpzilliacus on October 24, 2013, 10:28:41 PM
Quote from: froggie on October 24, 2013, 07:14:51 PM
In this case, I was looking at average daily traffic, as that's all I have ready access to.  Few states put out a product such as VDOT's traffic logs, which actually have enough data from which one could go as far as making rough LOS calculations (if you have ready access to the Highway Capacity Manual).  But planning-level analysis typically starts with just AADT and perhaps truck volume data to identify rough areas for further detailed analysis.

Trucks (3 or more axles single-unit and all combinations) as a percentage of AADT or AAWDT are important.

It's probably naive of me, but I wish we could have a merger of VDOT's traffic count book and the Maryland Highway Location Reference. VDOT, to its immense credit, publishes at least an estimate of the volumes of various kinds of trucks on most of its primary network.

Quote from: froggie on October 24, 2013, 07:14:51 PM
Freight volume/traffic is particularly difficult to get a hold of for the layman.  What little I can find for South Carolina suggests that yes, I-95 sees more trucks than I-26, but I-85 sees more trucks than I-95.

I have driven on I-26 between Columbia and its eastern terminus in Charleston, and especially between I-95 and Charleston.  There are a fair number of truck-related businesses along the freeway, and Charleston is also a major seaport, which means a steady flow of trucks coming and going. But in total, I think the percentage of trucks on I-95 is higher than on I-26.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Grzrd on October 24, 2013, 10:36:09 PM
Quote from: PColumbus73 on October 24, 2013, 10:39:09 AM
What kind of road projects would you like to see in SC?

Interesting October 23 article (http://www.thestate.com/2013/10/23/3055806/tempest-brews-over-how-sc-should.html) about intra-state wrangling over this very question.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: PColumbus73 on October 24, 2013, 10:50:20 PM
I think the I-20/26 interchange should be a top priority, the weaving on I-26 East is really bad, as well as trying to merge on/off the cloverleafs.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Grzrd on October 25, 2013, 03:09:09 PM
Quote from: PColumbus73 on October 24, 2013, 10:39:09 AM
fix the I-20/26 interchange in Columbia!
Quote from: PColumbus73 on October 24, 2013, 10:50:20 PM
I think the I-20/26 interchange should be a top priority
Quote from: Grzrd on October 24, 2013, 10:36:09 PM
Quote from: PColumbus73 on October 24, 2013, 10:39:09 AM
What kind of road projects would you like to see in SC?
Interesting October 23 article (http://www.thestate.com/2013/10/23/3055806/tempest-brews-over-how-sc-should.html) about intra-state wrangling over this very question.


This article (http://www.thestate.com/2013/10/24/3056814/malfunction-junction-could-get.html) reports that the I-20/I-26 interchange is becoming embroiled in the controversy:

Quote
... The state Department of Transportation sent four projects to the board for approval — including a $38 million project to widen I-77 from I-20 to S.C. 277 — based on a prioritized list of state projects.
Redesigning Malfunction Junction, the bottleneck of Interstates 20 and 26 in Columbia, is No. 1 on the Transportation Department's priority list. But that project was passed over because it would cost at least $700 million, which is more the Infrastructure Bank has to spend.
However, Don Leonard, the chairman of the Infrastructure Bank and an appointee of Gov. Nikki Haley, a Lexington Republican, wants to take the I-77 money and use $12 million of it to pay engineers to completely redesign Malfunction Junction. That would put the project one step closer to being "shovel-ready,"  meaning it would be a better candidate for federal or state highway money ...
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Thing 342 on November 03, 2013, 05:47:17 PM
I would like to see I-73 completed between MB and I-95 completed, followed by the replacement of the I-20/26 junction.

As for widening I-95, I would recommend working from the state borders inward, starting with Georgia to US-17 south of Yemassee, followed by NC to SC-38. Next, I would widen from SC-38 to Florence, and then from US-17 to I-26. The portion from I-26 to I-20 is in the least need of widening, IMHO.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: PColumbus73 on November 04, 2013, 02:33:05 PM
I'm hoping that SCDOT gets SC 31 extended to US 17 soon. As far as I know, the next phase will be to extended it to SC 707. There was something on WMBF News here about possibly a spur being added to US 701 across the Waccamaw River. If the SELL project doesn't go through, I think a bridge from SC 31 to US 701 would be beneficial because there is no way to cross the Waccamaw between Conway and Georgetown.

Also, if the SELL is built, then I'd like SCDOT to reroute US 701 on the newly formed loop to get around Conway. Then US 701 could be advertised as an alternative through the Myrtle Beach area.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Henry on November 04, 2013, 02:42:24 PM
Quote from: PColumbus73 on November 04, 2013, 02:33:05 PM
I'm hoping that SCDOT gets SC 31 extended to US 17 soon. As far as I know, the next phase will be to extended it to SC 707. There was something on WMBF News here about possibly a spur being added to US 701 across the Waccamaw River. If the SELL project doesn't go through, I think a bridge from SC 31 to US 701 would be beneficial because there is no way to cross the Waccamaw between Conway and Georgetown.

Also, if the SELL is built, then I'd like SCDOT to reroute US 701 on the newly formed loop to get around Conway. Then US 701 could be advertised as an alternative through the Myrtle Beach area.
It probably will be built soon, if it's known what the I-74 plans are to the north.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: WashuOtaku on November 04, 2013, 05:11:58 PM
Quote from: Henry on November 04, 2013, 02:42:24 PM
It probably will be built soon, if it's known what the I-74 plans are to the north.

What do you mean by that?  If you mean if I-74 is to be built into South Carolina, then that's already a given... it will... just a matter of when.  North and South Carolina made a compact; North Carolina will extend I-74 into South Carolina and South Carolina will build the piece from the state line to Future I-74/US 74 near Hamlet.  Just because they are inactive on it doesn't mean they have changed their minds on it, it's just not a high priority for either state at the moment, in regards of I-74.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: NE2 on November 04, 2013, 05:49:27 PM
Quote from: WashuOtaku on November 04, 2013, 05:11:58 PM
If you mean if I-74 is to be built into South Carolina, then that's already a given... it will... just a matter of when.
Gitmo will be closed first.

Oh, that agreement? Doesn't say anything about NC building the Bolton-Supply Porkway, only that SC will build an SC 31 extension to the state line in cooperation with NC (whose Segment 19 (http://people.duke.edu/~rmalme/i74seg19.html), which would provide obvious independent utility, is only the 4 miles from the state line to the curve in US 17).
http://www.i73.com/pdf/CarolinasReach021205.pdf
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: PColumbus73 on November 04, 2013, 06:30:02 PM
All we need is for SC 31 to tie into US 17 so that Myrtle Beach can have a legitamate bypass. The US 17 'Bypass' is a joke. It's easier for me to take 17 Business through Myrtle Beach, although between US 501 and Harrelson Blvd is a pain.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: WashuOtaku on November 04, 2013, 07:00:31 PM
Quote from: PColumbus73 on November 04, 2013, 06:30:02 PM
All we need is for SC 31 to tie into US 17 so that Myrtle Beach can have a legitamate bypass. The US 17 'Bypass' is a joke. It's easier for me to take 17 Business through Myrtle Beach, although between US 501 and Harrelson Blvd is a pain.

When it was completed in 1981, it had nothing on it.  All throughout the '80s it only had Myrtle Waves and a few business south of the Air Force Base.  Of course, nowadays is a different story; but that typically what happens when they build bypasses without making them controlled access.   :-/
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: PColumbus73 on November 04, 2013, 07:08:38 PM
True, ironically, I can go north from 501 quicker on 17 Business than I can if I tried using US 17 mainline.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Grzrd on November 08, 2013, 03:09:48 PM
Quote from: NE2 on November 04, 2013, 05:49:27 PM
Oh, that agreement? ... that SC will build an SC 31 extension to the state line in cooperation with NC (whose Segment 19 (http://people.duke.edu/~rmalme/i74seg19.html), which would provide obvious independent utility, is only the 4 miles from the state line to the curve in US 17).
http://www.i73.com/pdf/CarolinasReach021205.pdf

This article (http://www.myhorrynews.com/news/local/horry_county/article_210b6b7c-47fb-11e3-b143-001a4bcf6878.html) reports that contracts will soon be let for "the final phase of S.C. 31", which is an extension of the southern (non-N.C. state line) end of S.C. 31 (https://maps.google.com/maps?q=north+Moss+Creek+Road,+Myrtle+Beach,+SC,+North+America&hl=en&ll=33.67264,-79.020538&spn=0.211718,0.41851&sll=33.647243,-79.015732&sspn=0.026473,0.052314&t=h&hnear=Moss+Creek+Rd,+Myrtle+Beach,+Horry,+South+Carolina+29588&z=12) :

Quote
Now that permits have been obtained, contracts will soon be let to complete the final phase of S.C. 31.
Also included in that phase will be the widening of S.C. 707 to five lanes.
Local and state officials gathered Wednesday at the southern end of S.C. 31 to announce the beginning of the two projects ....
S.C. 31 will be extended from its current stopping point at S.C. 544 to S.C. 707 just north of Moss Creek Road, covering almost four miles.
This project will also include a bridge over the Intracoastal Waterway.
The cost for this segment will be close to $230 million
with most of the money coming from the State Infrastructure Bank.
Horry County spokeswoman Lisa Bourcier said construction would probably begin near the first of the year with completion slated for spring of 2017.
The S.C. 707 widening project will begin near Enterprise Road and run 9.2 miles to U.S. 17 in Georgetown County.
The project will also include an interim intersection at Big Block Road.
The cost for the project is estimated between $100 million and $105 million to be paid for by the Riding on a Penny one-cent capital projects sales tax.
It, too, is scheduled to be completed in 2017.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: WashuOtaku on November 08, 2013, 09:16:02 PM
Quote from: Grzrd on November 08, 2013, 03:09:48 PM
This article (http://www.myhorrynews.com/news/local/horry_county/article_210b6b7c-47fb-11e3-b143-001a4bcf6878.html) reports that contracts will soon be let for "the final phase of S.C. 31", which is an extension of the southern (non-N.C. state line) end of S.C. 31 (https://maps.google.com/maps?q=north+Moss+Creek+Road,+Myrtle+Beach,+SC,+North+America&hl=en&ll=33.67264,-79.020538&spn=0.211718,0.41851&sll=33.647243,-79.015732&sspn=0.026473,0.052314&t=h&hnear=Moss+Creek+Rd,+Myrtle+Beach,+Horry,+South+Carolina+29588&z=12) :

Thank you for sharing that, that sheds a lot of light of whats going on there.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Grzrd on November 21, 2013, 04:26:50 PM
This Nov. 12 article (http://www.greenvilleonline.com/article/20131113/NEWS/311130007/) reports that the Transportation Infrastructure Bank has approved four major interstate improvement projects:

Quote
Two projects to widen and improve segments of Interstate 85 in the Upstate are one step closer to construction after approval by the state Transportation Infrastructure Bank.
The bank's board unanimously approved four major interstate improvement projects on Tuesday and funding to pay for preliminary engineering on others, a $550 million funding package of cash and bonds. All that remains is approval by the Joint Bond Review Committee, which is expected.
The money will pay $80 million for improving the I-85/I-385 interchange in Greenville; $262 million to widen a 16-mile stretch of I-85 in Spartanburg and Cherokee counties; $154 million to widen a 10-mile stretch of I-20 in Lexington County; and $38 million to widen a 2.6-mile segment of I-77 near Columbia.




Quote from: Grzrd on October 25, 2013, 03:09:09 PM
This article (http://www.thestate.com/2013/10/24/3056814/malfunction-junction-could-get.html) reports that the I-20/I-26 interchange is becoming embroiled in the controversy:
Quote
... Don Leonard, the chairman of the Infrastructure Bank and an appointee of Gov. Nikki Haley, a Lexington Republican, wants to take the I-77 money and use $12 million of it to pay engineers to completely redesign Malfunction Junction. That would put the project one step closer to being "shovel-ready,"  meaning it would be a better candidate for federal or state highway money ...

Approval of $10 million for preliminary engineering for the I-20/I-26 Malfunction Junction redesign was also granted, with the money coming from the I-85/I-385 interchange rebuild instead of the I-77 project:

Quote
Also approved was up to $10 million for preliminary engineering for the area where I-20 joins I-26 near Columbia and known by motorists as "Malfunction Junction;" $4 million for preliminary engineering for the last segment of widening I-85 to the North Carolina border; and up to $6 million for engineering of other interstate projects to be submitted by Department of Transportation officials and approved by the bank board ....
The plan approved by the board used $20 million from the I-385/85 interchange project to pay for the preliminary engineering.
Leonard also said the $20 million of bank funding that would be taken from the I-385/I-85 project would have no impact on that project. The interchange project is closest to construction among the four projects considered Tuesday, officials said.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: 1995hoo on December 01, 2013, 11:39:27 AM
Quote from: 1995hoo on July 25, 2011, 05:19:22 PM
Quote from: wriddle082 on July 20, 2011, 11:26:28 PMI noticed that too, they are gone.  I had been meaning to look back at news reports to confirm that Ridgeland had the cameras done away with (before they did away with Ridgeland), but haven't had a chance to do that.

I will still never stop at any Ridgeland exit for motorist services, on principal.  Whenever I go through that area (these days it's at least two round trips per month), I make sure to get my gas in Hardeeville, or closer to my home along I-26 where it's a lot cheaper.

I hadn't seen the news reports about them being gone before I drove through there, so I just slowed down to the speed limit in order to play it safe, and then after we got home I did a search and found that they were gone. But in a town that pulls a stunt like that I figure that they're still going to be out of control in trying to write tickets, and I guessed right!

I agree with you regarding not stopping there. Our trip earlier this month was the first time I had driven through there since 1991, and my gas gauge was starting to get low and my wife was getting hungry, but I said I would not stop in a chickenshit town like that and she understood my point.

Quoting some old posts because we drove through Ridgeland on our way south last weekend (Saturday, November 23), and the town cops were out on I-95 even at night. I was sailing along at a bit over 80 mph just north of the town limit when I saw the town cop was in the median just "inside" the town limit sign. I would have slowed down anyway, but seeing him ensured I was doing 68 mph when I passed the sign. I'm certain he clocked me at 82 or so, but there wasn't much he could do....he pulled out anyway without his flashing lights on, but I guess he knew I was onto him because he suddenly floored it past me. Asshole.

With a town like that, I kind of think setting a geofenced reminder on one's smartphone or similar device isn't a bad idea if your attention to speedtrap towns tends to wander.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: froggie on December 01, 2013, 01:42:42 PM
I'm pretty sure there's an app for that...
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: 1995hoo on December 02, 2013, 12:38:32 PM
Quote from: froggie on December 01, 2013, 01:42:42 PM
I'm pretty sure there's an app for that...


What do you recommend? I have Waze on my phone, but I seldom use it.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: PColumbus73 on December 03, 2013, 11:00:30 AM
Having traveled to Florida over the weekend, I strongly believe that I-95 needs to be widened to 6 lanes from the Georgia state line to at least US 21 (Exit 42) or SC Route 64 (Exit 57) in Walterboro.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: JamesT456 on December 03, 2013, 04:41:51 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on December 01, 2013, 11:39:27 AM
Quote from: 1995hoo on July 25, 2011, 05:19:22 PM
Quote from: wriddle082 on July 20, 2011, 11:26:28 PMI noticed that too, they are gone.  I had been meaning to look back at news reports to confirm that Ridgeland had the cameras done away with (before they did away with Ridgeland), but haven't had a chance to do that.

I will still never stop at any Ridgeland exit for motorist services, on principal.  Whenever I go through that area (these days it's at least two round trips per month), I make sure to get my gas in Hardeeville, or closer to my home along I-26 where it's a lot cheaper.

I hadn't seen the news reports about them being gone before I drove through there, so I just slowed down to the speed limit in order to play it safe, and then after we got home I did a search and found that they were gone. But in a town that pulls a stunt like that I figure that they're still going to be out of control in trying to write tickets, and I guessed right!

I agree with you regarding not stopping there. Our trip earlier this month was the first time I had driven through there since 1991, and my gas gauge was starting to get low and my wife was getting hungry, but I said I would not stop in a chickenshit town like that and she understood my point.

Quoting some old posts because we drove through Ridgeland on our way south last weekend (Saturday, November 23), and the town cops were out on I-95 even at night. I was sailing along at a bit over 80 mph just north of the town limit when I saw the town cop was in the median just "inside" the town limit sign. I would have slowed down anyway, but seeing him ensured I was doing 68 mph when I passed the sign. I'm certain he clocked me at 82 or so, but there wasn't much he could do....he pulled out anyway without his flashing lights on, but I guess he knew I was onto him because he suddenly floored it past me. Asshole.

With a town like that, I kind of think setting a geofenced reminder on one's smartphone or similar device isn't a bad idea if your attention to speedtrap towns tends to wander.

In the case of those speed camera on I-95 in Ridgeland, SC government passed a law banning speed cameras in June 2011.
Link: http://www.islandpacket.com/2011/06/17/1694890/haley-signs-speed-camera-ban-into.html#storylink=misearch

A few months before in Nov of 2010 while i was visiting the Savannah area, I was coming from Savannah to Yemassee, & seen the speed camera under one of the overpass with that trailer next to it, & an ridgeland cop car next to it. The next year in  Nov of 2011 I did not see the speed camera, but at the time did not know about the speed ban until I looked online since I was back home in Illinois.

There is an 4 part series on youtube with the now former mayor of ridgeland(ousted in Nov of 2011) defending the use of speed cameras in Ridgeland.

Also I-95 really needed to be widen to 6 lanes to Savannah, every time I drove it, lots of traffic is on it.

Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: cpzilliacus on December 04, 2013, 11:54:29 AM
Quote from: JamesT456 on December 03, 2013, 04:41:51 PM
Also I-95 really needed to be widen to 6 lanes to Savannah, every time I drove it, lots of traffic is on it.

As far north as the U.S. 17 "split" south of Yemassee (Exit 33), or maybe even to Yemassee proper (S.C. 68, Exit 38), I agree with you.

But especially between I-26 (Exit 86) near Holly Hill and I-20 (Exit 160) near Florence, there is no need (IMO) to widen.  It is the most-desolate section of I-95 I know, save for the northernmost segment between Bangor, Maine and the Canadian border at Houlton.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: PColumbus73 on December 04, 2013, 12:03:45 PM
Quote from: cpzilliacus on December 04, 2013, 11:54:29 AM
Quote from: JamesT456 on December 03, 2013, 04:41:51 PM
Also I-95 really needed to be widen to 6 lanes to Savannah, every time I drove it, lots of traffic is on it.

As far north as the U.S. 17 "split" south of Yemassee (Exit 33), or maybe even to Yemassee proper (S.C. 68, Exit 38), I agree with you.

But especially between I-26 (Exit 86) near Holly Hill and I-20 (Exit 160) near Florence, there is no need (IMO) to widen.  It is the most-desolate section of I-95 I know, save for the northernmost segment between Bangor, Maine and the Canadian border at Houlton.

Agreed, although when I came through I-95 last weekend, traffic was pretty heavy from the GA State Line to around Walterboro.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Alex on December 04, 2013, 01:12:44 PM
Quote from: PColumbus73 on December 04, 2013, 12:03:45 PM
Quote from: cpzilliacus on December 04, 2013, 11:54:29 AM
Quote from: JamesT456 on December 03, 2013, 04:41:51 PM
Also I-95 really needed to be widen to 6 lanes to Savannah, every time I drove it, lots of traffic is on it.

As far north as the U.S. 17 "split" south of Yemassee (Exit 33), or maybe even to Yemassee proper (S.C. 68, Exit 38), I agree with you.

But especially between I-26 (Exit 86) near Holly Hill and I-20 (Exit 160) near Florence, there is no need (IMO) to widen.  It is the most-desolate section of I-95 I know, save for the northernmost segment between Bangor, Maine and the Canadian border at Houlton.

Agreed, although when I came through I-95 last weekend, traffic was pretty heavy from the GA State Line to around Walterboro.

The narrow stretch from Hardeeville to Ridgeland is especially bad. I think the proximity of the tree line in the median to the travel lanes scares motorists into driving slower than they need to. That just compounds the already high volumes for that stretch. Oftentimes I have used US 17/278 and old US 17 to avoid this stretch. Even with the lower speeds, I find it easier to handle than the often "breaking for no reason" syndrome that rules that portion of freeway. Add a near incident years ago due to the Move Over Law, where vehicles piled into the left-lane with little regard to those already there on that stretch, and the surface route is even more appealing. Plus the old section of US 17 is hardly used.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: froggie on December 04, 2013, 10:17:49 PM
We discussed widening just over a month ago (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=4088.msg255108#msg255108) upthread.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Mapmikey on December 24, 2013, 05:39:15 PM
Quote from: Mapmikey on July 08, 2013, 06:24:03 AM
I'm curious as to what they will do with SC 5 which follows 21 Business through the part that will be eliminated from the state highway system...

Mapmikey

The 2013 York County map has been updated at SCDOT.org and shows what the reroutes are that resulted from taking some of US 21 Bus/SC 5 out of the state highway system:

SC 5 has been rerouted to follow SC 901 south then SC 121 north back to US 21.  This had been posted as SC 5 TRUCK in GMSV.
Main St between SC 5-901 and SC 322 (was SC 5) is now SC 5 CONN
Cherry Rd northeast of Main St (was US 21 Bus) is now an extended SC 322
Main St from SC 322 southeast to Columbia Ave (was SC 5) is now S-46-2.
Main St from Columbia Av southeast to Charlotte Ave (some SC 5, some S-46-1) is removed from the highway system.
Black St between Main St and Charlotte Ave (was SC 5) is removed from the highway system
Black St between Charlotte Ave and SC 5-121 (was US 21 Bus/SC 5) is now S-46-118.
SC 72 north has been truncated to SC 122, which now end at each other.  It appears SC 72 Business just became SC 72 and 72 Bypass removed altogether.
Oakland Ave from Black St to SC 122 (was US 21 Bus) is removed from the highway system.
Oakland Ave from SC 122 to SC 322 (was US 21 Bus) is now S-46-115.

http://dbw.scdot.org/GISMapping/pdfs/City/Rock_Hill_City.pdf (http://dbw.scdot.org/GISMapping/pdfs/City/Rock_Hill_City.pdf)

Mapmikey
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: WashuOtaku on December 25, 2013, 09:35:36 AM
Quote from: Mapmikey on December 24, 2013, 05:39:15 PM
The 2013 York County map has been updated at SCDOT.org and shows what the reroutes are that resulted from taking some of US 21 Bus/SC 5 out of the state highway system:

SC 5 has been rerouted to follow SC 901 south then SC 121 north back to US 21.  This had been posted as SC 5 TRUCK in GMSV.
Main St between SC 5-901 and SC 322 (was SC 5) is now SC 5 CONN
Cherry Rd northeast of Main St (was US 21 Bus) is now an extended SC 322
Main St from SC 322 southeast to Columbia Ave (was SC 5) is now S-46-2.
Main St from Columbia Av southeast to Charlotte Ave (some SC 5, some S-46-1) is removed from the highway system.
Black St between Main St and Charlotte Ave (was SC 5) is removed from the highway system
Black St between Charlotte Ave and SC 5-121 (was US 21 Bus/SC 5) is now S-46-118.
SC 72 north has been truncated to SC 122, which now end at each other.  It appears SC 72 Business just became SC 72 and 72 Bypass removed altogether.
Oakland Ave from Black St to SC 122 (was US 21 Bus) is removed from the highway system.
Oakland Ave from SC 122 to SC 322 (was US 21 Bus) is now S-46-115.

http://dbw.scdot.org/GISMapping/pdfs/City/Rock_Hill_City.pdf (http://dbw.scdot.org/GISMapping/pdfs/City/Rock_Hill_City.pdf)

Mapmikey

So many changes to make the city of Rock Hill happy.  I haven't seen these updates yet in the wild, signage on the streets are poor as is.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: rickmastfan67 on December 30, 2013, 08:21:58 PM
Quote from: WashuOtaku on December 25, 2013, 09:35:36 AM
Quote from: Mapmikey on December 24, 2013, 05:39:15 PM
The 2013 York County map has been updated at SCDOT.org and shows what the reroutes are that resulted from taking some of US 21 Bus/SC 5 out of the state highway system:

SC 5 has been rerouted to follow SC 901 south then SC 121 north back to US 21.  This had been posted as SC 5 TRUCK in GMSV.
Main St between SC 5-901 and SC 322 (was SC 5) is now SC 5 CONN
Cherry Rd northeast of Main St (was US 21 Bus) is now an extended SC 322
Main St from SC 322 southeast to Columbia Ave (was SC 5) is now S-46-2.
Main St from Columbia Av southeast to Charlotte Ave (some SC 5, some S-46-1) is removed from the highway system.
Black St between Main St and Charlotte Ave (was SC 5) is removed from the highway system
Black St between Charlotte Ave and SC 5-121 (was US 21 Bus/SC 5) is now S-46-118.
SC 72 north has been truncated to SC 122, which now end at each other.  It appears SC 72 Business just became SC 72 and 72 Bypass removed altogether.
Oakland Ave from Black St to SC 122 (was US 21 Bus) is removed from the highway system.
Oakland Ave from SC 122 to SC 322 (was US 21 Bus) is now S-46-115.

http://dbw.scdot.org/GISMapping/pdfs/City/Rock_Hill_City.pdf (http://dbw.scdot.org/GISMapping/pdfs/City/Rock_Hill_City.pdf)

Mapmikey

So many changes to make the city of Rock Hill happy.  I haven't seen these updates yet in the wild, signage on the streets are poor as is.

According to this post over @ CHM (http://clinched.s2.bizhat.com/viewtopic.php?t=2112&mforum=clinched), the US-21 Business signage has been removed.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: WashuOtaku on January 01, 2014, 07:31:02 PM
Quote from: rickmastfan67 on December 30, 2013, 08:21:58 PM
According to this post over @ CHM (http://clinched.s2.bizhat.com/viewtopic.php?t=2112&mforum=clinched), the US-21 Business signage has been removed.

A friend of mine in Rock Hill said new signs have recently appeared along Cherry Road for SC 322, so it appears they have been busy last few weeks.  When I have time, I'll drive down to Rock Hill and check'em out.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Grzrd on January 18, 2014, 12:31:25 PM
This article (http://www.clintonchronicle.com/articles/2014/01/17/top_stories/doc52d7eaeb75ea8447021497.txt) reports that some legislators are considering tolling a portion of I-95 and I-73 between Conway and Myrtle Beach in order to raise money for road repairs, and some are unhappy with the current structure of SCDOT:

Quote
House Majority Leader Bruce Bannister .... House Minority Leader Todd Rutherford ....
While there was plenty of talk at the media legislative workshop about education, healthcare, ethics and reforming government, lawmakers also were in the mood to talk concrete - South Carolina's roads and bridges.
"I-26 between the I-385 split and Charleston is a ticking time bomb," Rutherford said. "The trucking association says, "˜we know we might have to pay more gas tax'," to effect major road repairs in South Carolina.
Gov. Haley has said she will veto any increase in the state's gasoline tax, and Bannister said there are not enough votes in the House of Representatives to override such a veto. Still, Bannister said, the legislature's action last year approving a bond for road and bridges repair was the equivalent of a 3.5 cents per gallon tax increase for drivers in South Carolina.
Some legislators said they would be in favor of toll roads - a portion of I-95, a potential I-73 between Conway and Myrtle Beach, for instance - to raise money for road repairs. Tolls imposed on interstates would produce revenue only for repairs to the interstate highways. But, lawmakers said, these repairs then would not fall to the state, freeing money for use on secondary roads.

"For the smaller counties,"  Rep. Murrell Smith, R-Sumter, said, "dealing with DOT (the South Carolina Department of Transportation), it is difficult to move them forward to do anything for the rural areas. Six projects are being done with the bonded money ($1.6 billion over 20 years). All are worthy projects, but they are not the numbers one through six (ranked in importance) projects. Some are where the (highway) commissioners live.
"I won't vote for a gas tax (hike) as long as this is the way DOT is structured."
"It starts with funding DOT, then restructuring,"  said Rep. Brian White, R-Anderson. "It's a Band-aid approach, all we've done is put air in the tires. We have funded repairing 90 bridges in 33 counties, but look at the size of our system. It's the third to fifth largest state-maintained system (in the country). We need to give some of these projects back to local governments."
Making a reference to South Carolina's refusal to accept federal Medicaid expansion dollars, Sen. Brad Hutto, D-Orangeburg, said of revenues to repair roads and bridges, "Even if money fell from the sky, we wouldn't take it."
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: D-Dey65 on February 15, 2014, 03:06:46 PM
I can certainly agree with widening I-95 in South Carolina, even if it's not throughout the whole state. Here's an interesting thing though; Every time I drive into South Carolina from Georgia, I have no trouble getting in at normal speed, and the traffic flow is just fine even as it narrows down from six to four lanes. When I go in the opposite direction. I always see big-ass traffic jams going north.

I figure the time of day must have something to do with it.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Zzonkmiles on May 07, 2014, 11:20:54 AM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on February 15, 2014, 03:06:46 PM
I can certainly agree with widening I-95 in South Carolina, even if it's not throughout the whole state. Here's an interesting thing though; Every time I drive into South Carolina from Georgia, I have no trouble getting in at normal speed, and the traffic flow is just fine even as it narrows down from six to four lanes. When I go in the opposite direction. I always see big-ass traffic jams going north.

I figure the time of day must have something to do with it.

I think widening I-95 to six lanes from I-26 to the Georgia border makes a lot of sense. You have a lot of drivers going from Florida to Ohio and Michigan who have to use I-26 to reach I-77 so they can go back home. All these long-distance travelers plus truck traffic and finally local traffic makes four lanes inadequate.  As for the northern part of I-95 in SC, the last time I drove here, I saw some road construction north of the I-20/95 split, so maybe 95 is being widened to six lanes there too.

The part of I-95 between I-20 and I-26 is quite rural and is the least urgent section of I-95 that needs to be widened.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Zzonkmiles on July 10, 2014, 08:37:34 PM
A sad commentary on South Carolina's roads:  http://www.wltx.com/story/news/2014/07/10/report-sc-had-most-fatalities-on-rural-roads-in-2012/12468463/

Seems like South Carolina is very good at being #1 at all the bad things.

Here are some other links from WLTX-19:

Why SC's roads stink:  http://www.wltx.com/story/news/local/2014/05/19/sc-roads-funding-less-reasons/9300111/

The true cost of fixing SC's roads:  http://www.wltx.com/story/news/local/2014/05/04/whats-the-real-cost-to-fix-scs-roads/8690519/

Your way to provide feedback on SC's roads:  http://www.wltx.com/story/news/local/2014/04/11/website-roads-opinions-sc/7622773/
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: The Nature Boy on July 10, 2014, 08:57:00 PM
Quote from: cpzilliacus on October 24, 2013, 10:11:51 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on October 24, 2013, 10:51:24 AM
Quote from: PColumbus73 on October 24, 2013, 10:39:09 AM
What kind of road projects would you like to see in SC? ....

Widen I-95 to six lanes (three per side) for its full length throughout the state. Same also applies to North Carolina, although obviously the Lumberton area would pose some problems there.

I recognize the high cost of a full widening, so in the interest of focusing the improvement in a way that could help move traffic, I'd focus first on the northbound carriageway starting at the Georgia state line. Traffic always backs up in Georgia around weekends with heavy beach traffic because the road narrows. I'd set a priority of widening South Carolina's I-95 at least to the exit for Hilton Head (to start) and then up to the US-17 exit south of Yemassee where Charleston-bound traffic peels off. I view northbound as the higher priority than southbound because of the bottleneck created by the road narrowing at the state line (in other words, while I often hit inexplicable slowdowns around Hardeeville going south, the number of lanes is not the reason).

The second (and IMO higher-priority) widening would be from the end of the six lane section of I-95 at Florence (Exit 170) to the North Carolina border at U.S. 301/U.S. 501 at Dillon and South of the Border.


Is that really a good priority though? I've driven I-95 in Dillon County numerous times and never ran into any traffic delays. I don't know if any extra lane is needed.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: PColumbus73 on July 15, 2014, 05:25:59 PM
Quote from: Zzonkmiles on May 07, 2014, 11:20:54 AM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on February 15, 2014, 03:06:46 PM
I can certainly agree with widening I-95 in South Carolina, even if it's not throughout the whole state. Here's an interesting thing though; Every time I drive into South Carolina from Georgia, I have no trouble getting in at normal speed, and the traffic flow is just fine even as it narrows down from six to four lanes. When I go in the opposite direction. I always see big-ass traffic jams going north.

I figure the time of day must have something to do with it.

I think widening I-95 to six lanes from I-26 to the Georgia border makes a lot of sense. You have a lot of drivers going from Florida to Ohio and Michigan who have to use I-26 to reach I-77 so they can go back home. All these long-distance travelers plus truck traffic and finally local traffic makes four lanes inadequate.  As for the northern part of I-95 in SC, the last time I drove here, I saw some road construction north of the I-20/95 split, so maybe 95 is being widened to six lanes there too.

The part of I-95 between I-20 and I-26 is quite rural and is the least urgent section of I-95 that needs to be widened.

SCDOT has been working on rebuilding Exit 170 (SC 327) in Florence, the north end of the 6-laned portion of I-95. They need to revert the speed limit back to 70 on the 6-laned portion. 60 mph doesn't make sense in Florence County.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Zzonkmiles on July 16, 2014, 09:06:54 AM
Quote from: PColumbus73 on July 15, 2014, 05:25:59 PM
SCDOT has been working on rebuilding Exit 170 (SC 327) in Florence, the north end of the 6-laned portion of I-95. They need to revert the speed limit back to 70 on the 6-laned portion. 60 mph doesn't make sense in Florence County.

I thought there was a state law that set the speed limit for all interstates in urban areas at 60. This was the compromise that allowed the interstate speed limits in rural areas to be raised to 70. That's why the speed limit on I-126 was lowered from 65 to 60 a few years ago, for example.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: PColumbus73 on July 16, 2014, 03:46:54 PM
I wouldn't consider I-95 through Florence an urban area. I-85 going through Spartanburg is 70mph and it is about the same distance from the city center as I-95 is from Florence.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: WashuOtaku on July 16, 2014, 06:49:22 PM
Quote from: Zzonkmiles on July 16, 2014, 09:06:54 AM
Quote from: PColumbus73 on July 15, 2014, 05:25:59 PM
SCDOT has been working on rebuilding Exit 170 (SC 327) in Florence, the north end of the 6-laned portion of I-95. They need to revert the speed limit back to 70 on the 6-laned portion. 60 mph doesn't make sense in Florence County.
I thought there was a state law that set the speed limit for all interstates in urban areas at 60. This was the compromise that allowed the interstate speed limits in rural areas to be raised to 70. That's why the speed limit on I-126 was lowered from 65 to 60 a few years ago, for example.

I do not believe this is true, as this is the first I have heard of that.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Zzonkmiles on July 17, 2014, 08:56:55 AM
Quote from: WashuOtaku on July 16, 2014, 06:49:22 PM
Quote from: Zzonkmiles on July 16, 2014, 09:06:54 AM
Quote from: PColumbus73 on July 15, 2014, 05:25:59 PM
SCDOT has been working on rebuilding Exit 170 (SC 327) in Florence, the north end of the 6-laned portion of I-95. They need to revert the speed limit back to 70 on the 6-laned portion. 60 mph doesn't make sense in Florence County.
I thought there was a state law that set the speed limit for all interstates in urban areas at 60. This was the compromise that allowed the interstate speed limits in rural areas to be raised to 70. That's why the speed limit on I-126 was lowered from 65 to 60 a few years ago, for example.

I do not believe this is true, as this is the first I have heard of that.

Hmmmm...I was living near Columbia when they raised the speed limit to 70. But at the same time the speed limit outside of city limits was raised to 70, the speed limit inside city limits was lowered to 60. The speed limit on SC 277, I-126 and I-77 used to be 65, but it became 60. (I-77 still has a 65mph zone near the junction with I-26). I seem to remember there being an article about this in The State newspaper, but I can't find it.

This announcement from the state legislature is what I have been able to find so far:
http://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess113_1999-2000/bills/3188.htm

The key lines are:

(1) seventy miles an hour on the interstate highway system and other freeways where official signs giving notice of this speed are posted;

(2) sixty miles an hour on multilane divided primary highways where official signs giving notice of this speed limit are posted;

(3) fifty-five miles an hour in other locations or on other sections of highways and unpaved roads are limited to the speed of forty miles an hour; and

So my guess is that SC 277 was considered a "multilane divided primary highway" even though it currently meets interstate standards. That could explain why the speed limit was lowered from 65 to 60. However, this would not explain why the speed limit on I-126 dropped from 65 to 60 because I-126 is definitely part of the interstate highway system--unless the presence of jersey barriers on urban interstates (rather than the grassy medians on rural interstates) governed whether a speed limit would be set at 60 or 70.

If I can find more information, I'll post it.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: 1995hoo on October 06, 2014, 09:17:15 AM
What kind of time can one expect to make on US-17 between the North Carolina state line and Charleston (perhaps using the new SC-31 to bypass Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach)? I've used the southern segment from I-526 to I-95 but never the northern part (below North Myrtle Beach, anyway, and I haven't been there since May 1995). Obviously you can't drive as fast as you can on the Interstate, but from the maps it looks largely open with the exception of a few towns. How much do those towns slow down the drive? While I got an estimate from Google Maps, that doesn't really factor in "real life" stuff like unsynchronized lights or speedtraps.

Thanks in advance.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: NE2 on October 06, 2014, 09:44:22 AM
Quote from: 1995hoo on October 06, 2014, 09:17:15 AM
Pooing on US 17 is cool.
Never been there, but one obvious alternate jumps out if you don't want to risk the Myrtle Beach sprawl: US 701 to Conway, then SC 90-Wampee Road-Hickman Road.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: 1995hoo on October 06, 2014, 10:08:21 AM
Quote from: NE2 on October 06, 2014, 09:44:22 AM
Quote from: 1995hoo on October 06, 2014, 09:17:15 AM
Pooing on US 17 is cool.
Never been there, but one obvious alternate jumps out if you don't want to risk the Myrtle Beach sprawl: US 701 to Conway, then SC 90-Wampee Road-Hickman Road.

Yeah, I'm not so concerned about that area because of the new bypass to the west (SC-31, the "Carolina Bays Parkway")–checked it out on Street View and it looks like a good road. While you do still have to deal with Murrells Inlet, that's better than the crawl all the way down the Grand Strand. This "parkway" didn't exist when we used to make our annual end-of-the-spring-semester trip to North Myrtle Beach.

What I was thinking of was that since I have not been on I-795 since it received that designation, I had in mind to take I-95 (I-295 around Richmond/Petersburg) to the vicinity of Wilson, NC, then take I-795 to its end and then continue down US-117 to I-40. I-40 down to Wilmington (a road I've driven previously, but that's life) and then US-17 and that new bypass on down to Charleston. As much as I'd like to cross off all of US-17 through North Carolina, it'd take more time than I have available for this particular trip (not to mention the nuisance of getting over to Edenton, the northern end of my unclinched North Carolina segment).

Hence why I was curious about the South Carolina portion–it appears it wouldn't add terribly much time compared to taking the conventional I-95/I-26 route, but unless you have all day to click through Street View, Google Maps isn't informative about stuff like small town traffic lights and such.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: monty on October 06, 2014, 01:22:09 PM
I've driven US 17 from Wilmington NC to Charleston SC recently.  The new 31 bypass around Myrtle Beach is a breeze.  You will run into some congestion and stoplights around Cherry Grove and again between the south end of Myrtle Beach to Georgetown.  They're doing some new construction on the south end as well - installing some interchanges on US 17 south of the airport.  It's a fun drive and you shouldn't have much beach traffic this time of the year.  You may want to check out a map to see how you want to go from 31 back to US 17.  There's a few options.  And the new bridges at Charleston are impressive. 
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Mapmikey on October 06, 2014, 08:10:45 PM
You can bypass the Cherry Grove area entirely by using Hickman Rd (US 17 takes a big bend leftward a couple miles before the SC line and Hickman Rd continues on the straight line) to SC 9 then turn left and SC 31 is right there.

Murrells Inlet/Pawleys Island is not terrible during non-summer months and Georgetown is not bad either.  Charleston suburbia now starts a couple miles northeast of SC 41.  The good news if you are interested in using US 17 over the Cooper River is that the Mt. Pleasant Bypass rehab is done and not as clogged as it was during its construction period.

Mapmikey
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: 1995hoo on October 06, 2014, 08:22:47 PM
Thanks, I see Hickman on the map. Since I've previously travelled that part of US-17 on a drive from Myrtle Beach to Nags Head when I was in college, I may try that.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Gnutella on October 08, 2014, 02:55:36 AM
Are there any plans to six-lane I-85 south of Anderson or north of Spartanburg? I'd say north of Spartanburg needs it more, both both still need it a lot. In fact, I-85 should be at least six lanes from La Grange, GA to Durham, NC.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Thing 342 on October 08, 2014, 06:23:04 AM
Quote from: Gnutella on October 08, 2014, 02:55:36 AM
Are there any plans to six-lane I-85 south of Anderson or north of Spartanburg? I'd say north of Spartanburg needs it more, both both still need it a lot. In fact, I-85 should be at least six lanes from La Grange, GA to Durham, NC.
Were I-85 to be expanded north of Spartanburg, it'd take a good amount of reconstruction, as the road is fairly substandard.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: WashuOtaku on October 08, 2014, 10:52:52 AM
Quote from: Gnutella on October 08, 2014, 02:55:36 AM
Are there any plans to six-lane I-85 south of Anderson or north of Spartanburg? I'd say north of Spartanburg needs it more, both both still need it a lot. In fact, I-85 should be at least six lanes from La Grange, GA to Durham, NC.

Last time I visited SCDOT's website regarding future plans, I didn't see anything regarding widening I-85; they were more concern about I-26 and the urban centers of the state.  The state, in general, is very draconian about spending money for roads; stems on the low gas tax we all enjoy when visiting the state.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Grzrd on October 08, 2014, 12:21:21 PM
Quote from: WashuOtaku on October 08, 2014, 10:52:52 AM
Last time I visited SCDOT's website regarding future plans, I didn't see anything regarding widening I-85; they were more concern about I-26 and the urban centers of the state.  The state, in general, is very draconian about spending money for roads; stems on the low gas tax we all enjoy when visiting the state.

SCDOT recently posted its August 2014 Interstate Plan (http://www.scdot.org/Multimodal/pdf/SC_MTP_Interstate_Plan.pdf), which is a component of the Draft 2040 Multimodal Transportation Plan (http://www.scdot.org/Multimodal/default.aspx).  The Plan identifies the eight most congested segments of I-85 in South Carolina (page 23/116 of pdf; page 20 of document):

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2F3ckyt0Q.png&hash=14bffd8d0bc46d82bb6e12ae36110c4a9f896414)

This September 28 article (http://www.thestate.com/2014/09/28/3710382/sc-plan-transit-needs-by-2040.html) reports that South Carolina is facing a $1.5 billion annual shortfall to meet its transportation needs through 2040, that the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce supports a gasoline tax increase, and that a bipartisan group of lawmakers is making increased funding for roads a priority:

Quote
The South Carolina Department of Transportation is projecting that by the year 2040, South Carolina will need to spend another $70 billion on transportation needs – $60 billion of that on roads.
But the state's 2040 Multimodal Transportation Plan finds that, based on current revenue projections of only $28 billion during the period, the state will be about $1.5 billion short each year of meeting its highway needs ....
the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce said it will support increasing the state gasoline tax to get more money for roads. And a bipartisan group of lawmakers looking at the issue has said more money for roads will be a priority next session.

Money for maintaining and building roads is needed with South Carolina's population of 4.7 million expected to increase to more than 6 million by 2040.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Gnutella on October 08, 2014, 06:20:31 PM
Quote from: Thing 342 on October 08, 2014, 06:23:04 AM
Quote from: Gnutella on October 08, 2014, 02:55:36 AM
Are there any plans to six-lane I-85 south of Anderson or north of Spartanburg? I'd say north of Spartanburg needs it more, both both still need it a lot. In fact, I-85 should be at least six lanes from La Grange, GA to Durham, NC.
Were I-85 to be expanded north of Spartanburg, it'd take a good amount of reconstruction, as the road is fairly substandard.

How exactly is it substandard? And is the segment south of Anderson substandard as well? I have noticed when I've driven the four-lane segments of I-85 in South Carolina, the highway undulates more; the shoulders seem a bit narrow, and there seems to be a lot of lateral sloping on each lane.


Quote from: Grzrd on October 08, 2014, 12:21:21 PM
Quote from: WashuOtaku on October 08, 2014, 10:52:52 AM
Last time I visited SCDOT's website regarding future plans, I didn't see anything regarding widening I-85; they were more concern about I-26 and the urban centers of the state.  The state, in general, is very draconian about spending money for roads; stems on the low gas tax we all enjoy when visiting the state.

SCDOT recently posted its August 2014 Interstate Plan (http://www.scdot.org/Multimodal/pdf/SC_MTP_Interstate_Plan.pdf), which is a component of the Draft 2040 Multimodal Transportation Plan (http://www.scdot.org/Multimodal/default.aspx).  The Plan identifies the eight most congested segments of I-85 in South Carolina (page 23/116 of pdf; page 20 of document):

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2F3ckyt0Q.png&hash=14bffd8d0bc46d82bb6e12ae36110c4a9f896414)

This September 28 article (http://www.thestate.com/2014/09/28/3710382/sc-plan-transit-needs-by-2040.html) reports that South Carolina is facing a $1.5 billion annual shortfall to meet its transportation needs through 2040, that the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce supports a gasoline tax increase, and that a bipartisan group of lawmakers is making increased funding for roads a priority:

Quote
The South Carolina Department of Transportation is projecting that by the year 2040, South Carolina will need to spend another $70 billion on transportation needs – $60 billion of that on roads.
But the state's 2040 Multimodal Transportation Plan finds that, based on current revenue projections of only $28 billion during the period, the state will be about $1.5 billion short each year of meeting its highway needs ....
the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce said it will support increasing the state gasoline tax to get more money for roads. And a bipartisan group of lawmakers looking at the issue has said more money for roads will be a priority next session.

Money for maintaining and building roads is needed with South Carolina's population of 4.7 million expected to increase to more than 6 million by 2040.

If the Chamber of Commerce supports a tax increase, then I imagine a lot of people do, because your typical Chamber of Commerce doesn't tend to support tax increases. I also get the sense that bipartisan political support is possible because of how unusual the scenario is.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Mapmikey on October 08, 2014, 08:17:34 PM
Quote from: Gnutella on October 08, 2014, 06:20:31 PM

How exactly is it substandard? And is the segment south of Anderson substandard as well? I have noticed when I've driven the four-lane segments of I-85 in South Carolina, the highway undulates more; the shoulders seem a bit narrow, and there seems to be a lot of lateral sloping on each lane.


It is way better than it was 15 years ago.  It used to be just like I-85 Business north all the way to North Carolina...all the bridges over water were these narrow bridges from the mid-1950s like the one remaining on I-85 bus over Lawson Fork Creek: http://goo.gl/maps/GKJca

It was actually pretty dangerous when I used to regularly drive I-85 from SC 86 to North Carolina from 1987-90.  However, they have replaced all the old bridges and gotten rid of some of the superfluous on/off ramps to frontage roads. 

Anderson to Spartanburg was greatly improved with the added lane as I-85 was frequently traffic clogged.

Mapmikey
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: WashuOtaku on October 08, 2014, 09:07:06 PM
Quote from: Gnutella on October 08, 2014, 06:20:31 PM
If the Chamber of Commerce supports a tax increase, then I imagine a lot of people do, because your typical Chamber of Commerce doesn't tend to support tax increases. I also get the sense that bipartisan political support is possible because of how unusual the scenario is.

Well, it seems that there is bipartisan support in the legislator, but the Governor also announced she has a plan to improve state infrastructure.  However, she doesn't want to present it till after the election, which ruffles her own party in the legislator causing continued inaction.  So yea, everyone sees the need, but their are playing the cards close to their chest; the question is, are they simply bluffing because of the elections.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Tom958 on October 09, 2014, 06:06:21 AM
Quote from: Mapmikey on October 08, 2014, 08:17:34 PM
Quote from: Gnutella on October 08, 2014, 06:20:31 PM

How exactly is it substandard? And is the segment south of Anderson substandard as well? I have noticed when I've driven the four-lane segments of I-85 in South Carolina, the highway undulates more; the shoulders seem a bit narrow, and there seems to be a lot of lateral sloping on each lane.


It is way better than it was 15 years ago.  It used to be just like I-85 Business north all the way to North Carolina...all the bridges over water were these narrow bridges from the mid-1950s like the one remaining on I-85 bus over Lawson Fork Creek: http://goo.gl/maps/GKJca

It was actually pretty dangerous when I used to regularly drive I-85 from SC 86 to North Carolina from 1987-90.  However, they have replaced all the old bridges and gotten rid of some of the superfluous on/off ramps to frontage roads. 

Anderson to Spartanburg was greatly improved with the added lane as I-85 was frequently traffic clogged.

Mapmikey

Not to mention the low clearances of many of the bridges over I-85, quite a few of which bear nasty scars from vehicle strikes. I'm hugely disappointed with myself for still not having a photo of the one labeled "Clearance 14' 6" with a big chunk knocked out of it.  :clap: Apparently not everyone has gotten the word on what the minimum clearance on Interstate highways is supposed to be.

The last I-85 project, between US 76 and US 29 at Anderson, involved not just widening but complete replacement of the pavement (asphalt northbound, concrete southbound!). The old bridges were retained, though, at the expense of full-width shoulders. I suspect that the original idea for I-85 north of Spartanburg was to widen it while retaining the original paving, but then it was realized that replacement of the paving would be advisable. I'm glad they widened the bridges over most of the watercourses as Mapmikey mentioned, but it really looks like they ran out of money long before finishing what they'd started.

At least they put cable rails in the 36 foot median. They almost certainly saved my daughter's life. Have I posted about that?

To me, the difference in I-85 between NC and SC is striking. The part in SC looks to be years into the period of neglect that sensibly precedes a major upgrade, while the part in NC presents a much more finished appearance.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: PColumbus73 on October 14, 2014, 07:08:59 PM
Here are some projects I'd like to see in SC:

- Rebuild the I-20/26 interchange

- Widen I-85 to six lanes in South Carolina

- Widen I-26 to six lanes from Exit 101 in Columbia to I-385

- Widen I-95 to six lanes from the GA State Line to US 17 (Exit 33)
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Zzonkmiles on October 15, 2014, 02:49:17 PM
Quote from: PColumbus73 on October 14, 2014, 07:08:59 PM
Here are some projects I'd like to see in SC:

- Rebuild the I-20/26 interchange

I have NO idea how this can be done. It really is an awful interchange. It doesn't help that you have the Bush River, Broad River, and St. Andrews Road exits immediately after the gaining interstate traffic merges onto the mainline.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: PColumbus73 on October 15, 2014, 04:16:48 PM
I think in order to make any serious improvements to I-20/26, the surrounding interchanges would have to change. Personally, I would remove all the enterance/exit ramps that go towards the 20/26 interchange. I think that would cut down on some of the weaving. Local traffic that would normally use those exits would have to use the surrounding side streets, but I don't think it would add too much time to a commute.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Alex on October 16, 2014, 09:09:51 AM
Drove through the recently widened section of Interstate 20 east of Columbia. Two things of note: new guide signs still use Highway Gothic, the speed limits remain at 55 miles per hour.

Also widening of Interstate 26 south from Interstate 77 is underway.

I-26 Widening & Rehabilitation Project (http://www.scdot.org/inside/i-26_wide/i26_widening.aspx)

QuoteInterstate 26 will be widened from four to six lanes beginning just east of the I-77 interchange (MP115) and ending just east Old Sandy Run Road (MP 125.5). The interstate will be rehabilitated between Old Sandy Run Road (MP 125.5) and SC 6 (Caw Caw Road) (MP 136). The completed project will improve safety and increase capacity for the estimated 59,000 vehicles per day that use this segment of interstate.

Project Schedule
Construction began on November 17, 2013 and is estimated to be completed in July 2015.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Tom958 on November 14, 2014, 07:29:10 AM
The most interesting thing I saw on my 2012 deployment to SC (https://maps.google.com/maps?ll=28.648992,-81.325383&spn=0.000002,0.001549&t=h&z=20&layer=c&cbll=28.649066,-81.325474&panoid=QPo1k5-l8mdaxASYDkxcVg&cbp=12,115.53,,2,0&output=classic&dg=oo).
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: 74/171FAN on November 14, 2014, 09:19:13 AM
Quote from: Alex on October 16, 2014, 09:09:51 AM
Drove through the recently widened section of Interstate 20 east of Columbia. Two things of note: new guide signs still use Highway Gothic, the speed limits remain at 55 miles per hour.

Also widening of Interstate 26 south from Interstate 77 is underway.

I-26 Widening & Rehabilitation Project (http://www.scdot.org/inside/i-26_wide/i26_widening.aspx)

QuoteInterstate 26 will be widened from four to six lanes beginning just east of the I-77 interchange (MP115) and ending just east Old Sandy Run Road (MP 125.5). The interstate will be rehabilitated between Old Sandy Run Road (MP 125.5) and SC 6 (Caw Caw Road) (MP 136). The completed project will improve safety and increase capacity for the estimated 59,000 vehicles per day that use this segment of interstate.

Project Schedule
Construction began on November 17, 2013 and is estimated to be completed in July 2015.

I only used that portion of I-26 on the way to Charleston from Blacksburg in 2012 (on a Saturday) and traffic seemed to be heavy similar to I-81 around there.  I guess the eventual plan is to widen it to I-95.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: mjb2002 on December 28, 2014, 01:10:54 AM
Some of the projects I'd love to see — all of them in Aiken County:

I would love to see WILLISTON RD (US 278) between Beech Island and where Savannah River Site's land begin get widened to four lanes.

I would love to see the right reverse curve along CHARLESTON HY (US 78) in Windsor removed and made into a more straight segment, much like how HERITAGE HY (US 78 in Bamberg County) was done in regards to a left reverse curve about a decade ago.

Speed limit on ATOMIC RD (S.C. 125) increased to 60 mph along its trunk segment between the Town of Jackson and the US 278 interchange.

An Interstate 20-Secondary Road 779 (S-2-779/RAINBOW FALLS RD) interchange created.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: PColumbus73 on January 06, 2015, 07:02:05 PM
Has anyone else seen the KEEP MOVING CHANGE LANES LATER sign? There are a couple here in Myrtle Beach, one at SC 544 near SC 31 and the light coming from the swing bridge and another at US 17 where SC 90 ends in Little River.

http://www.scdot.org/doing/technicalPDFs/mutcdSupp/supplement_mutcd.pdf (Page 23)

Also, I have some pictures of the new Back Gate Interchange (US 17 and SC 707/Farrow Pkwy) I'll upload them soon.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Mapmikey on January 06, 2015, 07:22:05 PM
At the end of the ramp from I-26 EB at SC 7 SB there has been one of those signs there back to the early 80s, possibly longer...

Mapmikey
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: mvak36 on January 06, 2015, 09:51:19 PM
Quote from: PColumbus73 on January 06, 2015, 07:02:05 PM
Has anyone else seen the KEEP MOVING CHANGE LANES LATER sign? There are a couple here in Myrtle Beach, one at SC 544 near SC 31 and the light coming from the swing bridge and another at US 17 where SC 90 ends in Little River.

http://www.scdot.org/doing/technicalPDFs/mutcdSupp/supplement_mutcd.pdf (Page 23)

Also, I have some pictures of the new Back Gate Interchange (US 17 and SC 707/Farrow Pkwy) I'll upload them soon.

We have something similar in Overland Park, KS (not on an interstate though).
https://goo.gl/maps/7kUhw
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: PColumbus73 on January 06, 2015, 11:22:56 PM
Here are the pictures I took of the Back Gate Interchange in Myrtle Beach in October.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi271.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fjj153%2FPColumbus611%2FImage102820141739081_zpscaac2e3b.jpg&hash=6d4c6d1427a98d5ebf40e31c137543150fc538b2)

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi271.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fjj153%2FPColumbus611%2FImage102820141739211_zps09f4045b.jpg&hash=b3537feb660cdd921128a94d46acc7fc1a299572)

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi271.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fjj153%2FPColumbus611%2FImage102820141740201_zpsb1a0cbf9.jpg&hash=a0ce91a24e26035cccb3a141b4e1fa45579cf50e)

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi271.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fjj153%2FPColumbus611%2FImage102820141742281_zpsc2df3ab8.jpg&hash=95ccfa5f1427fc90e22cdd957f396d636968fa3e)

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi271.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fjj153%2FPColumbus611%2FImage102820141742531_zpsd2f99c29.jpg&hash=9963f674423d489958d51116057f576eba5dd84c)

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi271.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fjj153%2FPColumbus611%2FImage102820141745071_zps63f5eb4d.jpg&hash=46331aacece983f637244449719e231806d56ac3)

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi271.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fjj153%2FPColumbus611%2FImage102820141749101_zps50833755.jpg&hash=d41c309f13b4d9946afee2090ffa5c17dedcae58)
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: WashuOtaku on January 07, 2015, 12:15:43 AM
Quote from: PColumbus73 on January 06, 2015, 07:02:05 PM
Has anyone else seen the KEEP MOVING CHANGE LANES LATER sign? There are a couple here in Myrtle Beach, one at SC 544 near SC 31 and the light coming from the swing bridge and another at US 17 where SC 90 ends in Little River.

Those signs are scattered throughout South Carolina, usually where finder-benders occur often.  Here is one at Celanese Road (SC 161) (http://goo.gl/maps/Lkyng).  Similar signs are also found in North Carolina, but are yellow and show a diagram.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Zzonkmiles on January 07, 2015, 08:11:58 AM
Quote from: PColumbus73 on January 06, 2015, 07:02:05 PM
Has anyone else seen the KEEP MOVING CHANGE LANES LATER sign?

There are several of these signs in Columbia, typically at interstate off ramps that receive a lot of traffic. I've seen them when exiting I-26 west to Harbison Blvd. (Exit 101) and when exiting I-77 north to Killian Road (Exit 22). I think the signs are very useful because traffic would back up real quick otherwise.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: PColumbus73 on January 07, 2015, 11:46:39 AM
True, I think the thing that bothers me the most around here are people who creep in the merge lane, inching forward, but not accelerating enough to safely merge.

While I'm at it, people who crowd the middle of a divided highway when making a left turn gets on my nerves the worst! I've seen upwards of 4 cars bunched together in the middle trying to turn left onto a divided highway. To me, that seems dangerous. I really wish superstreet junctions would take off here like in North Carolina, but South Carolina drivers (at least here in Myrtle Beach) are idiots. A few years ago, SCDOT converted the intersection of SC 9 and HWY 66 outside Loris into a superstreet/Michigan Left and after it was finished, the DOT had to go back and install a cable barrier because drivers were cutting across the now-median.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Henry on January 07, 2015, 12:51:57 PM
Quote from: PColumbus73 on January 06, 2015, 11:22:56 PM
Here are the pictures I took of the Back Gate Interchange in Myrtle Beach in October.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi271.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fjj153%2FPColumbus611%2FImage102820141739081_zpscaac2e3b.jpg&hash=6d4c6d1427a98d5ebf40e31c137543150fc538b2)

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi271.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fjj153%2FPColumbus611%2FImage102820141739211_zps09f4045b.jpg&hash=b3537feb660cdd921128a94d46acc7fc1a299572)

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi271.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fjj153%2FPColumbus611%2FImage102820141740201_zpsb1a0cbf9.jpg&hash=a0ce91a24e26035cccb3a141b4e1fa45579cf50e)

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi271.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fjj153%2FPColumbus611%2FImage102820141742281_zpsc2df3ab8.jpg&hash=95ccfa5f1427fc90e22cdd957f396d636968fa3e)

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi271.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fjj153%2FPColumbus611%2FImage102820141742531_zpsd2f99c29.jpg&hash=9963f674423d489958d51116057f576eba5dd84c)

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi271.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fjj153%2FPColumbus611%2FImage102820141745071_zps63f5eb4d.jpg&hash=46331aacece983f637244449719e231806d56ac3)

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi271.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fjj153%2FPColumbus611%2FImage102820141749101_zps50833755.jpg&hash=d41c309f13b4d9946afee2090ffa5c17dedcae58)
For some reason, I keep thinking Miami whenever I see those palmetto trees! And is US 17 on a viaduct all the way through the area? (because it looks like there's a never-ending bridge that starts at the SC 707/Farrow Parkway interchange you mentioned there)
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: PColumbus73 on January 07, 2015, 01:36:51 PM
It's just a fairly long bridge over a SPUI, it's shorter than it looks. I'm starting to think they should have made it 6 lanes wide instead of 4. US 17 is 6 lanes between 29th Ave N. and Harrelson Blvd (about 2 miles from SC 707). But I am thinking that 17 needs 6 lanes between Grissom Parkway and the Georgetown County line.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Zzonkmiles on January 13, 2015, 02:24:07 PM
I'm a sucker for beautiful pictures of sign bridges. Thanks for the upload.

Oh, and why did SC decide to waste its money by changing the signage for state routes from black letters to blue letters? I find it very distracting.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: PColumbus73 on January 13, 2015, 06:19:24 PM
You're welcome!

I'm not sure why SC changed their state route signage, they've shown up about 5 years ago.


Anyway, the traffic light at US 17 Bypass and Glenns Bay Rd has it's days numbered, including this signal on the left, which is possibly the last of it's kind here in South Carolina. This intersection is getting replaced with a diamond interchange.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi271.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fjj153%2FPColumbus611%2FImage011320151433571a_zpsf8ea6428.jpg&hash=baebfd184bef6640fdefd217dcee7e296d2e7086)
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: WashuOtaku on January 13, 2015, 11:11:52 PM
Quote from: Zzonkmiles on January 13, 2015, 02:24:07 PM
Oh, and why did SC decide to waste its money by changing the signage for state routes from black letters to blue letters? I find it very distracting.

It was done so state highways would be easier identified and it is at no additional cost to the state because the signs are gradually replacing older signs (that would have been replaced regardless) and the blue ink is the same used on interstate signs, so it's something they have plenty stock of.  For more details, here's the original press release:  http://info.scdot.org/PressRelease/Lists/Posts/Post.aspx?ID=1178 (http://info.scdot.org/PressRelease/Lists/Posts/Post.aspx?ID=1178)

I personally like the the signs and how they stand out now, making them more relevant and unique compared to neighboring states.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: hbelkins on January 14, 2015, 02:16:37 PM
There are still a lot of old South Carolina state route markers in existence, and I have seen assemblies with both the old and new style signs.

What I don't like about the new SC markers is that most of the directional banners that are used with them are larger than the standard, meaning that money is wasted on them. Tennessee's state route markers for primary routes are the same size (24x30) as the new SC routes, yet Tennessee still uses a standard 24-inch-wide directional plate, while SC uses a 30-inch-wide banner that is also proportionally taller.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: WashuOtaku on January 14, 2015, 06:37:19 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on January 14, 2015, 02:16:37 PM
There are still a lot of old South Carolina state route markers in existence, and I have seen assemblies with both the old and new style signs.

What I don't like about the new SC markers is that most of the directional banners that are used with them are larger than the standard, meaning that money is wasted on them. Tennessee's state route markers for primary routes are the same size (24x30) as the new SC routes, yet Tennessee still uses a standard 24-inch-wide directional plate, while SC uses a 30-inch-wide banner that is also proportionally taller.

I don't think that is exceptional cost increase by a few inches more; nor do I think their highway sign budget has changed much over the years.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: hbelkins on January 15, 2015, 12:13:33 PM
Probably not terribly expensive, but definitely fugly.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Henry on January 15, 2015, 12:30:12 PM
Count me in as a fan of the new SC highway shields.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: PColumbus73 on January 15, 2015, 03:40:14 PM
Quote from: Henry on January 15, 2015, 12:30:12 PM
Count me in as a fan of the new SC highway shields.

Agreed, they are nicer than the old bland boxes
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: wriddle082 on January 15, 2015, 05:31:26 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on January 15, 2015, 12:13:33 PM
Probably not terribly expensive, but definitely fugly.

As a "naturalized" SC resident raised in states with relatively normal signage, I agree.

I also think the black outlines around US highway shields on BGSs is semi-fugly, though I've grown used to it.  As well as the way exit tabs aren't justified all the way to the left or right edges of the main sign, which I've only ever seen in NYS.

And some of the overly-large warning signage for side roads or traffic signals seems like overkill at times, especially when the funding for said signage could be better spent on improving pavement quality.  But I can see how the signage can be helpful in adverse weather/lighting conditions.  And with the average motorist age constantly increasing, this trend will likely continue.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: freebrickproductions on January 15, 2015, 09:09:53 PM
I like the new SC State Route signage.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Thing 342 on January 20, 2015, 09:45:15 AM
Quote from: PColumbus73 on January 06, 2015, 11:22:56 PM
Here are the pictures I took of the Back Gate Interchange in Myrtle Beach in October.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi271.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fjj153%2FPColumbus611%2FImage102820141739081_zpscaac2e3b.jpg&hash=6d4c6d1427a98d5ebf40e31c137543150fc538b2)

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi271.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fjj153%2FPColumbus611%2FImage102820141742281_zpsc2df3ab8.jpg&hash=95ccfa5f1427fc90e22cdd957f396d636968fa3e)

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi271.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fjj153%2FPColumbus611%2FImage102820141745071_zps63f5eb4d.jpg&hash=46331aacece983f637244449719e231806d56ac3)


These are new signs, correct? I thought SC had gone completely towards Clearview in the past couple of years.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: PColumbus73 on January 20, 2015, 11:34:02 PM
Yes, these are brand new, installed with this interchange
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: wriddle082 on January 25, 2015, 12:29:59 PM
Clearview is on it's way out IIRC per FHWA directive.

I-26 from Clinton to NW of Columbia (where it widens out to six lanes) has new Clearview signs installed early last year.  But the recently finished I-20 widening project NE of Columbia installed Highway Gothic signs.  Funny, but the new signs went up right after the FHWA directive (which stated that the Clearview experiment was over IIRC).  So either SCDOT knew it was coming and planned accordingly with that project, or they made a quick font change just in time to be compliant, or they went by the wrong standards at that time.  It's like they flipped a switch and became compliant with those new installs.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Alex on January 25, 2015, 12:54:58 PM
Quote from: wriddle082 on January 25, 2015, 12:29:59 PM
Clearview is on it's way out IIRC per FHWA directive.

I-26 from Clinton to NW of Columbia (where it widens out to six lanes) has new Clearview signs installed early last year.  But the recently finished I-20 widening project NE of Columbia installed Highway Gothic signs.  Funny, but the new signs went up right after the FHWA directive (which stated that the Clearview experiment was over IIRC).  So either SCDOT knew it was coming and planned accordingly with that project, or they made a quick font change just in time to be compliant, or they went by the wrong standards at that time.  It's like they flipped a switch and became compliant with those new installs.

Carter told me yesterday that new installs along I-85 at Greenville are using Clearview. Maybe they were pre-fabricated stock?
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: OracleUsr on January 25, 2015, 02:42:28 PM
Probably.  I noticed the same thing, but was glad Anderson and Oconee County parts of I-85 did not have Clearview (then again, they're older signs so that probably doesn't count).  US 123 in Pickens County sure has some odd looking reassurance markers that may or may not be partly Clearview.

Kudos to Horry County bucking the trend.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: NJRoadfan on January 25, 2015, 08:06:10 PM
Anyone have a link to this directive that killed off interim approval of Clearview? There are plenty of new signs going up with it still.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: hbelkins on January 25, 2015, 08:21:59 PM
The letter has been posted here several times before. It's not an official rescission of Clearview's use, but it is a letter to a local government saying that FHWA is not granting any new approvals and is looking at rescinding the interim approvals.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: PColumbus73 on January 28, 2015, 01:05:10 PM
I noticed that the FYA is now pretty common in Columbia, is that the only place they exist for now?
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: afone on January 30, 2015, 06:13:42 PM
http://www.wsav.com/story/27987934/sc-plans-to-widen-i-20-west-of-columbia-to-3-lanes
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Zzonkmiles on February 07, 2015, 09:59:34 AM
Quote from: afone on January 30, 2015, 06:13:42 PM
http://www.wsav.com/story/27987934/sc-plans-to-widen-i-20-west-of-columbia-to-3-lanes

Of interest to me was the mention of widening 7 miles of I-77 north of Columbia to three lanes each way. Does this mean they are widening the part of I-77 north of Blythewood (since that's "north of Columbia") or are they widening the four-lane section between I-20 and SC 277 (which is not "north of Columbia" and is definitely less than "7 miles")?
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: wriddle082 on February 08, 2015, 06:16:14 PM
Quote from: Zzonkmiles on February 07, 2015, 09:59:34 AM
Quote from: afone on January 30, 2015, 06:13:42 PM
http://www.wsav.com/story/27987934/sc-plans-to-widen-i-20-west-of-columbia-to-3-lanes

Of interest to me was the mention of widening 7 miles of I-77 north of Columbia to three lanes each way. Does this mean they are widening the part of I-77 north of Blythewood (since that's "north of Columbia") or are they widening the four-lane section between I-20 and SC 277 (which is not "north of Columbia" and is definitely less than "7 miles")?

I'm not sure about that either.  I'd think that widening I-26 NW of the current end of six-lanes up to Chapin would be a better choice than widening 77 up to Blythewood and Ridgeway.  I do agree with many others who believe the four-lane stretch b/w I-20 and SC 277 is fine the way it is, for now.

Other than that, I think widening 26 through Spartanburg would be nice since it can back up during rush hour b/w US 29 and Business 85.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Zzonkmiles on February 28, 2015, 07:04:58 AM
Quote from: wriddle082 on February 08, 2015, 06:16:14 PM
Quote from: Zzonkmiles on February 07, 2015, 09:59:34 AM
Quote from: afone on January 30, 2015, 06:13:42 PM
http://www.wsav.com/story/27987934/sc-plans-to-widen-i-20-west-of-columbia-to-3-lanes

Of interest to me was the mention of widening 7 miles of I-77 north of Columbia to three lanes each way. Does this mean they are widening the part of I-77 north of Blythewood (since that's "north of Columbia") or are they widening the four-lane section between I-20 and SC 277 (which is not "north of Columbia" and is definitely less than "7 miles")?

I'm not sure about that either.  I'd think that widening I-26 NW of the current end of six-lanes up to Chapin would be a better choice than widening 77 up to Blythewood and Ridgeway.  I do agree with many others who believe the four-lane stretch b/w I-20 and SC 277 is fine the way it is, for now.

Fortunately, I don't use I-26 that much outside of the city limits. But I would agree that I-26 NW of Columbia needs widening NOW. As for the I-77 stretch between I-20 and SC 277, I have mixed feelings about it. I'm inclined to say it should be widened, but I know it will be a NIGHTMARE with all the construction. It should be an easy fix for the most part until you get near the I-20/77 interchange and would need to do something about the bridges. Lots of Fort Jackson traffic coming from Killian and Farrow Roads uses this stretch of road. Also, the Exit 17 merge (Two Notch) is a bit dangerous for southbound travelers because of the long acceleration lane that many drivers ignore.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: afone on March 02, 2015, 11:23:14 PM
The U.S. 25 widening in Edgefield County is underway...
QuoteSouth Carolina Department of Transportation says widening the highway to four lanes will increase safety for drivers, but it will also bring economic growth to the area.

"With the industrial parks, we would encourage them to come in with this, it would allow for faster delivery for products and goods," said Tom Dorn, Resident Construction Engineer with SCDOT.

Dorn said with pressing road projects throughout the state, funding was hard to get for this expensive project, but more lanes are needed.

"Currently, it's about 20 percent truck traffic, it is expected to increase about 50 percent in average daily traffic over the next 20 years, and with this project we are going to reduce congestion," said Dorn.

The goal is to make a smoother connection from Greenville to Augusta, bringing more people through the county.

"I think it will be a big improvement for exposure for my business and other businesses on the road," said Griffin.

The project is expected to be completed in August of 2017. SCDOT says there will be limited lane closures and the roadway will remain open as construction rotates between the old and new lanes.
http://www.wjbf.com/story/28241944/construction-begins-on-30-million-highway-widening-project
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: afone on March 03, 2015, 09:35:20 PM
QuoteSen. Ray Cleary's plan raises the state's gas tax 10 cents and allows it to continue to increase with inflation. It also raises the sales tax cap on automobile purchases from $300 to $1,400, eliminates dozens of sales tax exemptions and increases the fees for car registrations and drivers' licenses.
All of his ideas would cost the average driver in South Carolina about an extra $65 per year, said Cleary, a Republican.
"It's a lot less than that to get a front-end alignment,"  said Sen. Joel Lourie, D-Columbia.
Cleary said his bill, which will be filed this week, will net somewhere between $700 million and $800 million a year – about twice the $400 million that plans by the House and Gov. Nikki Haley would raise. Leaders at the Department of Transportation have said $400 million is enough money to keep the state's roads in their current condition. The DOT has said closer to $1.5 billion a year is needed to get South Carolina roads to good condition by 2040.
http://chronicle.augusta.com/news/metro/2015-03-03/senator-plans-bill-raise-800-million-year-sc-roads?v=1425416277
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: PColumbus73 on March 04, 2015, 02:13:04 PM
The Grand Strand has it's first FYA, it is in front of Conway High School.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: WashuOtaku on March 04, 2015, 07:22:21 PM
Quote from: PColumbus73 on March 04, 2015, 02:13:04 PM
The Grand Strand has it's first FYA, it is in front of Conway High School.

FYA?  Fried Yolanda's Artichokes?
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: froggie on March 04, 2015, 07:41:09 PM
Flashing Yellow Arrow, something you've probably seen yourself by now since NCDOT is getting more prolific with them.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: WashuOtaku on March 04, 2015, 08:55:06 PM
Quote from: froggie on March 04, 2015, 07:41:09 PM
Flashing Yellow Arrow, something you've probably seen yourself by now since NCDOT is getting more prolific with them.

Oh.  Yes, they are very common in the Charlotte area.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: wriddle082 on March 11, 2015, 01:23:14 PM
So it looks like they are planning on widening I-77 in the Columbia area from SC 12 Percival Rd (Exit 15) to Blythewood Rd (Exit 22)...

http://info.scdot.org/PressRelease/Lists/Posts/Post.aspx?ID=1916
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Zzonkmiles on March 14, 2015, 01:22:22 PM
Quote from: wriddle082 on March 11, 2015, 01:23:14 PM
So it looks like they are planning on widening I-77 in the Columbia area from SC 12 Percival Rd (Exit 15) to Blythewood Rd (Exit 22)...

http://info.scdot.org/PressRelease/Lists/Posts/Post.aspx?ID=1916

Awesome news. For those who can't access the link, it looks like the following things are scheduled:

1. Widening I-77 from Percival Road to Killian Road from 4 to 6 lanes.
2. Resurfacing I-77 from Percival Road to Blythewood Road.
3. Improving exit ramps and 10 bridges. (Let's hope the Killian Road bridge and Farrow Road bridge are on this list.)
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Zzonkmiles on March 18, 2015, 11:53:12 PM
For those of you who live in or travel through Columbia and need to get to Richmond or Washington DC, do you prefer to go I-20/95 or I-77/85/95? Mapquest says 20/95 is slightly shorter, but I just don't like I-95 in NC. Traffic doesn't flow as easily and the road just seems to drag on. After all the widening and road construction, I-85 between Charlotte and Greensboro is much more pleasant. If this way is longer, it's only by maybe 15 minutes or so. So my vote goes to I-77/85/95, but I'm curious to see what you all think.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: The Nature Boy on March 18, 2015, 11:55:02 PM
Quote from: Zzonkmiles on March 18, 2015, 11:53:12 PM
For those of you who live in or travel through Columbia and need to get to Richmond or Washington DC, do you prefer to go I-20/95 or I-77/85/95? Mapquest says 20/95 is slightly shorter, but I just don't like I-95 in NC. Traffic doesn't flow as easily and the road just seems to drag on. After all the widening and road construction, I-85 between Charlotte and Greensboro is much more pleasant. If this way is longer, it's only by maybe 15 minutes or so. So my vote goes to I-77/85/95, but I'm curious to see what you all think.

I'd be skeptical of I-85 being all that much faster actually. Rush hour traffic in Charlotte and the Triangle can get pretty bad. If you time it right, you'll be fine though.

I-95 in North Carolina is in desperate need of a widening, but it's a great drive if you like pine trees.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Alex on March 19, 2015, 08:31:13 AM
Quote from: Zzonkmiles on March 18, 2015, 11:53:12 PM
For those of you who live in or travel through Columbia and need to get to Richmond or Washington DC, do you prefer to go I-20/95 or I-77/85/95? Mapquest says 20/95 is slightly shorter, but I just don't like I-95 in NC. Traffic doesn't flow as easily and the road just seems to drag on. After all the widening and road construction, I-85 between Charlotte and Greensboro is much more pleasant. If this way is longer, it's only by maybe 15 minutes or so. So my vote goes to I-77/85/95, but I'm curious to see what you all think.

Have done both corridors. The I-95 aspect can be a bear depending upon the season due to it just being just four lanes. If it were December, I'd definitely avoid it unless you were to travel it late at night.

I-85, well as Ric Flair wrote above, can give you the peak hour issue of traffic to contend with. However with that stated, I-85 is vastly more interesting, and its four-lane stretch through Virginia is somewhat lightly traveled. More work is slated for the route through Salisbury too, so if you want to avoid construction, there's basically none on I-20/95 vs. the I-85 widening/interchange redesign work.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: 1995hoo on March 19, 2015, 09:58:04 AM
Quote from: Zzonkmiles on March 18, 2015, 11:53:12 PM
For those of you who live in or travel through Columbia and need to get to Richmond or Washington DC, do you prefer to go I-20/95 or I-77/85/95? Mapquest says 20/95 is slightly shorter, but I just don't like I-95 in NC. Traffic doesn't flow as easily and the road just seems to drag on. After all the widening and road construction, I-85 between Charlotte and Greensboro is much more pleasant. If this way is longer, it's only by maybe 15 minutes or so. So my vote goes to I-77/85/95, but I'm curious to see what you all think.

I tend to use neither, due partly to boredom with I-95 and I-85 and partly to the unpredictability of the traffic on I-95 between Richmond and DC. I attended law school in Durham and so I used to make the I-85/I-95 trip to Northern Virginia all the time and it simply holds no interest at all for me anymore.

If I want to go from the DC area to Columbia or vice versa, I've taken a real liking to using US-29 through Virginia and on down to Greensboro, then I-85 and I-77. I have not made the trip between Richmond and Columbia, but it'd be easy to use US-360 from Danville up to the Richmond vicinity and then connect as needed (it dumps you at Route 288 southwest of Richmond; 288 connects to I-95 and I-64, and to the Powhite Parkway for direct access towards downtown if you don't mind a toll).

Both of these routes add some time over the Interstate, to be sure, because you can't drive as fast (most of US-29 in Virginia is posted at 60 mph with short 65-mph segments and a lone 70-mph segment near Lynchburg). But there also isn't any traffic. US-29 from Danville to Lynchburg is one of the emptiest major roads in this part of the country. The downside of that, of course, is that there isn't enough other traffic to grab the cops' attention. I do see speed enforcement every time I use that road, which is why it adds time over the Interstate.

If I needed to use the Interstate route, I would use the I-77 to I-85 route, perhaps using some other route to detour around the Charlotte area if I were going to arrive there during peak hours. Last time I was through Charlotte there was still construction on I-85 northeast of the city, as Alex mentioned. US-1 from Rockingham up to Raleigh is a decent route, as is the US-220/I-73 corridor between Rockingham and Greensboro, but you have the problem of getting there. It's out of the way to go up to Charlotte and then across, but the two-lane roads in South Carolina south of Rockingham add significant time due to the need to go slowly through some towns like Cheraw (pleasant enough looking place, but slow!). Aside from the construction near Charlotte and the rush-hour traffic, though, I-85 through North Carolina is a vastly better road than I-95 in the same state.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: wriddle082 on March 22, 2015, 10:53:05 AM
Quote from: Zzonkmiles on March 18, 2015, 11:53:12 PM
For those of you who live in or travel through Columbia and need to get to Richmond or Washington DC, do you prefer to go I-20/95 or I-77/85/95? Mapquest says 20/95 is slightly shorter, but I just don't like I-95 in NC. Traffic doesn't flow as easily and the road just seems to drag on. After all the widening and road construction, I-85 between Charlotte and Greensboro is much more pleasant. If this way is longer, it's only by maybe 15 minutes or so. So my vote goes to I-77/85/95, but I'm curious to see what you all think.

The current I-85 construction just NE of Charlotte up to Concord/Kannapolis is just wrapping up.  All that's left is opening up the final stretch of I-485 (thus finishing that interchange) and some minor finishing up work at some interchanges.  Other than that, I'm not exactly sure when they will start turning dirt the rest of the way from Concord/Kannapolis up to China Grove where it goes back to 8 lanes, but it might be next year.

My experience with Charlotte is getting through from about 9:30 AM to 3 PM on weekdays is best along I-77.  If you hit it during afternoon rush, jump on I-277 Brookshire Frwy to cut over to US 29 N Tryon St to get around that awful 77/85 interchange, then jump back on 85 at Sugar Creek Rd or NC 24 Harris Blvd.  The widened stretch of 85 flows very well.  Then there may be some resurfacing around Lexington, but going around Greensboro, Burlington, and Durham (I think) should be just fine.

I've driven US 1 between Rockingham and Camden a lot.  It's not only slow, but rough as hell.  It desperately needs resurfacing through all of Chesterfield County.  I've always thought it needs to be widened, or even made a freeway, through here to stimulate some growth.

Long story short:  use I-20 and I-95 if you're in a hurry; use I-77 and I-85 if you want a change of scenery.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Zzonkmiles on March 31, 2015, 06:42:57 AM
Interesting perspectives. Can't say I disagree with anything you guys said.

I just drove back to DC and back to SC. I took 77/85/95 to get there and 95/20 to get back. Both routes are about the same length, but the fact that 85 has 6 lanes or 8 lanes (during its concurrency with 40) really helps with traffic flow. And the fact that it goes through more urban areas makes it much more interesting. With 95, especially in NC, the scenery almost never changed. There were no points of interest, no metro areas, no unique engineering features, nothing. And the road seems less well maintained too.

I think on my next trip, I'll try 77/81/66. I've only driven the short section of 81 that overlaps with 77, so 81 is really a foreign entity to me. I also know that 66 has ridiculous traffic, so I may make a really long detour by going 77/81/64/95. Since I'll be traveling by myself, this is not an issue. Heh.  :-D

I never thought about taking US-29 though. I'm not much of a US route lover (because I don't like traffic lights), but I can be persuaded, especially if the route is actually shorter.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: froggie on March 31, 2015, 08:41:30 AM
QuoteI think on my next trip, I'll try 77/81/66. I've only driven the short section of 81 that overlaps with 77, so 81 is really a foreign entity to me. I also know that 66 has ridiculous traffic, so I may make a really long detour by going 77/81/64/95.

The "ridiculous traffic" on 66 is almost all east of US 29/Gainesville.  66 isn't bad west of there.  Overall, 95 is consistently worse than 66.

Also, 81 has a lot of trucks.  A LOT.  Not sure how you are with that, but many don't like it.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: 1995hoo on March 31, 2015, 08:46:09 AM
In the (relative) short term, note there is also road construction on I-66 between Gainesville and Haymarket due to a widening project. The construction is in its early stages but is bound to pick up now that spring seems to be arriving.

Southbound I-95 through North Carolina is a lot less interesting since South of the Border took down the un-PC billboards written in "Spanglish" containing all sorts of Mexican jokes.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Mapmikey on March 31, 2015, 09:25:48 AM
US 29 from Greensboro to north of Danville has zero stoplights; a handful of lights up to US 460; 1 stoplight between US 460 and I-64.

US 29 north of I-64 is either full of stoplights (through Charlottesville to US 33; Warrenton to I-66) or very busy.

But if you are willing to use I-64 east to Richmond already or cut across horse country to the Fredericksburg area, US 29 is more pleasant to drive than I-81 and has speed limits over 55 in many locations.

It cannot be overstated how much truck traffic there is on I-81.

Mapmikey
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: DeaconG on March 31, 2015, 10:15:52 AM
Quote from: 1995hoo on March 31, 2015, 08:46:09 AM
In the (relative) short term, note there is also road construction on I-66 between Gainesville and Haymarket due to a widening project. The construction is in its early stages but is bound to pick up now that spring seems to be arriving.

Southbound I-95 through North Carolina is a lot less interesting since South of the Border took down the un-PC billboards written in "Spanglish" containing all sorts of Mexican jokes.

Yes, the first time I saw 'Meth Pedro' I went "WHOA, dude...are you wired or something?" And it didn't get better the closer I got there...
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: 1995hoo on March 31, 2015, 10:54:48 AM
Quote from: Mapmikey on March 31, 2015, 09:25:48 AM
US 29 from Greensboro to north of Danville has zero stoplights; a handful of lights up to US 460; 1 stoplight between US 460 and I-64.

US 29 north of I-64 is either full of stoplights (through Charlottesville to US 33; Warrenton to I-66) or very busy.

But if you are willing to use I-64 east to Richmond already or cut across horse country to the Fredericksburg area ....

This sort of thing is one reason why I suggested US-360 as a possible option up to Richmond. Admittedly it's been several years since I've been on that road, but I remember the portion from Danville up to Burkeville as being extremely rural and moving along quite nicely (brief slow segment in South Boston, but nothing major). I'm sure the area southwest of Richmond is more developed than it used to be, but then you also have the Route 288 bypass that didn't exist when I visited that area more frequently. Nowadays you can use 288 up to I-64 and then onto I-295.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: froggie on March 31, 2015, 11:38:15 AM
US 360 is the only non-freeway that the General Assembly allows VDOT to post at 65 MPH.  Most of the stretch from Clover to at least Keysville (if not farther to Burkeville) is posted as such.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: 1995hoo on April 01, 2015, 05:35:56 PM
Quote from: froggie on March 31, 2015, 11:38:15 AM
US 360 is the only non-freeway that the General Assembly allows VDOT to post at 65 MPH.  Most of the stretch from Clover to at least Keysville (if not farther to Burkeville) is posted as such.

Now that's interesting. I'll take your word for it since I have not been on there since that was posted. The speed limit statute (46.2-870) doesn't appear to say anything about 65 on there. Do you know when something else was enacted granting an exception for that segment and where it was codified?

http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?000+cod+46.2-870
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: froggie on April 01, 2015, 06:06:53 PM
After some further research, I may have erred.  US 360 was the first non-freeway route that the General Assembly allowed VDOT to post more than 55...that was codified in 2004.  But I erred in thinking it was 65...it's actually 60.  What I recall from the time was that 65 was proposed, but 60 is what passed the GA.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: 1995hoo on April 01, 2015, 09:58:09 PM
Thanks. Too bad, I wish it were 65 because it'd be reason for optimism that they might then extend it to other roads (similar to how they allowed 70 on just I-85 and then expanded that).

Either way (in an attempt to keep things on-topic!), 29/360 is still a good route from Greensboro up to Richmond. Can't necessarily go as fast as on I-85, but the utter lack of traffic (and traffic lights) for much of the route makes for a relaxing drive, which to me is often a reason to use a particular route just for a break.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: froggie on May 16, 2015, 08:30:46 AM
SCDOT has begun a study of the I-20/I-26/I-126 "Carolina Crossroads" area near Columbia, SC.  They have a project website up at:

http://www.scdotcarolinacrossroads.com/

A member of the Freewayjim Facebook page went to a recent public meeting and posted some comments, including a desire to connect 126 to 277 and build a spur towards downtown from the 26/77 vicinity.

Some of my own comments:

- The project website is appalling. Especially the lack of maps/data/info.  It's like all flash and no bling.  Even if they're early in the project process, they could still show the maps they had at the public meeting or an overall study map.

- The 20/26 interchange could indeed stand to be improved. One thing to keep in mind, though, is that the more extravagant the interchange design, the more right-of-way is required, and the more expensive it'll be. At first blush, I think a design with two opposing flyovers, and keeping two loops, should work.

- Complicating the 20/26 interchange is the proximity to interchanges on both 20 and 26 at Bush River Rd, ESPECIALLY on 26. This'll require either C/D roads (more money and probably some ROW), or closing/realigning some ramps to/from Bush River Rd. I'd look at eliminating the north ramps at 26, directing that traffic over to 20.

- I don't see connecting 126 to 277 as being necessary. Nevermind that it would require going through either residential areas or a cemetery in order to make such a connection.

- On a similar vein, getting a spur up into the city from 26/77 is probably not going to happen because there's no clear way to get such a spur towards downtown without taking out a lot of right-of-way. The city's pretty built up on that side of the core, plus there are two large mining quarries and the river in the way.

- If the goal is to improve access into downtown from the south (i.e. 26/77), you'd be better off improving access from 26 to Klapman Blvd, but even that would require taking out commercial property and parking lots along a 0.6mi stretch of US 1/Augusta Rd.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Mapmikey on May 16, 2015, 09:57:11 AM
without looking at any of the project plans, it looks to me that if you could connect I-126 to I-20 along the river you could eliminate some of the movements at the 20-26 interchange and free up some room for improving that interchange...

Mapmikey
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: cjk374 on May 16, 2015, 10:35:04 PM
I leave for Pawley's Island on May 30th. I'll be coming in on I-20, exiting onto SC 39, go through Orangeburg, to US 301, to US 521, to US 17 to our resort. Is there anything I need to be warned about along these routes?
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Zzonkmiles on May 18, 2015, 06:22:15 AM
Quote from: Zzonkmiles on March 18, 2015, 11:53:12 PM
For those of you who live in or travel through Columbia and need to get to Richmond or Washington DC, do you prefer to go I-20/95 or I-77/85/95? Mapquest says 20/95 is slightly shorter, but I just don't like I-95 in NC. Traffic doesn't flow as easily and the road just seems to drag on. After all the widening and road construction, I-85 between Charlotte and Greensboro is much more pleasant. If this way is longer, it's only by maybe 15 minutes or so. So my vote goes to I-77/85/95, but I'm curious to see what you all think.

Could I kindly ask a moderator to take this post and the posts related to it and separate them from this thread and consolidate them into a new topic? I didn't know where to post this question originally since it could go on the South Carolina or Virginia (or even North Carolina) pages. But maybe it would be more appropriate as a standalone topic in the Southeast board. I have more I want to say about this topic, but now realize this conversation would be better kept separate from the South Carolina-specific page. Thanks in advance, and my apologies.  :)
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Henry on May 18, 2015, 11:18:52 AM
Everybody knows that connecting I-126 to SC 277 is purely pie in the sky. And I don't see the need for another spur into downtown, with the aforementioned two already there.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: D-Dey65 on November 02, 2015, 02:04:11 PM
Google Maps gives the southbound I-95 Santee Rest Area the street name of "Southrest Lane." Is that official, or is it something Google made up?

Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Mileage Mike on November 16, 2015, 05:31:49 PM
Interstate 526 killed by SC State officials and NIMBY's in Charleston.

http://www.postandcourier.com/article/20151106/PC16/151109596
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: The Ghostbuster on November 19, 2015, 04:06:57 PM
Is this cancelation permanent?
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Mileage Mike on November 20, 2015, 10:37:00 PM
Quote from: The Ghostbuster on November 19, 2015, 04:06:57 PM
Is this cancelation permanent?

Theoretically it's possible that the road could still be built.  But with the rapid development occurring in the proposed corridor, the cost will probably be approaching $1B by the time they realize they screwed up by not building it.  At which point if it ever does get built, it would likely have to be a tollway.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: D-Dey65 on November 22, 2015, 10:38:38 PM
Quote from: Cemajr on November 16, 2015, 05:31:49 PM
Interstate 526 killed by SC State officials and NIMBY's in Charleston.

http://www.postandcourier.com/article/20151106/PC16/151109596
Christ, they're going to do the same shit they've done in other Metro Areas and create the same damn problems!
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: froggie on November 23, 2015, 10:38:41 AM
Hard to say.  That's a roadway with a huge price tag and HUGE environmental impacts.  I just don't think the traffic relief is worth those costs.  Nevermind that the Charleston area is overbuilt anyway....all it'll take is another Hugo and half that development will be wiped out.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Alex on December 05, 2015, 05:28:59 PM
Carter forwarded this to me this morning. The S.C. 153 extension will stem north from the partial interchange with US 123 than veer west and north to Saluda Dam Road.

Plan to relieve U.S. 123 traffic moving forward (http://www.greenvilleonline.com/story/news/local/2015/11/25/local-officials-still-waiting-long-delayed-plan-cut-us-123-congestion/76337036/)

QuoteThe $20 million extension of Highway 153 appears to be moving forward after a regional transportation planning group fired off a blistering letter to members of Congress complaining that the project remained mired in red tape eight years after local officials had designated it a high priority.

QuoteThe 3.4-mile project is designed to reduce traffic congestion on U.S. 123 by giving motorists an alternative route to certain destinations.

QuoteThe plan would extend Highway 153 beyond its intersection with U.S. 123, taking it over railroad tracks and along Rolling Hills Circle behind the Walmart-anchored Easley Town Center.

The proposed route would connect with Prince Perry Road on the other side of Walmart and from there continue across undeveloped land to Saluda Dam Road.

The road would have two lanes with a paved medium in the middle and sidewalks and bicycle paths along the stretch behind Walmart, said Tommy Elrod, Upstate program manager in SCDOT's Greenville office.

QuoteHeather Robbins, acting director of environmental services with SCDOT in Columbia, said her agency hopes to have the necessary permit from the Army Corps of Engineers by late summer of 2016 and can issue bids for the highway work after that.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Eth on December 13, 2015, 08:24:47 PM
I was in Charleston this past weekend and noticed this pretty old-looking sign assembly (https://www.google.com/maps/@32.7941,-79.9391378,3a,75y,330.22h,77.66t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sdhP0-1Q5NbmBk9OWxg_iRg!2e0!6s%2F%2Fgeo3.ggpht.com%2Fcbk%3Fpanoid%3DdhP0-1Q5NbmBk9OWxg_iRg%26output%3Dthumbnail%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile.gps%26thumb%3D2%26w%3D203%26h%3D100%26yaw%3D67.213829%26pitch%3D0!7i13312!8i6656) at the corner of Meeting and Spring. Are these leftover signs from an old alignment of US 17? (They'd still work today with "TO" banners added.)
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Mapmikey on December 13, 2015, 08:48:04 PM
Quote from: Eth on December 13, 2015, 08:24:47 PM
I was in Charleston this past weekend and noticed this pretty old-looking sign assembly (https://www.google.com/maps/@32.7941,-79.9391378,3a,75y,330.22h,77.66t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sdhP0-1Q5NbmBk9OWxg_iRg!2e0!6s%2F%2Fgeo3.ggpht.com%2Fcbk%3Fpanoid%3DdhP0-1Q5NbmBk9OWxg_iRg%26output%3Dthumbnail%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile.gps%26thumb%3D2%26w%3D203%26h%3D100%26yaw%3D67.213829%26pitch%3D0!7i13312!8i6656) at the corner of Meeting and Spring. Are these leftover signs from an old alignment of US 17? (They'd still work today with "TO" banners added.)

US 17 did use Spring to Meeting but stopped doing so decades ago.  These signs visually look about the same as they did 30+ years ago.  This is the last white border US route marker in SC I am aware of...

Mike
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: noelbotevera on December 13, 2015, 09:04:32 PM
Quote from: Mapmikey on December 13, 2015, 08:48:04 PM
Quote from: Eth on December 13, 2015, 08:24:47 PM
I was in Charleston this past weekend and noticed this pretty old-looking sign assembly (https://www.google.com/maps/@32.7941,-79.9391378,3a,75y,330.22h,77.66t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sdhP0-1Q5NbmBk9OWxg_iRg!2e0!6s%2F%2Fgeo3.ggpht.com%2Fcbk%3Fpanoid%3DdhP0-1Q5NbmBk9OWxg_iRg%26output%3Dthumbnail%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile.gps%26thumb%3D2%26w%3D203%26h%3D100%26yaw%3D67.213829%26pitch%3D0!7i13312!8i6656) at the corner of Meeting and Spring. Are these leftover signs from an old alignment of US 17? (They'd still work today with "TO" banners added.)

US 17 did use Spring to Meeting but stopped doing so decades ago.  These signs visually look about the same as they did 30+ years ago.  This is the last white border US route marker in SC I am aware of...

Mike
:wow: :wow: :wow:
How has anyone noticed these? What an antique!
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: NWI_Irish96 on January 11, 2016, 03:25:20 PM
My apologies.  Not attempting to hijack a thread but need an opinion on a specific Myrtle Beach hotel from people who live in/near or frequently travel there.  If you can be of assistance, please PM me.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: PColumbus73 on January 12, 2016, 08:30:45 PM
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi271.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fjj153%2FPColumbus611%2FCombined%2520Maps_zpspfj2u7sg.png&hash=9d3b7201595b135a3be393b3fcd1df9c1a9b036e) Here is my idea on how to fix 20/26.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: brownpelican on January 17, 2016, 01:29:38 AM
I like it. Nice use of the C/D lanes.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: PColumbus73 on January 19, 2016, 09:52:40 PM
Thanks! I think in order to solve the 20/26, the surrounding exits need to be grouped in, especially between St Andrews and 20
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: D-Dey65 on February 12, 2016, 09:31:25 PM
Some anonymous IP posted I-395 at the on the I-95 in South Carolina article on Wikipedia, and I know that there has been a huge reconstruction project at I-95 and US 301 near Santee.
https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Interstate_95_in_South_Carolina&oldid=704677923

So is this intended to be a real I-395?

Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: WashuOtaku on February 12, 2016, 10:21:20 PM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on February 12, 2016, 09:31:25 PM
Some anonymous IP posted I-395 at the on the I-95 in South Carolina article on Wikipedia, and I know that there has been a huge reconstruction project at I-95 and US 301 near Santee.
https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Interstate_95_in_South_Carolina&oldid=704677923

So is this intended to be a real I-395?

Some one just screwing around, it has since been removed.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: D-Dey65 on February 13, 2016, 01:07:36 AM
Quote from: WashuOtaku on February 12, 2016, 10:21:20 PM
Some one just screwing around, it has since been removed.
Yes, I saw that. But what is it going to be? I still can't find the article about it, or any thread that we had here.


Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: WashuOtaku on February 13, 2016, 04:41:13 PM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on February 13, 2016, 01:07:36 AM
Quote from: WashuOtaku on February 12, 2016, 10:21:20 PM
Some one just screwing around, it has since been removed.
Yes, I saw that. But what is it going to be? I still can't find the article about it, or any thread that we had here.

The person may be just doing some future highway thing in his/her head and making changes in Wikipedia because they can.  There is no way a new interstate would fly under-the-radar and suddenly exist without someone reporting it. 
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: D-Dey65 on March 03, 2016, 10:06:21 PM
Hey, did anybody know that the Interstate 95 Exit Information Guide still thinks the Pee Dee Rest Areas are open. I mean it'd be cool if they were, but they aren't.

http://www.i95exitguide.com/rest-areas/south-carolina-rest-areas/

Or did they actually rebuild and reopen them?
  :-/
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Mapmikey on March 03, 2016, 10:42:40 PM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on March 03, 2016, 10:06:21 PM
Hey, did anybody know that the Interstate 95 Exit Information Guide still thinks the Pee Dee Rest Areas are open. I mean it'd be cool if they were, but they aren't.

http://www.i95exitguide.com/rest-areas/south-carolina-rest-areas/

Or did they actually rebuild and reopen them?
  :-/


They were still closed when I was last through there in Nov 2015.

When still open, the mosquitoes there were terrible...

Mike
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: D-Dey65 on March 04, 2016, 12:36:56 AM
Quote from: Mapmikey on March 03, 2016, 10:42:40 PM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on March 03, 2016, 10:06:21 PM
Hey, did anybody know that the Interstate 95 Exit Information Guide still thinks the Pee Dee Rest Areas are open. I mean it'd be cool if they were, but they aren't.

http://www.i95exitguide.com/rest-areas/south-carolina-rest-areas/

Or did they actually rebuild and reopen them?
  :-/


They were still closed when I was last through there in Nov 2015.

When still open, the mosquitoes there were terrible...

Mike
Me too, and if the mosquitoes were as bad as you say, I'm glad I never explored that place. Something about it has always intrigued me though, and I've never been able to figure out what it was.

Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: The Ghostbuster on March 04, 2016, 04:47:21 PM
Next time, why don't you guys bring plenty of bug spray!
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: cpzilliacus on August 31, 2016, 01:08:46 AM
Charlotte Observer: How spending too little on SC roads costs hundreds of lives (http://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/politics-government/article98358507.html)

QuoteGrayson Lee, 19, was driving to Columbia from Charleston when her car ran off Interstate 26, slamming into a tree.

QuoteLee was thrown from her Ford Mustang, dying nearly two years ago on Sept. 2, 2014, her mother Amy Lee recalled.

Quote"It was instant,"  Lee said of her daughter's death.

QuoteGrayson Lee is one of 4,534 people who died on S.C. roads since 2011.

QuoteHundreds of those deaths could have been prevented if the state spent more to make its roads safer. But the S.C. Department of Transportation says it doesn't have the money it would need to save those lives.

Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: jwolfer on August 31, 2016, 10:59:41 PM
I just traveled to Myrtle Beach.. SC state roads are in the same shape as a poor rural Florida county's roads.  I could not believe the sorry state of us 378 between I95 and Conway considering Myrtle Beach is a major tourist destination. And the urban us 17 in MB was not in great shape.. 17 was better near Charleston
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: brownpelican on September 14, 2016, 10:13:07 PM
Charleston County and city leaders are threatening legal action (http://abcnews4.com/news/local/526-saga-continues-county-threatens-legal-action-with-friday-deadline) against the State Infrastructure Bank if its leaders doesn't meet with Charleston leaders about plans to finish Interstate 525. Charleston leaders say bank leaders have until 5 pm Friday to set a date.

Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: amroad17 on September 14, 2016, 10:20:02 PM
Quote from: brownpelican on September 14, 2016, 10:13:07 PM
Charleston County and city leaders are threatening legal action (http://abcnews4.com/news/local/526-saga-continues-county-threatens-legal-action-with-friday-deadline) against the State Infrastructure Bank if its leaders doesn't meet with Charleston leaders about plans to finish Interstate 526. Charleston leaders say bank leaders have until 5 pm Friday to set a date.
Why would they care about a spur interstate in New Mexico, Colorado, or Wyoming?  :hmmm:

Seriously though, FIFY.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: The Ghostbuster on September 15, 2016, 06:29:46 PM
Why the legal action threats? I thought the Interstate 526 extension was canceled?
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: PColumbus73 on November 07, 2016, 05:27:07 PM
http://www.scdotcarolinacrossroads.com/alternatives/

SCDOT updated their website for the I-20/26/126 interchange project. It looks like the project would involve work on all the interchanges on I-26 between Lake Murray Blvd and US 378 and I-20 from US 176 (Broad River Rd) to Bush River Rd.

What surprised me is that some of the alternatives involved adding a connector from I-126 to WB I-20. Another alternative involved MOVING the terminus of I-126 to I-20. There are no description for what the scope of the project is.

A lot of interchanges that do not involve I-20/26/126 feature the use of DDIs as an alternative, there are a few offset interchanges featured as well.

If there is anyone from the Columbia area here, I wonder if rebuilding so many interchanges on I-26 is necessary.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Mapmikey on November 07, 2016, 08:18:29 PM
This will be the second time most of those interchanges along I-26 have been rebuilt.  Only I-26 at I-20 and I-26 at Harbison Rd have not already been rebuilt from their original configurations.  For I-26 at US 378, that would be the second time the EB ramp to US 378 was lengthened.

I am a fan of extending I-126 west to I-20 directly.  It should be done in a way so that some of the ramps at the I-20/26 jct can be eliminated.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: D-Dey65 on December 10, 2016, 12:01:17 AM
New question;

On I-85 at Exit 1, you've got a neglected stub running southeast of SC 11 from the northbound ramps. What was that stub intended for?


While we're at it, near the opposite end you've got northbound Exit 102, which suddenly becomes a two-way road in front of this abandoned loop road. What was there, and wouldn't it just make sense to end all the two-way Traffic at Henson Road?

Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Mapmikey on December 11, 2016, 11:41:11 AM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on December 10, 2016, 12:01:17 AM
New question;

On I-85 at Exit 1, you've got a neglected stub running southeast of SC 11 from the northbound ramps. What was that stub intended for?


While we're at it, near the opposite end you've got northbound Exit 102, which suddenly becomes a two-way road in front of this abandoned loop road. What was there, and wouldn't it just make sense to end all the two-way Traffic at Henson Road?



There is a cemetery and also private property southeast of SC 11 that cannot be accessed any other way than through the gate at the end of that stub.

At the other end, I cannot tell what that property used to be (building removed btw 1999-2005).  The ramp as is looks very dangerous and the property can theoretically be accessed from Henson Rd, though it might be through someone else's land which IIRC is not necessarily something that can be forced by another property owner...
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Revive 755 on December 11, 2016, 11:53:54 AM
Quote from: PColumbus73 on November 07, 2016, 05:27:07 PM
http://www.scdotcarolinacrossroads.com/alternatives/

SCDOT updated their website for the I-20/26/126 interchange project. It looks like the project would involve work on all the interchanges on I-26 between Lake Murray Blvd and US 378 and I-20 from US 176 (Broad River Rd) to Bush River Rd.

They need 3-D views or more detailed maps that show structure locations, as the current maps do not work well for some of non-conventional alternatives such as the stacked diamond.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: oscar on December 11, 2016, 08:21:37 PM
Last week, I took a short-notice road trip to South Carolina from my home in northern Virginia. I already posted a note on the Virginia portion of the trip in the Mid-Atlantc board. The NC part of my trip was unexceptional.

In the Carolinas, I basically took US 321 on the way down, did a side trip to Hilton Head Island on US 278 and its business route, and went back home on US 21. I clinched both US 321 and US 21 overall, except a short gap on US 21 between I-20 and I-77 due to a bridge closure.

I was unhappy with the quality of the signage along US 21 and I-77 between Columbia SC and Charlotte. My big gripe was that on the part of I-77 I had to drive at night, all the signs were poorly reflectorized. (I haven't noticed that issue at night on SC's other Interstates.) That included in particular the logo signs, which I wanted to use to hunt for overnight lodging. I wound up backtracking to an exit where I had seen a Motel 6 sign, and then wandered around to look for better options (I wound up at a Super 8 instead). Usually I'm semi-comfortable with night driving on Interstates, but I'm not going to do that again on that part of I-77.

A lesser gripe is that missing junction signage made it hard to follow US 21, even in the daytime, in northern South Carolina. I didn't encounter that problem on US 321, or south of Columbia on US 21.

Otherwise, I thought road quality in SC was adequate, though I have fairly low standards.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: CanesFan27 on December 14, 2016, 10:43:47 PM
This was a feature that I never got around to including on the old SC Highways Page - it is on the Poinsett Bridge in Upstate South Carolina.  It is definitely worth going off the beaten path and a short hike to explore and see.

The bridge is a gothic stone arch bridge that was built in 1820 for what was then known as the State Road / Saluda Mountain Road.  It is the oldest surviving bridge in the state - and perhaps the southeast.

http://surewhynotnow.blogspot.com/2016/12/poinsetts-bridge.html

Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: afguy on January 19, 2017, 11:19:29 AM
QuoteSouth Carolina's House leaders say their latest road-funding plan would eventually add more than $600 million yearly into roadwork.

The proposal introduced Wednesday would raise the gas tax by 10 cents, to 26 cents per gallon, over five years. It would also increase the sales tax cap on vehicles, impose fees on hybrid and electric vehicles, and create a fee on out-of-state truckers, based on the miles they drive while passing through South Carolina.

House Speaker Jay Lucas says the legislation ensures every driver who uses South Carolina's roadways helps pay for them.
http://www.wjcl.com/article/south-carolina-house-leaders-plan-would-raise-dollar600m-annually-for-roads/8614745
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Mapmikey on February 09, 2017, 04:50:02 PM
I-526 extension may be back on the table...

http://www.postandcourier.com/news/charleston-county-leaders-likely-ready-to-commit-to-funding-i/article_485449ec-e89d-11e6-b5e6-072ed61bb071.html

Charleston County is going to vote today on covering the shortfall in cost over what is/was being offered from other sources...
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: D-Dey65 on March 07, 2017, 08:36:46 AM
Remember that request for an I-95 Business Loop in Walterboro (http://www.walterborosc.org/Data/Sites/1/media/walterboro%20i-95%20corridor%20presentation%20to%20council.pdf)? Well, why not another one in Ridgeland between Exits 18 and 22?

Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: adventurernumber1 on March 12, 2017, 11:44:44 PM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on March 07, 2017, 08:36:46 AM
Remember that request for an I-95 Business Loop in Walterboro (http://www.walterborosc.org/Data/Sites/1/media/walterboro%20i-95%20corridor%20presentation%20to%20council.pdf)? Well, why not another one in Ridgeland between Exits 18 and 22?

I think that both of those could probably be worthwhile.  :hmmm:


Quote from: Mapmikey on February 09, 2017, 04:50:02 PM
I-526 extension may be back on the table...

http://www.postandcourier.com/news/charleston-county-leaders-likely-ready-to-commit-to-funding-i/article_485449ec-e89d-11e6-b5e6-072ed61bb071.html

Charleston County is going to vote today on covering the shortfall in cost over what is/was being offered from other sources...

An Interstate 526 extension is long overdue. It simply just is not right that this interstate does not yet also cross onto the Johns and James Islands. My family and I are taking a vacation to the Charleston area this summer, and we will be going to the beach on Kiawah Island, and a more convenient route to get there would exist if only I-526 were already extended. Well, hopefully this extension will happen very soon!  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: PColumbus73 on March 18, 2017, 12:08:37 AM
If you want I-526 done faster, you should be praying that it's only the residents whining about aesthetics and not the Coastal Conservation League trying to kill the project. Up in Myrtle Beach, Horry County has been trying to build a 5 1/2 mile road through a wetland area since 2015, but the CCL has been fighting it tooth and nail.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: jwolfer on March 18, 2017, 04:37:22 AM
Quote from: PColumbus73 on March 18, 2017, 12:08:37 AM
If you want I-526 done faster, you should be praying that it's only the residents whining about aesthetics and not the Coastal Conservation League trying to kill the project. Up in Myrtle Beach, Horry County has been trying to build a 5 1/2 mile road through a wetland area since 2015, but the CCL has been fighting it tooth and nail.
Myrtle Beach is a pain in the ass to get to compared to many resort areas. Many access routes are 2 lane. And numerous small towns with traffic lights and extreme traffic enforcement.

LGMS428

Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: PColumbus73 on March 18, 2017, 06:36:10 PM
Quote from: jwolfer on March 18, 2017, 04:37:22 AM
Quote from: PColumbus73 on March 18, 2017, 12:08:37 AM
If you want I-526 done faster, you should be praying that it's only the residents whining about aesthetics and not the Coastal Conservation League trying to kill the project. Up in Myrtle Beach, Horry County has been trying to build a 5 1/2 mile road through a wetland area since 2015, but the CCL has been fighting it tooth and nail.
Myrtle Beach is a pain in the ass to get to compared to many resort areas. Many access routes are 2 lane. And numerous small towns with traffic lights and extreme traffic enforcement.

LGMS428



Haha, try living here!

I live in the Carolina Forest area and I commute to Pawleys Island for work. I have to take US 17 every day, which takes me typically around an hour due to traffic. US 17 between Harrelson Blvd and SC 707/Farrow Pkwy tends to bottleneck bad, especially during the evening rush. It should have been widened to 6-lanes when they built the Back Gate Interchange (SC 707). If I had my way, US 17 would be 6 lanes between Grissom Pkwy and the Georgetown County line.

Traffic almost ALWAYS backs up at the Glenns Bay traffic light, but an interchange is being built here. Hopefully it'll solve some of the problems there. The lights south of Glenns Bay are poorly timed, I can guarantee that you will get stopped at two of the three lights between Garden City and the County Line.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: jwolfer on March 18, 2017, 07:08:28 PM
Quote from: PColumbus73 on March 18, 2017, 06:36:10 PM
Quote from: jwolfer on March 18, 2017, 04:37:22 AM
Quote from: PColumbus73 on March 18, 2017, 12:08:37 AM
If you want I-526 done faster, you should be praying that it's only the residents whining about aesthetics and not the Coastal Conservation League trying to kill the project. Up in Myrtle Beach, Horry County has been trying to build a 5 1/2 mile road through a wetland area since 2015, but the CCL has been fighting it tooth and nail.
Myrtle Beach is a pain in the ass to get to compared to many resort areas. Many access routes are 2 lane. And numerous small towns with traffic lights and extreme traffic enforcement.

LGMS428



Haha, try living here!

I live in the Carolina Forest area and I commute to Pawleys Island for work. I have to take US 17 every day, which takes me typically around an hour due to traffic. US 17 between Harrelson Blvd and SC 707/Farrow Pkwy tends to bottleneck bad, especially during the evening rush. It should have been widened to 6-lanes when they built the Back Gate Interchange (SC 707). If I had my way, US 17 would be 6 lanes between Grissom Pkwy and the Georgetown County line.

Traffic almost ALWAYS backs up at the Glenns Bay traffic light, but an interchange is being built here. Hopefully it'll solve some of the problems there. The lights south of Glenns Bay are poorly timed, I can guarantee that you will get stopped at two of the three lights between Garden City and the County Line.
I drove from Jacksonville FL up there and took 378 over from 95, at least it was being widened but for about an hour stuck behind slow moving travelers with no chance to pass. I figured taking 17 back through Charleston looked ok on the map..at least it was all multilaned

Oh was i wrong. SC 31 was good but then traffic light hell through Pawleys Island. From what i read Environmental activates have all but killed any extention 31.

To me it would make sense have 31 cross over intercoastal and hook up to an upgraded US 701 with a Georgetown bypass to make connection to charleston area better

LGMS428
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: PColumbus73 on March 18, 2017, 09:17:48 PM
Quote from: jwolfer on March 18, 2017, 07:08:28 PM
Quote from: PColumbus73 on March 18, 2017, 06:36:10 PM
Quote from: jwolfer on March 18, 2017, 04:37:22 AM
Quote from: PColumbus73 on March 18, 2017, 12:08:37 AM
If you want I-526 done faster, you should be praying that it's only the residents whining about aesthetics and not the Coastal Conservation League trying to kill the project. Up in Myrtle Beach, Horry County has been trying to build a 5 1/2 mile road through a wetland area since 2015, but the CCL has been fighting it tooth and nail.
Myrtle Beach is a pain in the ass to get to compared to many resort areas. Many access routes are 2 lane. And numerous small towns with traffic lights and extreme traffic enforcement.

LGMS428



Haha, try living here!

I live in the Carolina Forest area and I commute to Pawleys Island for work. I have to take US 17 every day, which takes me typically around an hour due to traffic. US 17 between Harrelson Blvd and SC 707/Farrow Pkwy tends to bottleneck bad, especially during the evening rush. It should have been widened to 6-lanes when they built the Back Gate Interchange (SC 707). If I had my way, US 17 would be 6 lanes between Grissom Pkwy and the Georgetown County line.

Traffic almost ALWAYS backs up at the Glenns Bay traffic light, but an interchange is being built here. Hopefully it'll solve some of the problems there. The lights south of Glenns Bay are poorly timed, I can guarantee that you will get stopped at two of the three lights between Garden City and the County Line.
I drove from Jacksonville FL up there and took 378 over from 95, at least it was being widened but for about an hour stuck behind slow moving travelers with no chance to pass. I figured taking 17 back through Charleston looked ok on the map..at least it was all multilaned

Oh was i wrong. SC 31 was good but then traffic light hell through Pawleys Island. From what i read Environmental activates have all but killed any extention 31.

To me it would make sense have 31 cross over intercoastal and hook up to an upgraded US 701 with a Georgetown bypass to make connection to charleston area better

LGMS428


Currently, SC 31 is being extended to SC 707 in the Socastee/Burgess area. From what I have heard here, there are currently no plans to extend SC 31 to US 17 on the south end. Current plans are for SC 31 to end at a trumpet interchange with SC 707. Burroughs & Chapin Company, who pretty much own the majority of the tourist properties in Myrtle Beach, may have lobbied for SC 31 not to be extended to US 17. I cannot confirm this, but I think B & C wanted to make sure all the expensive tourist traps didn't get bypassed.

From my experience (I work in Pawleys Island), driving through there is not too bad. At least the lights are spread out and traffic is generally not too congested. Sometimes the traffic lights at Litchfield Drive and Willbrook Blvd will turn red quick and back up traffic.

I think one of the plans for SC 31 was to have it routed, or have a connector over to US 701, but I think the environmentalists threw a fit. I highly agree there needs to be a better alternative between Georgetown and Myrtle Beach. If there is a severe accident around Litchfield/Brookgreen Gardens (and there have been in the past), traffic on US 17 is trapped. However, the wetlands (the Waccamaw and Pee Dee Rivers converge in this area) in the area make it really difficult for infrastructure. Also, Sandy Island has historical significance, so it would be impossible to route SC 31 through there.

My problem is US 17 between about Wachesaw Road in Murrells Inlet to about Harrelson Blvd by the airport. I hope SCDOT will superstreet US 17 south of SC 544 and through Murrells Inlet. Hell, I would even support toll lanes on 17.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: ARMOURERERIC on March 23, 2017, 11:17:05 PM
I went to Columbia yesterday via I-77 out of Charlotte.   I-77 is being widened from exit 25 southerly to some point, I exited on 277.  There was total landscape clearing at the US 176 exit of I-20.  There is also property demolition in the NE quadrant of the 20/26 interchange.  This is the first time in 25 years that I have been to Columbia.  What a mess it has become.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: wriddle082 on March 27, 2017, 08:18:07 PM
Quote from: ARMOURERERIC on March 23, 2017, 11:17:05 PM
I went to Columbia yesterday via I-77 out of Charlotte.   I-77 is being widened from exit 25 southerly to some point, I exited on 277.  There was total landscape clearing at the US 176 exit of I-20.  There is also property demolition in the NE quadrant of the 20/26 interchange.  This is the first time in 25 years that I have been to Columbia.  What a mess it has become.

I-77 in particular is one huge mess from its beginning at I-26 all the way up to Exit 27 at Blythewood (save for a short stretch b/w Decker Blvd. and I-20 that's not being worked on, but I noticed potholes forming on it last night).

From I-26 all the way up to Exit 13/Decker Blvd., they're supposed to be resurfacing.  Last fall they diamond-ground the existing asphalt, which caused already bad ruts in the pavement seams to get even worse.  So to "rectify" this, they temporarily resurfaced 2-3' "strips" over the problematic seams, which sounds good in theory, but has resulted in extremely uneven pavement.  IMO it makes for a very bad situation, with many of the drivers in this area going to/from Fort Jackson, and army bases, though they all have outstanding employees, don't necessarily attract the greatest drivers.  Anyway, it's all pretty pathetic for a roadway which has sections that aren't even 30 years old!  And I think the contract for this resurfacing doesn't specify completion until next year!  Two whole years for what should be a simple resurfacing.  And I'm sure no bridge deck work will occur, which is desperately needed.  In fact, all bridges on I-77 in SC seem to have deck issues, and I think WSOC-TV 9 in Charlotte did a story about this last year when exposed rebar in a pothole on the bridge over the Catawba River at Rock Hill caused numerous flat tires.

Right now from I-26 to I-20, I-77 is six lanes.  Then from I-20 to SC 277, it is four lanes.  And from SC 277 to US 21, it is six lanes.  All of this original construction.  So right now they are trying to fill in the SC 277 to I-20 gap by making it six lanes, adding an additional lane from SC 277 up to Killian Road to make this stretch eight lanes, then extending the six lanes that ends at US 21 up to Blythewood Road.

Since they only started this work last summer, it doesn't seem like they have accomplished much, but significant drainage work has occured in the median b/w Farrow/277 and Killian.  They're also starting some median bridge work, and have implemented a few lane shifts, along the four lane stretch b/w I-20 and 277, but not a full-on lane shift for that entire stretch just yet.  And no work yet to widen the bridges over the 20 interchange yet, nor any work to add the third lane in each direction b/w US 21 and Blythewood Rd, though they have paved over the original southbound concrete lanes (What's "rubblizing"?).

I drive this stretch at least twice a week for my weekly commute from Greater Columbia to Charlotte, though most often it's dark since I work nights.  The widening work I think is coming along fine considering they started less than a year ago, but the resurfacing from I-26 to Decker is ridiculous!  I sincerely wish SCDOT would stop shutting down every winter due to being too weak to strong-arm an asphalt plant into staying open through the winter to be able to take care of a lot of these issues!  I recall a lot of asphalt resurfacing projects taking place in Tennessee as late as November and as early as March, and Tennessee definitely has colder winters than South Carolina.  So I truly do not understand the virtual "shut down" from October through April of every year.

Sorry if this is rambling, but I can't take this anymore!  Moving from a state with excellent roads and low taxes to one with mediocre roads and average taxes can really be an eye opening experience!
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: PColumbus73 on May 11, 2017, 03:29:41 PM
http://www.postandcourier.com/news/it-s-official-south-carolina-has-a-new-gas-tax/article_8717116e-358c-11e7-990d-0b9882828b60.html

South Carolina just passed a gas tax increase effective July 1. The 12 cent increase will be phased in 2 cents per year.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: LM117 on May 11, 2017, 04:00:17 PM
Quote from: PColumbus73 on May 11, 2017, 03:29:41 PM
http://www.postandcourier.com/news/it-s-official-south-carolina-has-a-new-gas-tax/article_8717116e-358c-11e7-990d-0b9882828b60.html

South Carolina just passed a gas tax increase effective July 1. The 12 cent increase will be phased in 2 cents per year.

Looks like Hell froze over after all.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: PColumbus73 on May 11, 2017, 04:04:00 PM
Quote from: LM117 on May 11, 2017, 04:00:17 PM
Quote from: PColumbus73 on May 11, 2017, 03:29:41 PM
http://www.postandcourier.com/news/it-s-official-south-carolina-has-a-new-gas-tax/article_8717116e-358c-11e7-990d-0b9882828b60.html

South Carolina just passed a gas tax increase effective July 1. The 12 cent increase will be phased in 2 cents per year.

Looks like Hell froze over after all.

Or South Carolina is that desperate, considering the State Legislature overrode the Governor's veto.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: cjk374 on June 09, 2017, 08:01:06 AM
Rubblizing: the native concrete slab is pulverized by a huge jackhammer attached to a big truck. The pulverized concrete is left in place & used as a base for new hot mix paving.

I just took a trip to Folly Beach this week. I didn't think the roads were to terribly bad. The new Ravnell bridge in Charleston was interesting. I-26 was smooth from Charleston to the SC 6 exit (I bypassed Columbia to get on I-20 west).  I-20 was not in that great of shape. But I haven't seen so many orange signs & barrels in one state as I did in SC. So there are signs of improvement...especially with the new gas tax.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: ARMOURERERIC on July 17, 2017, 08:27:28 AM
Heard a report on the radio about a SC plan to widen 145 miles of interstate mainline to 6 lanes over the next 10 years.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: PColumbus73 on July 19, 2017, 07:02:00 PM
http://www.live5news.com/story/35924881/ncpd-netting-covering-don-holt-bridge-collapses-all-lanes-blocked

Netting on the Don Holt Bridge (I-526) fell across the roadway during the evening rush hour.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: PColumbus73 on July 19, 2017, 07:39:37 PM
https://scdot.maps.arcgis.com/apps/MapSeries/index.html?appid=ca1cd69fc88945f4bb465e16765d761c

I don't know if anyone else has looked at this, but this shows projects in South Carolina either in design/planning or construction.

One of the projects shown is I-73 from I-95 to a dead end in Horry County. Obviously this doesn't mean construction is right around the corner, but it is interesting.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Jdsizzleslice on August 01, 2017, 08:06:29 AM
Is it true that all the interstates in South Carolina are only 60 MPH (or less)? If so, why is this the case?

Just curious.  :-P
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Mapmikey on August 01, 2017, 08:08:43 AM
Quote from: Jdsizzleslice on August 01, 2017, 08:06:29 AM
Is it true that all the interstates in South Carolina are only 60 MPH (or less)? If so, why is this the case?

Just curious.  :-P

not even remotely true
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: jwolfer on August 01, 2017, 04:56:52 PM
Four lane divided highways are 60mph.. GA and FL would have many of them at 65 mph

LGMS428
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: OracleUsr on August 01, 2017, 05:33:10 PM
Sure, some are under sped (?) but there are 65mph interstates.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: TimQuiQui on August 01, 2017, 05:47:28 PM
I-26 is 70 MPH from south of Columbia to north of Summerville. I-95 is pretty much 70 the whole way through as far as I know. I-85 is 70 MPH for a stretch near Spartanburg (and I expected that will expand northward with 6-lane construction).
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Mapmikey on August 01, 2017, 08:06:05 PM
Quote from: TimQuiQui on August 01, 2017, 05:47:28 PM
I-26 is 70 MPH from south of Columbia to north of Summerville. I-95 is pretty much 70 the whole way through as far as I know. I-85 is 70 MPH for a stretch near Spartanburg (and I expected that will expand northward with 6-lane construction).

I-95 has a brief 60-mph zone in Florence.

I-77 is 70 mph from SC 277 N. Columbia to SC 5 Rock Hill

Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: PColumbus73 on August 16, 2017, 08:51:15 AM
I noticed on my last visit to Charleston that more mast arm installations are being installed where the old post-mounted signals used to be in Downtown. Is there an effort to replace all the signals with mast arms? I hope not. The post-signals look better in the Old City.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Mapmikey on September 03, 2017, 11:33:53 PM
Quote from: Mapmikey on February 09, 2017, 04:50:02 PM
I-526 extension may be back on the table...

http://www.postandcourier.com/news/charleston-county-leaders-likely-ready-to-commit-to-funding-i/article_485449ec-e89d-11e6-b5e6-072ed61bb071.html

Charleston County is going to vote today on covering the shortfall in cost over what is/was being offered from other sources...

Latest on this saga...Charleston County taking the SC Infrastructure Bank to court...

http://www.postandcourier.com/news/charleston-county-files-suit-over-i--funding-asks-court/article_97954450-7396-11e7-985b-078b4870ec2f.html

Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: VTGoose on September 18, 2017, 09:29:20 AM
On the good news front -- South Carolina is finally paving the horrible sections of I-77 around Columbia, covering up the milled pavement and the strips of asphalt that were laid down.

Bruce in Blacksburg
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: wriddle082 on October 10, 2017, 10:38:19 PM
So I had to drive from Greenville to Charlotte this evening, left Downtown Greenville right around 5:30.  Traffic was the typical "rush hour sluggish" on I-385 S to I-85 N.  Now even though I know the normal fastest way to go b/w Downtown Greenville and the hotel I'm staying at by Tyvola Rd and I-77, I decided to use Waze as a GPS so I would get an idea of how bad traffic would be and possibly be detoured around it.

Man, I think Waze really saved me some time!

Had me get off of I-85 N to SC 14 (north or west, not sure) to SC 80 (north I think) to US 29 E to SC 129 E around Lyman back to I-85 on the west side of Spartanburg, then immediately onto ancient Business 85 because it appears that the newer 90's vintage I-85 bypass currently has ONE OUT OF THREE LANES OPEN IN EACH DIRECTION 24/7!!!

And when I got closer to Charlotte, Waze was going to have me go the long way taking I-485 outer loop most likely to I-77 N to Tyvola, but somewhere around Kings Mountain it detected a delay, and around Gastonia it wised up and had me take Billy Graham Parkway instead (which I would have taken to begin with since it's shorter).  So there's another base hit for Waze.

So in summation, Waze is friggin' awesome!  I normally just use it to see locations of cops and to report disabled vehicles on the shoulder so I can earn points and stuff, and I don't normally use it for directions.  But something told me to use it this evening, and I'm glad I did.

But here's my real question:  What the hell are they doing to New I-85 around Spartanburg that's causing it to be down to one lane each direction 24/7?

When I was last through there about 6 months ago, it was down to two lanes each direction for what seemed to be pavement reconstruction.  This bypass stretch opened up around 1994 or 1995, and you would think that they would have used a pretty sturdy concrete for the driving surface.  Was this not the case?  I know it was rough, but was it rough enough to warrant full depth replacement as opposed to patching and diamond grinding?
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: adventurernumber1 on October 11, 2017, 12:30:03 PM
Quote from: wriddle082 on October 10, 2017, 10:38:19 PM
...back to I-85 on the west side of Spartanburg, then immediately onto ancient Business 85 because it appears that the newer 90's vintage I-85 bypass currently has ONE OUT OF THREE LANES OPEN IN EACH DIRECTION 24/7!!!

Quote
But here's my real question:  What the hell are they doing to New I-85 around Spartanburg that's causing it to be down to one lane each direction 24/7?

When I was last through there about 6 months ago, it was down to two lanes each direction for what seemed to be pavement reconstruction.  This bypass stretch opened up around 1994 or 1995, and you would think that they would have used a pretty sturdy concrete for the driving surface.  Was this not the case?  I know it was rough, but was it rough enough to warrant full depth replacement as opposed to patching and diamond grinding?

I could not possibly tell you exactly what is going on, but I've seen both the ancient and new I-85s in Spartanburg, SC on the internet, and I have always thought that the new I-85 does look quite nice - and I didn't think that the pavement looked too awful, so this construction news comes as a huge surprise to me personally. Maybe this wasn't the sturdiest concrete after all, but I haven't a clue.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Mapmikey on October 11, 2017, 09:53:22 PM
The I-85 project will be going on with substantial lane closures until 2019 and is described as rehab and is $65M.

Widening north of this segment to 6 lanes to Gaffney is also getting ready to start.

 
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: bigdave on October 17, 2017, 03:52:30 PM
Quote from: Mapmikey on October 11, 2017, 09:53:22 PM
The I-85 project will be going on with substantial lane closures until 2019 and is described as rehab and is $65M.

Widening north of this segment to 6 lanes to Gaffney is also getting ready to start.

Are there any plans to widen I-85 south to the GA border? I thought I read that GA was widening I-85 North.

David
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Mapmikey on October 17, 2017, 07:38:45 PM
Quote from: bigdave on October 17, 2017, 03:52:30 PM
Quote from: Mapmikey on October 11, 2017, 09:53:22 PM
The I-85 project will be going on with substantial lane closures until 2019 and is described as rehab and is $65M.

Widening north of this segment to 6 lanes to Gaffney is also getting ready to start.

Are there any plans to widen I-85 south to the GA border? I thought I read that GA was widening I-85 North.

David

Rehabs of the Hartwell bridges on either side of SC 11 are the only projects on that part of I-85 in the current SC STIP.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Finrod on October 17, 2017, 07:42:33 PM
Quote from: bigdave on October 17, 2017, 03:52:30 PM
Quote from: Mapmikey on October 11, 2017, 09:53:22 PM
The I-85 project will be going on with substantial lane closures until 2019 and is described as rehab and is $65M.

Widening north of this segment to 6 lanes to Gaffney is also getting ready to start.

Are there any plans to widen I-85 south to the GA border? I thought I read that GA was widening I-85 North.

David

From what I understand, Georgia's plan is to have I-75 and I-85 both be at least 3 lanes each side all the way through the state.  I-75 is mostly there (what's left to widen is down by the Florida border), and they've been replacing the bridges over I-85 between Atlanta and South Carolina (that may be done now), and they're working on I-85 from the I-985 split on north about 20 or 30 miles or so, but they still have a ways to go to get it done.  South Carolina may well get to widening the 20 miles of I-85 nearest Georgia before Georgia finishes widening I-85.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Mapmikey on October 17, 2017, 08:06:56 PM
Quote from: Finrod on October 17, 2017, 07:42:33 PM
  I-75 is mostly there (what's left to widen is down by the Florida border)

I-75 was 6-lanes or more from Macon to Florida when I drove that part of the highway in late September...
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: PColumbus73 on October 17, 2017, 08:18:09 PM
Quote from: Finrod on October 17, 2017, 07:42:33 PM
Quote from: bigdave on October 17, 2017, 03:52:30 PM
Quote from: Mapmikey on October 11, 2017, 09:53:22 PM
The I-85 project will be going on with substantial lane closures until 2019 and is described as rehab and is $65M.

Widening north of this segment to 6 lanes to Gaffney is also getting ready to start.

Are there any plans to widen I-85 south to the GA border? I thought I read that GA was widening I-85 North.

David

From what I understand, Georgia's plan is to have I-75 and I-85 both be at least 3 lanes each side all the way through the state.  I-75 is mostly there (what's left to widen is down by the Florida border), and they've been replacing the bridges over I-85 between Atlanta and South Carolina (that may be done now), and they're working on I-85 from the I-985 split on north about 20 or 30 miles or so, but they still have a ways to go to get it done.  South Carolina may well get to widening the 20 miles of I-85 nearest Georgia before Georgia finishes widening I-85.

I think widening I-95 from the Georgia State Line to at least Exit 33, preferably to I-26, should be a higher priority given the chronic congestion in that area.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Finrod on October 18, 2017, 06:30:26 PM
Quote from: Mapmikey on October 17, 2017, 08:06:56 PM
Quote from: Finrod on October 17, 2017, 07:42:33 PM
  I-75 is mostly there (what's left to widen is down by the Florida border)

I-75 was 6-lanes or more from Macon to Florida when I drove that part of the highway in late September...

Thanks, your information is newer than mine.  That must be why they've started on I-85 north of Atlanta, they've finished I-75 (it's been 3 lanes on both sides to Chattanooga for a while now).  I would still bet that South Carolina finishes widening I-85 before Georgia.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Gnutella on October 28, 2017, 09:49:22 PM
Quote from: Mapmikey on October 11, 2017, 09:53:22 PM
The I-85 project will be going on with substantial lane closures until 2019 and is described as rehab and is $65M.

Widening north of this segment to 6 lanes to Gaffney is also getting ready to start.

 

Thank God. That segment is terrible. Not only is it badly over capacity, but the interchanges and overpass heights are all substandard. I read that they're about to widen the segment from Spartanburg north to SC 18. Is that EXIT 95 or EXIT 96?

As for goings-on in Georgia, GDOT has short-term plans to widen I-85 to six lanes from Buford north to Commerce, with Commerce north to the South Carolina state line being a longer-term project, so I'm guessing that SCDOT will probably widen from Anderson south to the Georgia state line in conjunction with GDOT widening from Commerce north to the South Carolina state line. Right now, GDOT has widening underway from Buford north to Hamilton Mill Road (EXIT 120), which is a five-mile segment.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: brownpelican on October 30, 2017, 10:25:21 AM
I have a very good feeling there will be a (at least) six-laned I-85 from near Grantville, Ga. to Durham, N.C. in the future...if not a longer stretch.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Mapmikey on November 08, 2017, 10:27:21 AM
Here may be the only I-326 shields to have ever existed...

https://www.facebook.com/SCDOT/photos/a.1527282967543114.1073741830.1520684621536282/2034568800147859/?type=3&theater

Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: D-Dey65 on November 23, 2017, 08:48:10 AM
Quote from: The Ghostbuster on March 04, 2016, 04:47:21 PM
Next time, why don't you guys bring plenty of bug spray!
Maybe the construction workers who drive all the cement mixers stationed there should take your advice.

And why is SCDOT tearing down the tree-lined median between Exits 22 and 28? Is there some widening project being carried out that I missed?

Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: froggie on November 23, 2017, 09:23:33 AM
^ Given precedent elsewhere, "tearing down the tree-lined median" is likely a result of FHWA requirements for clear zones.  In short, SCDOT had the choice between clearing trees out or adding guardrail...and clearly chose the former for the section you mentioned.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: VTGoose on November 26, 2017, 10:28:54 AM
Quote from: froggie on November 23, 2017, 09:23:33 AM
^ Given precedent elsewhere, "tearing down the tree-lined median" is likely a result of FHWA requirements for clear zones.  In short, SCDOT had the choice between clearing trees out or adding guardrail...and clearly chose the former for the section you mentioned.

Wait, what? So you have a small forest in the middle of a busy highway that will convert carbon dioxide to oxygen and the best plan is to log what you can and destroy the rest? How does that make sense? Given the density of the trees and underbrush, crossing into oncoming lanes is pretty impossible (although hitting a tree may do more damage than running into a cable guardrail).

Bruce, who passed through there on Wednesday, behind idiots who didn't understand "faster traffic in the left lane" and trucks passing each other with a 1 MPH speed difference
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: froggie on November 26, 2017, 02:16:11 PM
Not saying it's right, but that's what state DOT's are doing in response to FHWA clear zone mandates.

I'll also mention that there were some pretty spectacular fatal crashes into the median trees along I-20/59 east of Meridian, MS before MDOT took the trees out.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Mapmikey on November 26, 2017, 02:44:37 PM
Quote from: froggie on November 26, 2017, 02:16:11 PM
Not saying it's right, but that's what state DOT's are doing in response to FHWA clear zone mandates.

I'll also mention that there were some pretty spectacular fatal crashes into the median trees along I-20/59 east of Meridian, MS before MDOT took the trees out.


IMO they will still need to add guardrail in the median somewhere for this part of I-95 where the median is not very wide.

2 different accidents have killed people I knew in head on collisions on I-26.  One was definitely because a car could get all the way into the oncoming lanes without impedence (the other was near Exit 220 Romney St around 1990 or 1991 where a truck in the left lane struck a vehicle in the on-coming left lane).

I've also witnessed an SUV manage to cut across both directions of I-26 where there didn't used to be anything in the median (there is now a concrete barrier...this was around MM 209).  The SUV managed not to hit anybody else before flipping and throwing one of its tires back across the freeway.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: VTGoose on November 28, 2017, 01:28:16 PM
Quote from: froggie on November 26, 2017, 02:16:11 PM
Not saying it's right, but that's what state DOT's are doing in response to FHWA clear zone mandates.

I'll also mention that there were some pretty spectacular fatal crashes into the median trees along I-20/59 east of Meridian, MS before MDOT took the trees out.

Sounds like a trumph administration directive -- "I don't like trees, cut them all down!" and the interstates were easier locations to start on than national parks and forests.

It would be nice if South Carolina would keep going with the median work and add additional lanes to I-95. As expected, it sucked big time on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving (there are a lot of people who don't know how to drive who hit the road on that day). On Monday, when most of the holiday traffic had died down, there was still a problem with two instead of three lanes. There was an 8-mile stretch where I traveled in the left lane, bouncing between 68 and 71 MPH behind a truck that was passing traffic in the right lane at a 1-MPH differential.

Bruce in Blacksburg
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Mapmikey on December 04, 2017, 08:54:23 PM
Check out this SCDOT video from the early 1960s...

Some highway shields shown and some really good video in the last 3 minutes showing the I-85/585 interchange from multiple angles.

Contains BGS shield styles I had not seen before in SC...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0nJUlt8kur8
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Alex on December 05, 2017, 08:17:49 AM
Quote from: Mapmikey on December 04, 2017, 08:54:23 PM
Check out this SCDOT video from the early 1960s...

Some highway shields shown and some really good video in the last 3 minutes showing the I-85/585 interchange from multiple angles.

Contains BGS shield styles I had not seen before in SC...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0nJUlt8kur8

Thanks for sharing this Mike. I watched the entire video and loved all the examples of old signs, bridges and freeway design. Definitely worth watching for any highway historian.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: sparker on December 06, 2017, 06:10:42 PM
Quote from: Alex on December 05, 2017, 08:17:49 AM
Quote from: Mapmikey on December 04, 2017, 08:54:23 PM
Check out this SCDOT video from the early 1960s...

Some highway shields shown and some really good video in the last 3 minutes showing the I-85/585 interchange from multiple angles.

Contains BGS shield styles I had not seen before in SC...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0nJUlt8kur8

Thanks for sharing this Mike. I watched the entire video and loved all the examples of old signs, bridges and freeway design. Definitely worth watching for any highway historian.

From the film it appears that many of the ramp facilities in the early years were basically RIRO's enhanced with short approach lanes -- probably to avoid as much adjacent property taking as possible.  That must have been a design that was modified or upgraded early on; I don't recall seeing any such configurations either when I first came through in the mid-80's or ever since (good thing!).  Even the old RIRO's on US/CA 99 in the San Joaquin Valley didn't feature such sharp curvature (the SC example seems more like an abrupt directional change!).   
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Mapmikey on December 06, 2017, 08:08:55 PM
Quote from: sparker on December 06, 2017, 06:10:42 PM


From the film it appears that many of the ramp facilities in the early years were basically RIRO's enhanced with short approach lanes -- probably to avoid as much adjacent property taking as possible.  That must have been a design that was modified or upgraded early on; I don't recall seeing any such configurations either when I first came through in the mid-80's or ever since (good thing!).  Even the old RIRO's on US/CA 99 in the San Joaquin Valley didn't feature such sharp curvature (the SC example seems more like an abrupt directional change!).   

Actually, the RIRO shown at 13:56 is still like this today - https://goo.gl/maps/bSRcMeA8JVQ2

Also, the configurations shown at the end of the video at I-85/585 are pretty much the same too.  Here is a RO exit (labeled as Iron Ore Rd in the video) that is shortly past I-585/US 176:  https://goo.gl/maps/8RUQRhAR4X22
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: sparker on December 07, 2017, 04:44:30 AM
Quote from: Mapmikey on December 06, 2017, 08:08:55 PM
Quote from: sparker on December 06, 2017, 06:10:42 PM


From the film it appears that many of the ramp facilities in the early years were basically RIRO's enhanced with short approach lanes -- probably to avoid as much adjacent property taking as possible.  That must have been a design that was modified or upgraded early on; I don't recall seeing any such configurations either when I first came through in the mid-80's or ever since (good thing!).  Even the old RIRO's on US/CA 99 in the San Joaquin Valley didn't feature such sharp curvature (the SC example seems more like an abrupt directional change!).   

Actually, the RIRO shown at 13:56 is still like this today - https://goo.gl/maps/bSRcMeA8JVQ2

Also, the configurations shown at the end of the video at I-85/585 are pretty much the same too.  Here is a RO exit (labeled as Iron Ore Rd in the video) that is shortly past I-585/US 176:  https://goo.gl/maps/8RUQRhAR4X22

The second (BL 85) looks vaguely familiar; I was on that original I-85 alignment only once circa 1987 or so; the remainder of my trips on I-85 (generally between Atlanta and Durham) came after the bypass was in place.  Never been on I-385 east of I-85; looks like that route follows suit re the ramp configuration.  Guess the local drivers don't find it much of a bother -- so if it ain't broke, SCDOT's not about to fix it!
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: D-Dey65 on December 11, 2017, 02:34:33 PM
Quote from: Mapmikey on December 06, 2017, 08:08:55 PM
Actually, the RIRO shown at 13:56 is still like this today - https://goo.gl/maps/bSRcMeA8JVQ2
Zoom up, and you can see plenty of the configurations of former roads that existed before I-385 was built.

Quote from: sparker on December 07, 2017, 04:44:30 AM
The second (BL 85) looks vaguely familiar; I was on that original I-85 alignment only once circa 1987 or so; the remainder of my trips on I-85 (generally between Atlanta and Durham) came after the bypass was in place.  Never been on I-385 east of I-85; looks like that route follows suit re the ramp configuration.  Guess the local drivers don't find it much of a bother -- so if it ain't broke, SCDOT's not about to fix it!
Considering how close many of those interchanges are to one another, you could make a good case against upgrading the road and replacing everything with diamond interchanges. Of course if you want to see I-85 the way that BL-85 is now, you can just head north of Exit 80 and drive to the North Carolina state line.

Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: PColumbus73 on December 14, 2017, 09:21:10 PM
I traveled several part of these roads! Like the 378 bypass around Lake City and the Graham Freeway in Sumter. It looks like they showed the blue drawbridge in Myrtle Beach as well. Very fascinating!
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: D-Dey65 on December 16, 2017, 09:39:06 PM
Did I mention that there were a bunch of cement mixers and trawlers crowding the former Florence County Rest Areas on I-95.

Quote from: D-Dey65 on November 23, 2017, 08:48:10 AM
Maybe the construction workers who drive all the cement mixers stationed there should take your advice.

Yeah, I think I did. Still trying to find out what kind of project was taking place there.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: adventurernumber1 on December 24, 2017, 02:50:14 PM
Quote from: Mapmikey on December 04, 2017, 08:54:23 PM
Check out this SCDOT video from the early 1960s...

Some highway shields shown and some really good video in the last 3 minutes showing the I-85/585 interchange from multiple angles.

Contains BGS shield styles I had not seen before in SC...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0nJUlt8kur8

Wow!!  :-o  :hyper:  :thumbsup:

Thank you very much for sharing that video with us! It was incredible and mesmerizing. I always love videos like this that transport you to the past and show you what things looked like back then. It is truly fascinating to me.  :nod:
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: CanesFan27 on December 26, 2017, 09:48:05 PM
I updated the feature I had on Charleston's three Cooper River Bridges (Grace, Pearman, and Ravenel) with many new photos that I took from two visits to Charleston in 2011.  I also expanded on the tragic story of the Lawson family who lost their lives when a portion of the bridge collapsed in 1946.  If you are a believer in the supernatural, it was said that every February that a green colored late model oldsmobile would appear on the bridge.  The sightings regularly occurred until the Grace Bridge was torn down in 2006.

http://surewhynotnow.blogspot.com/2017/12/charlestons-cooper-river-bridges-grace.html
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Henry on January 04, 2018, 09:27:30 AM
QuoteEarly in 1946 on February 24, a family tragedy would haunt the bridge.  That afternoon a freighter, the Nicaragua Victory, would plow through the bridge on the Mount Pleasant side causing 240 feet of the bridge deck and roadway to collapse.  An Oldsmobile carrying Bill Lawson, his wife, mother, and their two young children died when the car fell into the river.  The vehicle was recovered one month later with all five bodies still inside. (3)
Ah, the genesis of the rumor. It would be interesting to note that the bridge would be torn down two years after the car company was discontinued. As for the car in question, would it be updated to reflect the then-current year, or was it always the same as the one that fell off the bridge?
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Sctvhound on May 16, 2018, 03:41:15 PM
The Wando River bridge in Mt. Pleasant (I-526) has had its westbound side closed for almost two days now because of a broken cable. A press conference will be done today to determine what happens next.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Sctvhound on May 16, 2018, 05:20:02 PM
This bridge will be closed for at least 4 weeks due to the faulty cable and repairs.

Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: D-Dey65 on May 20, 2018, 12:25:39 AM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on December 16, 2017, 09:39:06 PM
Did I mention that there were a bunch of cement mixers and trawlers crowding the former Florence County Rest Areas on I-95?
Still haven't found any info on why they were there.

Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: NE2 on May 20, 2018, 03:48:17 PM
It's because I touch myself at midday.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: fillup420 on June 27, 2018, 11:00:47 PM
Random question

So I just moved to SC, and I have noticed that the signs for US and state highways on interstates look different than the standard shields. Is there a particular reason for this?
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: WashuOtaku on June 28, 2018, 07:48:24 PM
Quote from: fillup420 on June 27, 2018, 11:00:47 PM
Random question

So I just moved to SC, and I have noticed that the signs for US and state highways on interstates look different than the standard shields. Is there a particular reason for this?

The cut-out signs are basically the same as any other US Highway sign outside California.

I believe you are talking about when they place US Highway signs on green signs, where they have a black outline instead of the flush look seen in other states.

Why they do that... dunno.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: TimQuiQui on June 29, 2018, 11:35:11 AM
As for the state sheilds, South Carolina redesigned their state shields a while back to use the blue palmetto design, away from the traditional black and white rectangle. Most of the signage across the state has been slowly updated, but a lot of the interstate exit signs, particularly on I85, show the older design.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Jim on August 15, 2018, 07:47:41 PM
Driving I-95 in the southernmost few dozen miles of South Carolina this evening was pretty depressing, seeing all the progress on the clear cutting of the median trees.  That was such a distinctive South Carolina thing to me, with an added bonus that when we drove up through here in the middle of the night, it was a nice break from oncoming headlights in your eyes all the time.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: wriddle082 on August 16, 2018, 03:43:29 PM
Quote from: Jim on August 15, 2018, 07:47:41 PM
Driving I-95 in the southernmost few dozen miles of South Carolina this evening was pretty depressing, seeing all the progress on the clear cutting of the median trees.  That was such a distinctive South Carolina thing to me, with an added bonus that when we drove up through here in the middle of the night, it was a nice break from oncoming headlights in your eyes all the time.

I enjoy the trees myself, and don't have the "tunnel vision"  issues that many people complain about.  But the removal is for safety, and I completely understabd why.  Just a couple of months ago, a young woman from somewhere in the northeast and her two young children were killed in a freak accident on I-95 northbound a few miles north of I-26 where she ran over an alligator in the middle of the road, swerved into the median, and hit a tree head on.  Apparently preventing head-on collisions with trees is preferred over keeping the trees intact.  They are trying to keep a few of the trees in place to create a "park-like"  landscape.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: fillup420 on August 19, 2018, 10:24:47 AM
Quote from: WashuOtaku on June 28, 2018, 07:48:24 PM

I believe you are talking about when they place US Highway signs on green signs, where they have a black outline instead of the flush look seen in other states.

Why they do that... dunno.

Yea, the US shields on BGS's have that weird black outline, and the numbers look like a slightly different font. It bears a resemblance to CA signage. This is still practiced with new signs, although the blue SC state hwy signs are making their way onto BGS's.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Beltway on August 19, 2018, 11:38:04 PM
Quote from: wriddle082 on August 16, 2018, 03:43:29 PM
I enjoy the trees myself, and don't have the "tunnel vision"  issues that many people complain about.  But the removal is for safety, and I completely understabd why.  Just a couple of months ago, a young woman from somewhere in the northeast and her two young children were killed in a freak accident on I-95 northbound a few miles north of I-26 where she ran over an alligator in the middle of the road, swerved into the median, and hit a tree head on.  Apparently preventing head-on collisions with trees is preferred over keeping the trees intact.  They are trying to keep a few of the trees in place to create a "park-like"  landscape.

30 feet of clear roadside is fully adequate for safety.  Very rarely will a vehicle hit a tree that is more than 30 feet from the roadway, and given a departure angle of 10 to 15 degrees, there is a lot of distance for the vehicle to slow considerably first.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: bigdave on August 21, 2018, 01:05:27 PM
Quote from: Beltway on August 19, 2018, 11:38:04 PM
30 feet of clear roadside is fully adequate for safety.  Very rarely will a vehicle hit a tree that is more than 30 feet from the roadway, and given a departure angle of 10 to 15 degrees, there is a lot of distance for the vehicle to slow considerably first.

Of course you are correct, but what to do about the poor tree removal contractors?  :hmmm:
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Beltway on August 21, 2018, 03:53:41 PM
Quote from: bigdave on August 21, 2018, 01:05:27 PM
Quote from: Beltway on August 19, 2018, 11:38:04 PM
30 feet of clear roadside is fully adequate for safety.  Very rarely will a vehicle hit a tree that is more than 30 feet from the roadway, and given a departure angle of 10 to 15 degrees, there is a lot of distance for the vehicle to slow considerably first.
Of course you are correct, but what to do about the poor tree removal contractors?  :hmmm:

Draw up design plans a segment of the highway for clearing to a 30-foot clear roadside, and let the contracting industry bid on the project.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: SCtoKC on August 21, 2018, 05:12:11 PM
https://www.greenvilleonline.com/story/opinion/2018/07/24/state-153-extension-near-easley-under-construction-finally/818446002/

I ran across this article today about the SC 153 extension in Easley.  Easley is my hometown and I grew up just a mile or so from the 123/153 interchange, so I've been trying to follow this one as much as I can.

I don't really see this relieving much of the congestion on 123.  The article mentions that it could help people traveling between Pickens and Powdersville, but it seems to me that the original proposal of extending 153 to SC 183 would have been better for that purpose.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Gnutella on August 22, 2018, 01:42:49 AM
Any progress on I-85 between Spartanburg and the North Carolina state line?
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: TimQuiQui on August 23, 2018, 02:11:25 PM
I drove through there last month - the first phase (Miles 80 to 98) is well underway with shoulder strengthening, lane closures, etc. The second phase (98 to state line) had not started yet, at least in terms of obvious construction, at that time.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Gnutella on August 30, 2018, 02:11:40 AM
Quote from: TimQuiQui on August 23, 2018, 02:11:25 PM
I drove through there last month - the first phase (Miles 80 to 98) is well underway with shoulder strengthening, lane closures, etc. The second phase (98 to state line) had not started yet, at least in terms of obvious construction, at that time.

Sweeet. The segment from Spartanburg to Gaffney is maddening and dangerous.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: fillup420 on October 03, 2018, 10:30:42 PM
Anyone here know anything about the potential I-526 extension?
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Mapmikey on October 04, 2018, 06:28:56 AM
Quote from: fillup420 on October 03, 2018, 10:30:42 PM
Anyone here know anything about the potential I-526 extension?

Latest news...Loan Bank reverses itself and now again supports the extension.  This was possible because the SC governor began supporting it after the 526 bridge over the Wando River had to be closed causing all kinds of traffic problems.

https://www.postandcourier.com/news/interstate-project-revived-months-after-bank-board-voted-to-squash/article_dba9f024-c5bf-11e8-a0dd-7bf3159f5087.html

The next step appears to be the County, the Loan Bank, and SCDOT have 45 days to work out an agreement on finances.  Charleston County voted to continue negotiations on 10/2.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Tom958 on December 24, 2018, 09:02:18 AM
So, I was checking out Streetview to see how and when the newest section  of I-385 got to be the way it is: it was built in the early '80's as a four lane asphalt highway with a median of seventy feet or so, then completely rebuilt starting in 2012 or so as six lane concrete highway with a Jersey barrier, full left shoulders, and no more grassed median. That's pretty interesting in itself, but...

I also found this Streetview from September 2011 (https://www.google.com/maps/@34.790457,-82.2804169,3a,75y,333.8h,73t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sS-bUt2dWRc2VysUNpRsLbw!2e0!5s20110901T000000!7i13312!8i6656) WTF? OK, I can see what: it looks like a temporary onramp from Bridge Road built in what used to be the westbound side of the grassed median. But why would they do something like that when there's a perfectly good onramp off to the side, where onramps are supposed to go?

Then there's this April 2012 Streetview from the westbound offramp to Bridge Road (https://www.google.com/maps/@34.7902346,-82.2799068,3a,36.4y,301.06h,89.84t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sparfMCmbK179m3cT3eC3zA!2e0!5s20120401T000000!7i13312!8i6656), overlooking the mainline. There are still temporary Jersey barriers (with paddle-type glare screens) in the median, but no trace of whatever was there in September 2011. Other Streetviews in the vicinity are even less elucidating.

:hmmm:
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: NE2 on December 24, 2018, 09:11:48 AM
Quote from: Tom958 on December 24, 2018, 09:02:18 AM
I also found this Streetview from September 2011 (https://www.google.com/maps/@34.790457,-82.2804169,3a,75y,333.8h,73t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sS-bUt2dWRc2VysUNpRsLbw!2e0!5s20110901T000000!7i13312!8i6656) WTF? OK, I can see what: it looks like a temporary onramp from Bridge Road built in what used to be the westbound side of the grassed median. But why would they do something like that when there's a perfectly good onramp off to the side, where onramps are supposed to go?
Looks like construction access. Safer than accessing the site from I-385.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Tom958 on December 24, 2018, 09:20:33 AM
Quote from: NE2 on December 24, 2018, 09:11:48 AMLooks like construction access. Safer than accessing the site from I-385.

Probably! I didn't think of that, probably because I've never seen that done before.

EDIT: Yes, I have: I-85 north of the Yadkin River in NC.  :pan:
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: hotdogPi on December 24, 2018, 09:21:11 AM
Quote from: NE2 on December 24, 2018, 09:11:48 AM
Safer than accessing the site from I-385.

Internet browsing while driving is worse than texting while driving.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: 1995hoo on December 29, 2018, 08:39:47 PM
Driving on I-95 in southern South Carolina tonight (maddening experience due to idiots, which made me glad we turned off at I-26) I noted how a lot of the signs along there are in really bad shape, almost impossible to read because the words aren't properly reflective or have peeled off–and these must be fairly new signs because a lot of them are in Clearview. I viewed it as being sort of symptomatic of how half-arsed this state's approach to roads can be at times.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: adventurernumber1 on January 08, 2019, 08:08:41 PM
Quote from: wriddle082 on August 16, 2018, 03:43:29 PM
Quote from: Jim on August 15, 2018, 07:47:41 PM
Driving I-95 in the southernmost few dozen miles of South Carolina this evening was pretty depressing, seeing all the progress on the clear cutting of the median trees.  That was such a distinctive South Carolina thing to me, with an added bonus that when we drove up through here in the middle of the night, it was a nice break from oncoming headlights in your eyes all the time.

I enjoy the trees myself, and don't have the "tunnel vision"  issues that many people complain about.  But the removal is for safety, and I completely understabd why.  Just a couple of months ago, a young woman from somewhere in the northeast and her two young children were killed in a freak accident on I-95 northbound a few miles north of I-26 where she ran over an alligator in the middle of the road, swerved into the median, and hit a tree head on.  Apparently preventing head-on collisions with trees is preferred over keeping the trees intact.  They are trying to keep a few of the trees in place to create a "park-like"  landscape.

I, too, thought those numerous stretches of I-95 in South Carolina with all the trees in the median looked and felt pretty cool - however, as noted, I definitely see why safety concerns would easily prompt this tree removal. Also, IIRC, I-95 through both of the Carolinas is very notorious for some of those trees often falling down onto the road (which definitely wreaks some havoc to say the least). While the trees looked nice, hopefully with this underway (along with possible future projects such as widening through the states), I-95 through the Carolinas can become a safer and smoother ride.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: orulz on January 10, 2019, 03:02:31 PM
Quote from: adventurernumber1 on January 08, 2019, 08:08:41 PM
Quote from: wriddle082 on August 16, 2018, 03:43:29 PM
Quote from: Jim on August 15, 2018, 07:47:41 PM
Driving I-95 in the southernmost few dozen miles of South Carolina this evening was pretty depressing, seeing all the progress on the clear cutting of the median trees.  That was such a distinctive South Carolina thing to me, with an added bonus that when we drove up through here in the middle of the night, it was a nice break from oncoming headlights in your eyes all the time.

I enjoy the trees myself, and don't have the "tunnel vision"  issues that many people complain about.  But the removal is for safety, and I completely understabd why.  Just a couple of months ago, a young woman from somewhere in the northeast and her two young children were killed in a freak accident on I-95 northbound a few miles north of I-26 where she ran over an alligator in the middle of the road, swerved into the median, and hit a tree head on.  Apparently preventing head-on collisions with trees is preferred over keeping the trees intact.  They are trying to keep a few of the trees in place to create a "park-like"  landscape.

I, too, thought those numerous stretches of I-95 in South Carolina with all the trees in the median looked and felt pretty cool - however, as noted, I definitely see why safety concerns would easily prompt this tree removal. Also, IIRC, I-95 through both of the Carolinas is very notorious for some of those trees often falling down onto the road (which definitely wreaks some havoc to say the least). While the trees looked nice, hopefully with this underway (along with possible future projects such as widening through the states), I-95 through the Carolinas can become a safer and smoother ride.
Why not put up guard rails or cables instead? Certainly it must cost more in labor to cut the trees down, there were a LOT of them! The only justification I can think of is that when you chop the trees down, you get to sell them for timber and pulp and get some of the money back... so the project is sort of "self financing" in a way. But that just seems so cynical, to go to all of the trouble and expense to build I-95 that way in the first place, only to sell all the trees for timber in the end.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: adventurernumber1 on January 10, 2019, 04:54:20 PM
Quote from: orulz on January 10, 2019, 03:02:31 PM
Quote from: adventurernumber1 on January 08, 2019, 08:08:41 PM
Quote from: wriddle082 on August 16, 2018, 03:43:29 PM
Quote from: Jim on August 15, 2018, 07:47:41 PM
Driving I-95 in the southernmost few dozen miles of South Carolina this evening was pretty depressing, seeing all the progress on the clear cutting of the median trees.  That was such a distinctive South Carolina thing to me, with an added bonus that when we drove up through here in the middle of the night, it was a nice break from oncoming headlights in your eyes all the time.

I enjoy the trees myself, and don't have the "tunnel vision"  issues that many people complain about.  But the removal is for safety, and I completely understabd why.  Just a couple of months ago, a young woman from somewhere in the northeast and her two young children were killed in a freak accident on I-95 northbound a few miles north of I-26 where she ran over an alligator in the middle of the road, swerved into the median, and hit a tree head on.  Apparently preventing head-on collisions with trees is preferred over keeping the trees intact.  They are trying to keep a few of the trees in place to create a "park-like"  landscape.

I, too, thought those numerous stretches of I-95 in South Carolina with all the trees in the median looked and felt pretty cool - however, as noted, I definitely see why safety concerns would easily prompt this tree removal. Also, IIRC, I-95 through both of the Carolinas is very notorious for some of those trees often falling down onto the road (which definitely wreaks some havoc to say the least). While the trees looked nice, hopefully with this underway (along with possible future projects such as widening through the states), I-95 through the Carolinas can become a safer and smoother ride.
Why not put up guard rails or cables instead? Certainly it must cost more in labor to cut the trees down, there were a LOT of them! The only justification I can think of is that when you chop the trees down, you get to sell them for timber and pulp and get some of the money back... so the project is sort of "self financing" in a way. But that just seems so cynical, to go to all of the trouble and expense to build I-95 that way in the first place, only to sell all the trees for timber in the end.

My guess is because it may also be a part of a broader trend in the Interstate Highway System.

I read about this trend in another thread recently. See here:

Quote from: Beltway on January 04, 2019, 10:49:47 PM
Quote from: sprjus4 on January 04, 2019, 05:08:05 PM
Question (if you know) - why did they build highways like that in the past, lined w/ trees & over 100 ft wide, and why do they use consistent and smaller medians now? Does it have something to do w/ cost or something?

Obvious cost savings, plus environmental impacts.  Medians on new highways got wider and wider from the 1950s to the 1970s, and they started getting narrower and narrower.

If the trend lately in the Interstate system has been to have smaller medians, with less trees in them, then I can see why they might be doing this. And as noted, there are definitely benefits to it.

While adding a guard-rail or fence could help curb the problem of cars swerving into the median and crashing, there is still what I believe may be a prominent problem of trees falling down onto the road. While roadside trees are very good at absorbing carbon dioxide, we do have to look at everything else (including the other environmental effects being caused by the trees being in the median) - and the safety of everyone on the road. People crashing into trees, and trees falling down onto the road, is indeed incredibly dangerous. While in some cases it may be best for the median trees to go (except maybe a few as is planned, as has been noted upthread), and sometimes trees on the outer edges of the roads (right next to it) may need to be cleared - perhaps a solution is to still have a good layer of trees, just far out from the road itself - although several factors may not permit this in many cases.

But it is definitely good to get some money back from the trees, so there could indeed be a partial form of self-financing.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Mapmikey on January 10, 2019, 08:54:42 PM
SC Transportation Infrastructure Bank and Charleston County Couincil both voted today to approve a new agreement for funding the I-526 extension southwest of Charleston.  The State Bank will put up $420M and the county is responsible for the rest (last estimate is $300M or so)

https://www.postandcourier.com/politics/state-bank-approves-new-deal-to-extend-i--in/article_4e04aa38-14e9-11e9-aba5-63f8d3549f74.html
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Gnutella on January 11, 2019, 09:56:28 PM
Quote from: Mapmikey on January 10, 2019, 08:54:42 PM
SC Transportation Infrastructure Bank and Charleston County Couincil both voted today to approve a new agreement for funding the I-526 extension southwest of Charleston.  The State Bank will put up $420M and the county is responsible for the rest (last estimate is $300M or so)

https://www.postandcourier.com/politics/state-bank-approves-new-deal-to-extend-i--in/article_4e04aa38-14e9-11e9-aba5-63f8d3549f74.html

Duuude... :colorful:
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: D-Dey65 on January 19, 2019, 10:01:46 AM
Quote from: adventurernumber1 on January 08, 2019, 08:08:41 PM
I, too, thought those numerous stretches of I-95 in South Carolina with all the trees in the median looked and felt pretty cool - however, as noted, I definitely see why safety concerns would easily prompt this tree removal. Also, IIRC, I-95 through both of the Carolinas is very notorious for some of those trees often falling down onto the road (which definitely wreaks some havoc to say the least). While the trees looked nice, hopefully with this underway (along with possible future projects such as widening through the states), I-95 through the Carolinas can become a safer and smoother ride.
I saw plenty of fallen trees throughout I-95 when I drove up north and back in October, and not just in the medians and not just in South Carolina. Of course this was just after Hurricanes Florence and Michael trashed the southeast.  Personally though, I don't see this as just a South Carolina thing.

Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: CanesFan27 on January 29, 2019, 10:12:00 PM
The next time you drive between Exits 95 and 96 along Interstate 85 near Gaffney, SC take a look at the center median.  You'll be passing by an old family cemetery that dates to the mid-1800s.

https://surewhynotnow.blogspot.com/2019/01/the-cemetery-inside-interstate-85-median.html
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: D-Dey65 on May 01, 2019, 08:53:14 AM
In March 2017, I started taking Wikipedia pictures of the old Sinclair Gas Station in Ridgeland, SC, and the Tillman School in Tillman, SC; the last two sites on the National Register of Historic Places in Jasper County not to have images. Both sites are owned by the Morris Center for Lowcountry Heritage, but the gas station is the headquarters for the organization, and is used as a museum. This morning, I thought I'd take another random peek at their website, hoping to find something about their exhibits at the museum I saw at the time. I didn't but I did stumble upon some links promising a bit of history about US 17.

http://www.morrisheritagecenter.org/education/


The specific link was given the title "US 17: A Road Side Story — Transportation History," but it sure doesn't look like it has anything on the history of US 17 to me.
http://www.morrisheritagecenter.org/wp-content/uploads/Transportation-Lesson-Plan.pdf


Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: NE2 on May 01, 2019, 09:57:31 AM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on May 01, 2019, 08:53:14 AM
I looked for something but I found nothing. Share in the nothing with me.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Mapmikey on May 01, 2019, 12:57:12 PM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on May 01, 2019, 08:53:14 AM
In March 2017, I started taking Wikipedia pictures of the old Sinclair Gas Station in Ridgeland, SC, and the Tillman School in Tillman, SC; the last two sites on the National Register of Historic Places in Jasper County not to have images. Both sites are owned by the Morris Center for Lowcountry Heritage, but the gas station is the headquarters for the organization, and is used as a museum. This morning, I thought I'd take another random peek at their website, hoping to find something about their exhibits at the museum I saw at the time. I didn't but I did stumble upon some links promising a bit of history about US 17.

http://www.morrisheritagecenter.org/education/


The specific link was given the title "US 17: A Road Side Story — Transportation History," but it sure doesn't look like it has anything on the history of US 17 to me.
http://www.morrisheritagecenter.org/wp-content/uploads/Transportation-Lesson-Plan.pdf




That is because it is an in-person exhibit and there is no link to anything to read on-line.  The link underneath it is for what it says it is...

A couple pictures of the exhibit can be found here: (https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g54410-d8656942-Reviews-Morris_Center_for_Lowcountry_Heritage-Ridgeland_South_Carolina.html#photos;aggregationId=101&albumid=101&filter=7)
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Verlanka on May 02, 2019, 08:36:23 AM
Quote from: NE2 on May 01, 2019, 09:57:31 AM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on May 01, 2019, 08:53:14 AM
I looked for something but I found nothing. Share in the nothing with me.

Okay then.  :-|
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: D-Dey65 on May 17, 2019, 08:40:55 AM
Quote from: TimQuiQui on June 29, 2018, 11:35:11 AM
As for the state sheilds, South Carolina redesigned their state shields a while back to use the blue palmetto design, away from the traditional black and white rectangle. Most of the signage across the state has been slowly updated, but a lot of the interstate exit signs, particularly on I85, show the older design.
That should probably change with they finish widening I-85 from Spartanburg to the North Carolina state line.

Quote from: CanesFan27 on January 29, 2019, 10:12:00 PM
The next time you drive between Exits 95 and 96 along Interstate 85 near Gaffney, SC take a look at the center median.  You'll be passing by an old family cemetery that dates to the mid-1800s.

https://surewhynotnow.blogspot.com/2019/01/the-cemetery-inside-interstate-85-median.html
This will be preserved when they widen I-85 to six lanes, right?


Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: TimQuiQui on May 17, 2019, 11:28:13 PM
Per the link from CanesFan27, the cemetery is being preserved as part of the widening
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: D-Dey65 on May 19, 2019, 07:18:06 PM
Quote from: TimQuiQui on May 17, 2019, 11:28:13 PM
Per the link from CanesFan27, the cemetery is being preserved as part of the widening
Ahh, I missed that part. Now I'm wondering how anybody will be able to visit their dead relatives at the cemetery, or at least maintain it.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: index on May 29, 2019, 08:56:09 PM
https://www.postandcourier.com/news/extreme-heat-led-to-sullivan-s-island-bridge-closure-on/article_1ab13872-8140-11e9-8499-2ff8f576cd25.html
Quote



The sudden closure of the Ben Sawyer Bridge on Monday — caused by “extreme heat” that expanded its steel structure to where it became stuck partially open — is a relatively rare occurrence and not a sign of a problem with its structural integrity, state transportation officials said.


Coastal South Carolina has experienced record-setting high temperatures in recent days. The Charleston area on Monday experienced a high of 100 degrees, with an even higher heat index — hot enough to warp the steel bridge
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: D-Dey65 on June 12, 2019, 09:54:25 AM
Did I ask about the closed rest areas along I-85 yet? If not, I'm doing it now.


More specifically, have any of them ever been truck weigh stations or truck parking areas?


Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Buffaboy on June 28, 2019, 09:36:58 AM
I-26 between Columbia and I-95 needs to be at least 6 lanes. The traffic here is unbelievable.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: kevinb1994 on June 28, 2019, 02:56:21 PM
Quote from: Buffaboy on June 28, 2019, 09:36:58 AM
I-26 between Columbia and I-95 needs to be at least 6 lanes. The traffic here is unbelievable.
Thankfully, there's the option of bypassing that traffic, via the SC 3-US 321 corridor. Just make sure you take US 321 first, as SC 3 doesn't fully take you around said traffic!
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: amroad17 on June 28, 2019, 03:55:00 PM
Quote from: Buffaboy on June 28, 2019, 09:36:58 AM
I-26 between Columbia and I-95 needs to be at least 6 lanes. The traffic here is unbelievable.
I dealt with that for two straight Saturdays (June 8 & June 15).  It took nearly 40 minutes to go through Columbia eastbound on the 8th with some backup on I-26 between there and I-95 (some of it due to rain).  On the 15th, I dealt with slow traffic off and on going north on I-95.  I got off at Exit 82 to gas up, saw the backup on I-95,  took US 178 to Orangeburg, then took US 21 north back to I-26.  Then there was some more slow traffic plus it took 30 minutes to get through Columbia (from I-126 to Exit 101), unit we stopped for lunch at Exit 97.  After lunch, it was still more slow/stop and go traffic up to near Spartanburg--where it finally thinned out until Asheville.  My brother also drove I-95 North on the 15th and said he was in stop and go traffic nearly to the SC/NC line.

I guess this is how traffic is in SC when you go from three lanes to two northbound.  Plus, it is Summer!  Seriously, I-95 and I-26 both need six lanes instead of four.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: RoadPelican on June 28, 2019, 04:53:33 PM
Quote from: amroad17 on June 28, 2019, 03:55:00 PM
Quote from: Buffaboy on June 28, 2019, 09:36:58 AM
I-26 between Columbia and I-95 needs to be at least 6 lanes. The traffic here is unbelievable.
I dealt with that for two straight Saturdays (June 8 & June 15).  It took nearly 40 minutes to go through Columbia eastbound on the 8th with some backup on I-26 between there and I-95 (some of it due to rain).  On the 15th, I dealt with slow traffic off and on going north on I-95.  I got off at Exit 82 to gas up, saw the backup on I-95,  took US 178 to Orangeburg, then took US 21 north back to I-26.  Then there was some more slow traffic plus it took 30 minutes to get through Columbia (from I-126 to Exit 101), unit we stopped for lunch at Exit 97.  After lunch, it was still more slow/stop and go traffic up to near Spartanburg--where it finally thinned out until Asheville.  My brother also drove I-95 North on the 15th and said he was in stop and go traffic nearly to the SC/NC line.

I guess this is how traffic is in SC when you go from three lanes to two northbound.  Plus, it is Summer!  Seriously, I-95 and I-26 both need six lanes instead of four.

It's even bad on weekends in early March. On a Sunday afternoon in March 2016, around 1 or 2 PM, I was driving home to Florida from DC and I encountered some stop and go or slow and go traffic (going 70 MPH to 25 to 70 to 25) in the Walterboro area.  I had my Rand McNally atlas with me (always do on long drives).

My detour south went something like us, EXIT 53, turn right on SC 63 to Varnville, turn right on SC 68, go thru Hampton (a few scenes from Forest Gump were filmed here), turn left on US 321 (South) in the town of Fairfax, turn right on SC 119, go over the Savannah River into Georgia, turn right on GA 21 to I-95.

Lots of low traffic 2 lane roads and beautiful countryside this way with plenty of Pine Tree Forests and farms.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: wriddle082 on June 29, 2019, 11:57:05 AM
Quote from: Buffaboy on June 28, 2019, 09:36:58 AM
I-26 between Columbia and I-95 needs to be at least 6 lanes. The traffic here is unbelievable.

Not too long ago, Governor McMaster ordered that I-26 be a full six lanes from Columbia to Charleston, and I-95 be six lanes from the GA border to the US 17 split near Yemassee.  Not sure if a timeline for this work has been proposed yet or not.  I do know that the recently-completed 26 widening from 77 to Old Sandy Run Rd was a design/build contract, and they seemed to do a pretty good job with it.  I expect the rest of the corridor to be design-build as well.  Also hoping they add a couple of flyovers at the 26/95 cloverleaf, for NB-WB and SB-EB.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: fillup420 on June 30, 2019, 08:50:13 AM
Quote from: wriddle082 on June 29, 2019, 11:57:05 AM

Also hoping they add a couple of flyovers at the 26/95 cloverleaf, for NB-WB and SB-EB.

The 26/95 interchange is one of the worst double-interstate junction. That SB-EB cloverleaf is dreadful. Way too bumpy, and the accel lanes are way too short.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: bigdave on July 01, 2019, 11:25:20 AM
Wow - visited a friend in Spartanburg for the first time in 5 years. I was shocked at all of the work on I-85.

How did SC manage to do such a bad job in 1995 when they built the new I-85 around Spartanburg, that they are now having to dig up and rebuild virtually the entire stretch. Only one lane was open on I-85, and much traffic was using the ancient "business" loop I-85 (original I-85).

I found this article that mentions the old road bed was failing, but that doesn't make sense as it was all new build road. Admittedly I-85 has some of the heaviest truck traffic I have ever seen, which is why I traveled from Alabama via Asheville instead of Atlanta.

https://www.goupstate.com/news/20180731/upstate-lowdown-when-will-spartanburg-county-i-85-project-be-completed

Apologies if this has been discussed elsewhere, did a brief search and didn't find anything.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: VTGoose on July 01, 2019, 12:48:26 PM
Quote from: RoadPelican on June 28, 2019, 04:53:33 PM
Quote from: amroad17 on June 28, 2019, 03:55:00 PM
Quote from: Buffaboy on June 28, 2019, 09:36:58 AM
I-26 between Columbia and I-95 needs to be at least 6 lanes. The traffic here is unbelievable.
I dealt with that for two straight Saturdays (June 8 & June 15).  It took nearly 40 minutes to go through Columbia eastbound on the 8th with some backup on I-26 between there and I-95 (some of it due to rain).  On the 15th, I dealt with slow traffic off and on going north on I-95.  I got off at Exit 82 to gas up, saw the backup on I-95,  took US 178 to Orangeburg, then took US 21 north back to I-26.  Then there was some more slow traffic plus it took 30 minutes to get through Columbia (from I-126 to Exit 101), unit we stopped for lunch at Exit 97.  After lunch, it was still more slow/stop and go traffic up to near Spartanburg--where it finally thinned out until Asheville.  My brother also drove I-95 North on the 15th and said he was in stop and go traffic nearly to the SC/NC line.

I guess this is how traffic is in SC when you go from three lanes to two northbound.  Plus, it is Summer!  Seriously, I-95 and I-26 both need six lanes instead of four.

It's even bad on weekends in early March. On a Sunday afternoon in March 2016, around 1 or 2 PM, I was driving home to Florida from DC and I encountered some stop and go or slow and go traffic (going 70 MPH to 25 to 70 to 25) in the Walterboro area.  I had my Rand McNally atlas with me (always do on long drives).

My detour south went something like us, EXIT 53, turn right on SC 63 to Varnville, turn right on SC 68, go thru Hampton (a few scenes from Forest Gump were filmed here), turn left on US 321 (South) in the town of Fairfax, turn right on SC 119, go over the Savannah River into Georgia, turn right on GA 21 to I-95.

Lots of low traffic 2 lane roads and beautiful countryside this way with plenty of Pine Tree Forests and farms.

I'm surprised some of the data zealots haven't popped in yet with traffic counts that they say show there isn't a need for six lanes just because traffic is heavy on occasional summer and holiday weekends.

Traveling on I-26 at times can be an adventure in terror. Traffic moves at 75 MPH and up and those who want to go 80 or better are not patient people. The problem is that when there is a gap to move right to get them off your bumper, you have to drop speed considerably then ramp it up again quickly to get back into the left lane (to pass the 70 MPH traffic).

Like you say, I-95 has you "going 70 MPH to 25 to 70 to 25" in short stretches -- which has always been baffling, especially when there doesn't appear to be any reason to slow down to 25 to start the ripple back several miles.

It would be nice if Georgia and South Carolina worked together to extend I-77 south from Columbia to Valdosta and a connection with I-75 to handle traffic headed to the west coast of Florida.

Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: kevinb1994 on July 01, 2019, 01:17:38 PM
Quote from: VTGoose on July 01, 2019, 12:48:26 PM
Quote from: RoadPelican on June 28, 2019, 04:53:33 PM
Quote from: amroad17 on June 28, 2019, 03:55:00 PM
Quote from: Buffaboy on June 28, 2019, 09:36:58 AM
I-26 between Columbia and I-95 needs to be at least 6 lanes. The traffic here is unbelievable.
I dealt with that for two straight Saturdays (June 8 & June 15).  It took nearly 40 minutes to go through Columbia eastbound on the 8th with some backup on I-26 between there and I-95 (some of it due to rain).  On the 15th, I dealt with slow traffic off and on going north on I-95.  I got off at Exit 82 to gas up, saw the backup on I-95,  took US 178 to Orangeburg, then took US 21 north back to I-26.  Then there was some more slow traffic plus it took 30 minutes to get through Columbia (from I-126 to Exit 101), unit we stopped for lunch at Exit 97.  After lunch, it was still more slow/stop and go traffic up to near Spartanburg--where it finally thinned out until Asheville.  My brother also drove I-95 North on the 15th and said he was in stop and go traffic nearly to the SC/NC line.

I guess this is how traffic is in SC when you go from three lanes to two northbound.  Plus, it is Summer!  Seriously, I-95 and I-26 both need six lanes instead of four.
It's even bad on weekends in early March. On a Sunday afternoon in March 2016, around 1 or 2 PM, I was driving home to Florida from DC and I encountered some stop and go or slow and go traffic (going 70 MPH to 25 to 70 to 25) in the Walterboro area.  I had my Rand McNally atlas with me (always do on long drives).

My detour south went something like us, EXIT 53, turn right on SC 63 to Varnville, turn right on SC 68, go thru Hampton (a few scenes from Forest Gump were filmed here), turn left on US 321 (South) in the town of Fairfax, turn right on SC 119, go over the Savannah River into Georgia, turn right on GA 21 to I-95.

Lots of low traffic 2 lane roads and beautiful countryside this way with plenty of Pine Tree Forests and farms.
I'm surprised some of the data zealots haven't popped in yet with traffic counts that they say show there isn't a need for six lanes just because traffic is heavy on occasional summer and holiday weekends.

Traveling on I-26 at times can be an adventure in terror. Traffic moves at 75 MPH and up and those who want to go 80 or better are not patient people. The problem is that when there is a gap to move right to get them off your bumper, you have to drop speed considerably then ramp it up again quickly to get back into the left lane (to pass the 70 MPH traffic).

Like you say, I-95 has you "going 70 MPH to 25 to 70 to 25" in short stretches -- which has always been baffling, especially when there doesn't appear to be any reason to slow down to 25 to start the ripple back several miles.

It would be nice if Georgia and South Carolina worked together to extend I-77 south from Columbia to Valdosta and a connection with I-75 to handle traffic headed to the west coast of Florida.
The best way to extend I-77 would be to route it along the multi-state 121 corridor, which would tie it into the I-75 corridor at Gainesville.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: froggie on July 01, 2019, 06:37:26 PM
Quote from: VTGooseI'm surprised some of the data zealots haven't popped in yet with traffic counts that they say show there isn't a need for six lanes just because traffic is heavy on occasional summer and holiday weekends.

If this was a jab at me, I'm sorry to "disappoint" you but I lack the relevant data.  Plus I don't have nearly as much experience with I-26 as I do with I-95 in SC.

I also do a data-driven approach because, absent state-level pork (since Federal pork is all-but-gone now), data is how the state DOTs are going to make their decisions on what to widen and if they have the money to do it.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: kevinb1994 on July 01, 2019, 06:59:18 PM
Quote from: froggie on July 01, 2019, 06:37:26 PM
Quote from: VTGooseI'm surprised some of the data zealots haven't popped in yet with traffic counts that they say show there isn't a need for six lanes just because traffic is heavy on occasional summer and holiday weekends.

If this was a jab at me, I'm sorry to "disappoint" you but I lack the relevant data.  Plus I don't have nearly as much experience with I-26 as I do with I-95 in SC.

I also do a data-driven approach because, absent state-level pork (since Federal pork is all-but-gone now), data is how the state DOTs are going to make their decisions on what to widen and if they have the money to do it.
I'm with froggie on this.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: wriddle082 on July 01, 2019, 07:11:35 PM
Quote from: kevinb1994 on July 01, 2019, 06:59:18 PM
Quote from: froggie on July 01, 2019, 06:37:26 PM
Quote from: VTGooseI'm surprised some of the data zealots haven't popped in yet with traffic counts that they say show there isn't a need for six lanes just because traffic is heavy on occasional summer and holiday weekends.

If this was a jab at me, I'm sorry to "disappoint" you but I lack the relevant data.  Plus I don't have nearly as much experience with I-26 as I do with I-95 in SC.

I also do a data-driven approach because, absent state-level pork (since Federal pork is all-but-gone now), data is how the state DOTs are going to make their decisions on what to widen and if they have the money to do it.
I'm with froggie on this.

Not sure of exact numbers, but my best guess is that traffic volumes most definitely warrant the widening due to increased truck traffic (current and future) going to/coming from the rapidly-growing Port of Charleston, and the increasing popularity of Charleston as a tourism destination and subsequent increase in traffic, which primarily comes from I-26 via either I-95 or I-77.  Oh yeah, I-77 southbound traffic (which I am intimately familiar with) is dumped onto I-26 east at Cayce generally headed either to Charleston or I-95 south.

And the funding is coming from the 0.12/gallon gas tax raise passed a few years ago that is currently being phased in 0.02 a year for 6 years, which coincidentally has its third 0.02 raise going into effect today.

So there it is.  Justification and a funding source.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Beltway on July 01, 2019, 07:12:26 PM
Quote from: froggie on July 01, 2019, 06:37:26 PM
Quote from: VTGooseI'm surprised some of the data zealots haven't popped in yet with traffic counts that they say show there isn't a need for six lanes just because traffic is heavy on occasional summer and holiday weekends.
If this was a jab at me, I'm sorry to "disappoint" you but I lack the relevant data.  Plus I don't have nearly as much experience with I-26 as I do with I-95 in SC.
I also do a data-driven approach because, absent state-level pork (since Federal pork is all-but-gone now), data is how the state DOTs are going to make their decisions on what to widen and if they have the money to do it.

I have my "20 weekends and holidays" annual rule with these rural Interstate highways, with regard to whether they need major widening.

Annual daily averages can look modest while the highway can be brought to its knees (like I-81 TN/VA/WV/MD/PA) enough weekends and holidays that takes it far beyond the 30th highest hour rule, especially between Memorial Day and Labor Day inclusive.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: froggie on July 01, 2019, 07:23:50 PM
^ Unfortunately for you (and past discussions we've had on the subject), very few state DOTs make weekend data openly available.  Virginia is the only one I can think of offhand that offers something close.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Beltway on July 01, 2019, 09:23:19 PM
Quote from: froggie on July 01, 2019, 07:23:50 PM
Unfortunately for you (and past discussions we've had on the subject), very few state DOTs make weekend data openly available.  Virginia is the only one I can think of offhand that offers something close.

A state DOT could compile that for any highway corridor that they wanted to study in depth.

The permanent traffic counting stations would be able to compile that if they don't already have the ability to tally vehicle count data by day or even by hour.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: froggie on July 01, 2019, 10:26:02 PM
State DOTs could do it, yes.  But in terms of this forum and the discussions therein, we're limited in data availability for your "annual rule"...
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Beltway on July 01, 2019, 11:33:20 PM
Quote from: froggie on July 01, 2019, 10:26:02 PM
State DOTs could do it, yes.  But in terms of this forum and the discussions therein, we're limited in data availability for your "annual rule"...

The "20 weekends and holidays" annual rule is rather apparent for the users of these highways, at least in my observations of I-81.  If detailed engineering studies show otherwise then I am fine with that.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: wriddle082 on July 02, 2019, 12:21:06 AM
Quote from: Beltway on July 01, 2019, 11:33:20 PM
Quote from: froggie on July 01, 2019, 10:26:02 PM
State DOTs could do it, yes.  But in terms of this forum and the discussions therein, we're limited in data availability for your "annual rule"...

The "20 weekends and holidays" annual rule is rather apparent for the users of these highways, at least in my observations of I-81.  If detailed engineering studies show otherwise then I am fine with that.

Forget the traffic counts (which will likely indicate a need for widening I-26 anyway).  Consider safety.  Consider that once a month on average, there is a report of a fatal accident on 26 SE of Columbia.  Consider that a set of overpass piers were hit by a tractor trailer two years ago, which resulted in the remaining structure being removed and it's replacement only now being constructed.  Consider that every other time I take this roadway, I find mysekf traveling at speeds ranging anywhere from 75 to 45, with only a very few minor hills causing the slow-downs closer to Columbia.  Consider that the truck traffic is still heavy even in the middle of the night due to the Port of Charleston, which is one of (I think) only two Atlantic seaports capable of handling the Panamax ships.

The citizens want it widened.  The governor ordered it to be widened.  And the gas tax hike will make it a reality once enough revenue is collected.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: froggie on July 02, 2019, 06:49:35 AM
^ What you mention regarding safety speaks more to the need for a full reconstruction and improving geometry than it does widening.  That said, if it does need widening (and as mentioned upthread I haven't found traffic data to look at), reconstruction would be the time to do it.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Mapmikey on July 02, 2019, 08:39:55 AM
The I-26 segment immediately west of I-95 has gone up 20% from 2006 (42.5K aadt) to 2018 (52.8K aadt).

The highest 2018 AADT for I-26 by county btw Columbia and I-95:

Orangeburg Co - 56K (US 601 to S-22)
Calhoun Co - 63.4K (US 21 to S-31)
Lexington Co - 93.8K (I-126 to US 378); note northwest of Columbia it jumps to 144K

These appear to be for both directions combined...

SCDOT traffic stuff is here - https://www.scdot.org/travel/travel-trafficdata.aspx

Can get down to daily data here - http://dbw.scdot.org/Poll5WebAppPublic/wfrm/wfrmHomePage.aspx  - Click on a station and you can look at current hourly data; pick a day in the past; look at monthly averages, etc.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: D-Dey65 on July 07, 2019, 12:25:37 PM
Quote from: fillup420 on June 30, 2019, 08:50:13 AM
Quote from: wriddle082 on June 29, 2019, 11:57:05 AM

Also hoping they add a couple of flyovers at the 26/95 cloverleaf, for NB-WB and SB-EB.

The 26/95 interchange is one of the worst double-interstate junction. That SB-EB cloverleaf is dreadful. Way too bumpy, and the accel lanes are way too short.
I'd almost be willing to consider a full stack. I was looking at the interchange from Google Maps and the EB-NB cloverleaf looks way too tight. Until then, I would've been happy to leave the cloverleaf ramps off of I-26 alone, and add more embankments to the flyovers, rather than have 2 long series of bridges.

Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: sprjus4 on July 14, 2019, 09:50:45 AM
https://myrtlebeachsc.com/grand-strand-area-transportation-study-now-in-progress-us-17-corridor/

QuoteThe Grand Strand Area Transportation Study (GSATS) encourages citizens to get involved in a newly initiated US 17 Corridor Study in Georgetown County.  The US 17 Corridor in Georgetown County currently carries an average of 35,000 vehicles per day.  This area has experienced significant growth which has led to increased congestion and safety concerns along the corridor.

Key challenges along the corridor include how to move traffic efficiently through coastal resort communities while maintaining access to businesses and providing bicycle and pedestrian accommodations.  The Corridor Study will analyze traffic operations, crash history, growth patterns, and access management strategies to improve safety and traffic flow.

The study will result in short-term, mid-term, and long-term recommendations that local governments and the SCDOT could implement in the future to benefit the corridor. The study area begins at the intersection of US 17 and US 17 Bypass in Murrells Inlet (near Georgetown/Horry County Line) and continues south for 19 miles to Hobcaw Barony. 

The Grand Strand Area Transportation Study (GSATS) is leading the project and has contracted with a consulting firm, AECOM, to do the necessary studies.  Georgetown County is also a key project partner.   

The study is just getting underway so preliminary engineering and traffic studies are beginning now.  No decisions have been made, but some of the possible solutions may include: intersection improvements to relieve congestion, geometric improvements to improve safety, bike/pedestrian accommodations, and signal timing.

The study began in June of 2019 and expected to conclude by the Winter of 2020.  Residents are encouraged to get more information about the study and make comments on the wiki map at this location:  https://wikimapping.com/US17.html.  The wiki map offers a place for citizens to leave comments for the project team about specific locations on the corridor.  The wiki map also includes general project information and frequently asked questions.  Public information meetings will also be scheduled in the future as the study progresses.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: RoadPelican on July 14, 2019, 02:20:24 PM
Quote from: sprjus4 on July 14, 2019, 09:50:45 AM
https://myrtlebeachsc.com/grand-strand-area-transportation-study-now-in-progress-us-17-corridor/

QuoteThe Grand Strand Area Transportation Study (GSATS) encourages citizens to get involved in a newly initiated US 17 Corridor Study in Georgetown County.  The US 17 Corridor in Georgetown County currently carries an average of 35,000 vehicles per day.  This area has experienced significant growth which has led to increased congestion and safety concerns along the corridor.

Key challenges along the corridor include how to move traffic efficiently through coastal resort communities while maintaining access to businesses and providing bicycle and pedestrian accommodations.  The Corridor Study will analyze traffic operations, crash history, growth patterns, and access management strategies to improve safety and traffic flow.

The study will result in short-term, mid-term, and long-term recommendations that local governments and the SCDOT could implement in the future to benefit the corridor. The study area begins at the intersection of US 17 and US 17 Bypass in Murrells Inlet (near Georgetown/Horry County Line) and continues south for 19 miles to Hobcaw Barony. 

The Grand Strand Area Transportation Study (GSATS) is leading the project and has contracted with a consulting firm, AECOM, to do the necessary studies.  Georgetown County is also a key project partner.   

The study is just getting underway so preliminary engineering and traffic studies are beginning now.  No decisions have been made, but some of the possible solutions may include: intersection improvements to relieve congestion, geometric improvements to improve safety, bike/pedestrian accommodations, and signal timing.

The study began in June of 2019 and expected to conclude by the Winter of 2020.  Residents are encouraged to get more information about the study and make comments on the wiki map at this location:  https://wikimapping.com/US17.html.  The wiki map offers a place for citizens to leave comments for the project team about specific locations on the corridor.  The wiki map also includes general project information and frequently asked questions.  Public information meetings will also be scheduled in the future as the study progresses.

There's really only two options here and both are expensive and controversial.

1) Extend SC 31 south to Georgetown (lots of wetlands here and the Intercoastal Waterway to deal with.)  It would make the drive from Myrtle Beach to Charleston quicker and could help bring more high paying jobs to the region.

2) Improve the existing US 17 corridor similar to how the US 17 bypass was done in Myrtle Beach, find out the worst intersections where traffic backs up and convert them to interchanges.  The minor intersections could remain as is.  This would require many relocations of businesses and new service roads to be built.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: wriddle082 on July 19, 2019, 10:12:04 PM
SCDOT is about to start construction to replace the SC 277 northbound bridge over I-77 at its northern terminus:

https://www.wistv.com/2019/07/18/scdot-begin-sc-northbound-bridge-replacement-over-i-richland-county/

Here is a Streetview of the segmental concrete span:

https://goo.gl/maps/aAvZVzWVoJcmgcPR7

I'm betting the farm that the replacement won't be this unique type of bridge, but will instead be constructed out of boring, compliant AASHTO beams.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: afguy on July 22, 2019, 09:51:34 PM
QuoteIt's only two miles away from the current Hardeeville exit, but something that town and county officials believe could speed up economic progress and community growth.

"It's huge for Hardeeville, Jasper County and really the whole Lowcountry region,"  explains Hardeeville Deputy City Manager Matt Davis.

The proposal means Jasper County, the city of Hardeeville and developer SLF III will work together to fund the $82 million project. Which would build an exit off I-95 at Purrysburg road. All have entered into a memorandum of understanding involving the county, Hardeeville and SLF III.

The Texas-based company owns a 5000-acre tract that includes the Riverport Business Park.

"It's just easier access to the land for development purposes, it's that much closer to the Georgia line,"  explains Matt Davis. "A lot of development we anticipate will be related in some fashion the Port of Savannah. They are kind of out land over there so they are looking on this side of the river."
https://www.wsav.com/news/new-exit-on-i-95-could-bring-big-business-to-jasper-county/
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: tolbs17 on July 28, 2019, 01:28:39 AM
I miss going to South Carolina. I wish I can visit Myrtle Beach again! I'm going to drive on the new I-140 segment that opened in Wilmington, North Carolina!

By the way, what is Myrtle Beach like? I've been there a long time ago, i was too young so I can't remember.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: D-Dey65 on July 28, 2019, 04:11:06 PM
Fun tip, I was checking out Historic Aerials Online's coverage of the old US 15/301 bridge over Lake Marion between Santee and Adam's Landing, SC, and I found out that the southbound parallel span currently used for billboards was planned but never built.

https://historicaerials.com/?layer=map&zoom=12&lat=33.483333&lon=-80.483333 (https://historicaerials.com/?layer=map&zoom=12&lat=33.483333&lon=-80.483333)

Not only that, the road running parallel to what is now Bass Lane (Ballard Lane), looks like it was intended to be the southbound lanes of US 15/301, before the I-95 bridges made that obsolete.





Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Mapmikey on July 28, 2019, 04:44:32 PM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on July 28, 2019, 04:11:06 PM
Fun tip, I was checking out Historic Aerials Online's coverage of the old US 15/301 bridge over Lake Marion between Santee and Adam's Landing, SC, and I found out that the southbound parallel span currently used for billboards was planned but never built.

https://historicaerials.com/?layer=map&zoom=12&lat=33.483333&lon=-80.483333 (https://historicaerials.com/?layer=map&zoom=12&lat=33.483333&lon=-80.483333)

Not only that, the road running parallel to what is now Bass Lane (Ballard Lane), looks like it was intended to be the southbound lanes of US 15/301, before the I-95 bridges made that obsolete.







Those "SB"  spans were the Santee River bridges before the lake existed. The now-closed span was built to accommodate the newly formed lake in the 1940s.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Mapmikey on July 28, 2019, 06:43:51 PM
Here is a post card showing both bridges at the very southern end...

https://picclick.com/Santee-River-Bridge-Summerton-St-George-SC-Cline-362623035867.html#&gid=1&pid=1
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: tolbs17 on July 28, 2019, 07:31:57 PM
Quote from: Mapmikey on July 28, 2019, 06:43:51 PM
Here is a post card showing both bridges at the very southern end...

https://picclick.com/Santee-River-Bridge-Summerton-St-George-SC-Cline-362623035867.html#&gid=1&pid=1

They should demolish those bridges and build new ones.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Mapmikey on July 28, 2019, 09:00:13 PM
Quote from: mrhappy1261 on July 28, 2019, 07:31:57 PM
Quote from: Mapmikey on July 28, 2019, 06:43:51 PM
Here is a post card showing both bridges at the very southern end...

https://picclick.com/Santee-River-Bridge-Summerton-St-George-SC-Cline-362623035867.html#&gid=1&pid=1

They should demolish those bridges and build new ones.

They did.  The truss bridge was torn down decades ago while the high rise bridge was closed to traffic about 30 years ago but remains as a bike trail and fishing pier. The I-95 bridges were built immediately adjacent to this bridge in 1968.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: D-Dey65 on July 29, 2019, 01:08:22 AM
Quote from: Mapmikey on July 28, 2019, 06:43:51 PM
Here is a post card showing both bridges at the very southern end...

https://picclick.com/Santee-River-Bridge-Summerton-St-George-SC-Cline-362623035867.html#&gid=1&pid=1
No wonder Ballard Lane is so low by comparison.

Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: D-Dey65 on August 11, 2019, 09:54:20 AM
Quote from: Mapmikey on July 28, 2019, 09:00:13 PM
Quote from: mrhappy1261 on July 28, 2019, 07:31:57 PM
Quote from: Mapmikey on July 28, 2019, 06:43:51 PM
Here is a post card showing both bridges at the very southern end...

https://picclick.com/Santee-River-Bridge-Summerton-St-George-SC-Cline-362623035867.html#&gid=1&pid=1

They should demolish those bridges and build new ones.

They did.  The truss bridge was torn down decades ago while the high rise bridge was closed to traffic about 30 years ago but remains as a bike trail and fishing pier. The I-95 bridges were built immediately adjacent to this bridge in 1968.
But they will have to replace the I-95 bridges within the next 20 to 30 years. Possibly even sooner. What concerns me is that in the process of doing so, they might shift the trajectory of the newer bridges off to one side or the other. I'd rather see them in the same alignment that they've got now. The only way that could be accomplished is to either reopen the old bridge as a temporary detour (Fat chance!) or add temporary bridges alongside the replacement. Another concern is the threat of earthquakes. The last big one South Carolina had was 1886 in Charleston, so it seems foolish not to expect another one to hit the state sometime in the century. As of now, I'm not convinced the existing bridges could survive anything with a high 5 or 6 on the richter scale.



Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Gnutella on September 03, 2019, 03:55:11 AM
SCDOT is really going to town on I-85. I drove up that way a few times last month, and there's non-stop construction from Spartanburg all the way north(east) to near the North Carolina state line. The construction zone is about 35 miles long. Glad to see it being taken care of, though the reconstruction of I-85 past Spartanburg was something I never expected.

Once that's done, they need to reconstruct and widen south(west) of Anderson, and collaborate with GDOT to build a new bridge over Lake Hartwell. By that time, I think GDOT will probably have widened I-85 north(east) from Buford to Commerce.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: roadman65 on September 04, 2019, 04:36:40 PM
How long has Exit 97 in Santee been a complete interchange?  I have not been that way in over 10 years and at that time it was only to and from the north with no road heading east.  Now I see its a parclo allowing NB traffic to access both US 15 and 301 SB and from NB US 15 & 301 to I-95 SB plus a new road to the east.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Mapmikey on September 04, 2019, 07:50:06 PM
Quote from: roadman65 on September 04, 2019, 04:36:40 PM
How long has Exit 97 in Santee been a complete interchange?  I have not been that way in over 10 years and at that time it was only to and from the north with no road heading east.  Now I see its a parclo allowing NB traffic to access both US 15 and 301 SB and from NB US 15 & 301 to I-95 SB plus a new road to the east.

Since Feb 2017...

Back in the 1980s there used to be a giant billboard at this exit that just said 301 TO FLORIDA inside a giant right arrow...
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: roadman65 on September 05, 2019, 10:26:56 AM
That connector to SC 6 is unnamed and unnumbered I see.  It is got a reference to it?  BTW what's its nature?

Also what is up with leaving out US 15 on Exit 97 guides?  Also on WB SC 6 US 15 is only shown going north on I-95 and not south.  US 301, is shown completely since the old Lake Marion Bridge was closed many years ago.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Mapmikey on September 05, 2019, 10:10:51 PM
Quote from: roadman65 on September 05, 2019, 10:26:56 AM
That connector to SC 6 is unnamed and unnumbered I see.  It is got a reference to it?  BTW what's its nature?

Also what is up with leaving out US 15 on Exit 97 guides?  Also on WB SC 6 US 15 is only shown going north on I-95 and not south.  US 301, is shown completely since the old Lake Marion Bridge was closed many years ago.

It is not on county or city maps yet.  The 2019 State Official shows it as primary (but not labeled).  Finally I found the designation on the 2018 traffic count interface at SCDOT.  It is officially SC 6 CONN.  South Carolina has been posting CONN routes more in the last decade or so, so maybe it will get posted this way at some point.

US 15 used to be a little better posted in this area post-bridge closure, but it had never made it onto the I-95 BGS at Exit 97.  My guess is because the next exit south is US 15 anyway.  Note that on the Exit 102 BGS northbound, the textual appearance of US 15-301 here goes back to the original signage from the mid 1970s.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: sprjus4 on September 05, 2019, 11:41:53 PM
From SC-6, it's simply labeled as "TO US-301". Not even a sign for I-95...

https://www.google.com/maps/@33.470087,-80.4516898,3a,37.5y,181.7h,86.62t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1swRmrcD6IXcLZ5ROG0Xnu5A!2e0!7i13312!8i6656!5m1!1e1
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: tolbs17 on September 05, 2019, 11:45:44 PM
Quote from: sprjus4 on September 05, 2019, 11:41:53 PM
From SC-6, it's simply labeled as "TO US-301". Not even a sign for I-95...

https://www.google.com/maps/@33.470087,-80.4516898,3a,37.5y,181.7h,86.62t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1swRmrcD6IXcLZ5ROG0Xnu5A!2e0!7i13312!8i6656!5m1!1e1
That's a little funny, maybe you should ask SCDOT to add I-95 signs there.

https://www.google.com/maps/@35.8350189,-77.3734454,3a,32.3y,49.47h,83.77t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sjoOnGVRZ5xZPY0TYAjCUFA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656!5m1!1e1

This looks so much better.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: sprjus4 on September 06, 2019, 12:01:29 AM
Quote from: mrhappy1261 on September 05, 2019, 11:45:44 PM
Quote from: sprjus4 on September 05, 2019, 11:41:53 PM
From SC-6, it's simply labeled as "TO US-301". Not even a sign for I-95...

https://www.google.com/maps/@33.470087,-80.4516898,3a,37.5y,181.7h,86.62t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1swRmrcD6IXcLZ5ROG0Xnu5A!2e0!7i13312!8i6656!5m1!1e1
That's a little funny, maybe you should ask SCDOT to add I-95 signs there.

https://www.google.com/maps/@35.8350189,-77.3734454,3a,32.3y,49.47h,83.77t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sjoOnGVRZ5xZPY0TYAjCUFA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656!5m1!1e1

This looks so much better.
I never even knew they had I-95 signage that far east on US-64... Interesting
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: fillup420 on September 10, 2019, 09:08:05 PM
After living in SC for a year, I noticed they have a minimalist signing practice; especially for state and US highways that aren't US 76, US 78, or US 301
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: 74/171FAN on September 11, 2019, 06:57:33 AM
Quote from: fillup420 on September 10, 2019, 09:08:05 PM
After living in SC for a year, I noticed they have a minimalist signing practice; especially for state and US highways that aren't US 76, US 78, or US 301

I am currently working on doing the peer review for the SC state highways in Travel Mapping before the system becomes active, and I agree with your point.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Mapmikey on September 11, 2019, 08:08:32 AM
Quote from: 74/171FAN on September 11, 2019, 06:57:33 AM
Quote from: fillup420 on September 10, 2019, 09:08:05 PM
After living in SC for a year, I noticed they have a minimalist signing practice; especially for state and US highways that aren't US 76, US 78, or US 301

I am currently working on doing the peer review for the SC state highways before the system becomes active, and I agree with your point.

It used to be a little better when I was growing up there in the late 70s-early 80s.  In the Charleston metro area it got significantly worse after Hurricane Hugo came through...lots of route markers went down and not all were replaced...
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Mapmikey on September 18, 2019, 01:12:40 PM
Since the South Carolina system is under review in Travel Mapping, it has become clear that SCDOT is posting more directional banners on their state routes than they used to.

For reasons I don't understand, they seem to be making all even numbers E-W and all odd numbers N-S whether that makes any sense or not, as their numbering system never evolved with that in mind.

An egregious example is SC 20 is posted as E-W despite its Greenville endpoint being north 47.08 mi and west only 1.36 miles from its Abbeville endpoint.

SC 8, SC 14 and SC 18 (ok I did spot one SC 18 North sign) are all now posted E-W despite being clearly N-S routes.  SC 211 is posted N-S while being extremely E-W and I recall it being posted E-W in the 1980s.

I have now found evidence they re-bannered routes for sure - SC 63 was posted E-W and is now N-S (see https://www.usends.com/walterboro.html)
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: D-Dey65 on September 21, 2019, 09:52:23 PM
Quote from: Mapmikey on September 11, 2019, 08:08:32 AM
Quote from: 74/171FAN on September 11, 2019, 06:57:33 AM
Quote from: fillup420 on September 10, 2019, 09:08:05 PM
After living in SC for a year, I noticed they have a minimalist signing practice; especially for state and US highways that aren't US 76, US 78, or US 301

I am currently working on doing the peer review for the SC state highways before the system becomes active, and I agree with your point.

It used to be a little better when I was growing up there in the late 70s-early 80s.  In the Charleston metro area it got significantly worse after Hurricane Hugo came through...lots of route markers went down and not all were replaced...
Speaking of Metro Charleston, I noticed a closed off ramp from southbound I-26 to southwest-bound I-526.

https://www.google.com/maps/@32.884055,-80.0207182,3a,60y,332.02h,91.37t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1so2yELqvW1F2v_KArGkMVXg!2e0!7i13312!8i6656?hl=en (https://www.google.com/maps/@32.884055,-80.0207182,3a,60y,332.02h,91.37t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1so2yELqvW1F2v_KArGkMVXg!2e0!7i13312!8i6656?hl=en)

That and an extra lane going from westbound Exit 17B on I-526.



https://www.google.com/maps/@32.8850951,-80.0170153,3a,75y,358.74h,90.25t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s5VWDWhPp3Nz_xjRWDv72sQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656?hl=en (https://www.google.com/maps/@32.8850951,-80.0170153,3a,75y,358.74h,90.25t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s5VWDWhPp3Nz_xjRWDv72sQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656?hl=en)





Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: rickmastfan67 on September 21, 2019, 10:06:09 PM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on September 21, 2019, 09:52:23 PM
Speaking of Metro Charleston, I noticed a closed off ramp from southbound I-26 to southwest-bound I-526.

https://www.google.com/maps/@32.884055,-80.0207182,3a,60y,332.02h,91.37t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1so2yELqvW1F2v_KArGkMVXg!2e0!7i13312!8i6656?hl=en (https://www.google.com/maps/@32.884055,-80.0207182,3a,60y,332.02h,91.37t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1so2yELqvW1F2v_KArGkMVXg!2e0!7i13312!8i6656?hl=en)

I'm guessing it's there for when they need to counter-flow I-26.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: D-Dey65 on November 06, 2019, 10:30:38 PM
Something else here; I'm starting to have doubts that the southern terminus of the US 15/301 overlap is really at the current intersection of Bass Road (US 15) and Five Chop Road (US 301). I'm starting to suspect US 15 still secretly follows Bass Road to SC 6, then overlaps that route until Exit 98 on I-95.

I've got some pics of old US 15/301 planned for my trip, so that's why I'm so interested right now.


https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Old_US_15-301,_Santee_to_Adam%27s_Landing_(South_Carolina)




Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: 74/171FAN on November 07, 2019, 05:02:33 AM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on November 06, 2019, 10:30:38 PM
Something else here; I'm starting to have doubts that the southern terminus of the US 15/301 overlap is really at the current intersection of Bass Road (US 15) and Five Chop Road (US 301). I'm starting to suspect US 15 still secretly follows Bass Road to SC 6, then overlaps that route until Exit 98 on I-95.

I've got some pics of old US 15/301 planned for my trip, so that's why I'm so interested right now.


https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Old_US_15-301,_Santee_to_Adam%27s_Landing_(South_Carolina)


The SCDOT Street Finder (http://206.74.144.42/streetfinder/) shows the old portion of US 15 between US 301 and SC 6 being US 15 CON.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: D-Dey65 on November 07, 2019, 09:02:02 PM
Quote from: 74/171FAN on November 07, 2019, 05:02:33 AM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on November 06, 2019, 10:30:38 PM
Something else here; I'm starting to have doubts that the southern terminus of the US 15/301 overlap is really at the current intersection of Bass Road (US 15) and Five Chop Road (US 301). I'm starting to suspect US 15 still secretly follows Bass Road to SC 6, then overlaps that route until Exit 98 on I-95.

I've got some pics of old US 15/301 planned for my trip, so that's why I'm so interested right now.


https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Old_US_15-301,_Santee_to_Adam%27s_Landing_(South_Carolina)


The SCDOT Street Finder (http://206.74.144.42/streetfinder/) shows the old portion of US 15 between US 301 and SC 6 being US 15 CON.
Really? Because when I use it, it shows US 301 between Bass Road and I-95 as being US 15 Connector.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: D-Dey65 on November 07, 2019, 09:05:58 PM
Onto another issue; The south end of I-77 at I-26 has a missing Interstate shield above one of the BGS's and Google Street View won't let me go back in time to find out what it was.
https://www.google.com/maps/@33.9297439,-81.0580514,3a,75y,261.05h,81.63t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sQIXd-u89XaJ6uqSK-V6Z3A!2e0!7i16384!8i8192?hl=en

Good thing there's an old AARoads photo around showing it:
https://www.aaroads.com/sc/077/i-077_sb_exit_001_03.jpg

Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: 74/171FAN on November 07, 2019, 10:46:13 PM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on November 07, 2019, 09:02:02 PM
Quote from: 74/171FAN on November 07, 2019, 05:02:33 AM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on November 06, 2019, 10:30:38 PM
Something else here; I'm starting to have doubts that the southern terminus of the US 15/301 overlap is really at the current intersection of Bass Road (US 15) and Five Chop Road (US 301). I'm starting to suspect US 15 still secretly follows Bass Road to SC 6, then overlaps that route until Exit 98 on I-95.

I've got some pics of old US 15/301 planned for my trip, so that's why I'm so interested right now.


https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Old_US_15-301,_Santee_to_Adam%27s_Landing_(South_Carolina)


The SCDOT Street Finder (http://206.74.144.42/streetfinder/) shows the old portion of US 15 between US 301 and SC 6 being US 15 CON.
Really? Because when I use it, it shows US 301 between Bass Road and I-95 as being US 15 Connector.

Maybe you are seeing it different than me.  I am seeing that as US 15.  2018 GSV still shows at least one US 15 SB shield (https://www.google.com/maps/@33.4631061,-80.4928678,3a,75y,305.77h,81.37t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1seiVsxRLiC_FazPoe7Qx52g!2e0!7i13312!8i6656) indicating that it should turn off of US 301 SB.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: D-Dey65 on November 07, 2019, 11:47:39 PM
Quote from: 74/171FAN on November 07, 2019, 10:46:13 PM
Maybe you are seeing it different than me.  I am seeing that as US 15.  2018 GSV still shows at least one US 15 SB shield (https://www.google.com/maps/@33.4631061,-80.4928678,3a,75y,305.77h,81.37t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1seiVsxRLiC_FazPoe7Qx52g!2e0!7i13312!8i6656) indicating that it should turn off of US 301 SB.
I see that. I just don't see any signs for US 15 going northbound either onto US 301 or Bass Road, let alone any connector banners. But I see plenty of maps (including Google Maps, and SCDOT street finder) still claiming that part of Bass Road is still US 15 to SC 6.

UPDATE: Oh, wait. I see it now. (https://www.google.com/maps/@33.4630086,-80.4955014,3a,75y,48.08h,84.83t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sUXJYHy4vKvbzcb-Zf0QFEA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656) But too many maps are still claiming Bass Road is part of US 15 north of there.



Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: 74/171FAN on November 08, 2019, 07:00:00 AM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on November 07, 2019, 11:47:39 PM
Quote from: 74/171FAN on November 07, 2019, 10:46:13 PM
Maybe you are seeing it different than me.  I am seeing that as US 15.  2018 GSV still shows at least one US 15 SB shield (https://www.google.com/maps/@33.4631061,-80.4928678,3a,75y,305.77h,81.37t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1seiVsxRLiC_FazPoe7Qx52g!2e0!7i13312!8i6656) indicating that it should turn off of US 301 SB.

I see that. I just don't see any signs for US 15 going northbound either onto US 301 or Bass Road, let alone any connector banners. But I see plenty of maps (including Google Maps, and SCDOT street finder) still claiming that part of Bass Road is still US 15 to SC 6.

UPDATE: Oh, wait. I see it now. (https://www.google.com/maps/@33.4630086,-80.4955014,3a,75y,48.08h,84.83t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sUXJYHy4vKvbzcb-Zf0QFEA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656) But too many maps are still claiming Bass Road is part of US 15 north of there.


You are correct in that the signs are not there for the 2018 GSV that I linked to.  I did not see signs at the I-95 interchange either.  I have no clue why that is or why even Google still shows US 15 incorrectly.

Most of the connector routes are not posted; however, there are a few expections (such as SC 5 Connector (https://www.google.com/maps/@34.9405937,-81.0602439,3a,75y,164.8h,82.26t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s7dqzqbYqL1jfP-NHAVta0w!2e0!7i13312!8i6656) in Rock Hill).
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: D-Dey65 on December 11, 2019, 06:29:39 PM
More about Santee; what's this diagonal strip of land from Bass Road to the southbound on-ramp from SC 6 in 1972?

https://historicaerials.com/?layer=map&zoom=12&lat=33.483333&lon=-80.483333

It looks like either a failed proposed spur, or an abandoned airport runway.

Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: NE2 on December 11, 2019, 06:31:07 PM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on December 11, 2019, 06:29:39 PM
More about Santee; what's this diagonal strip of land from Bass Road to the southbound on-ramp from SC 6 in 1972?

https://historicaerials.com/?layer=map&zoom=12&lat=33.483333&lon=-80.483333

It looks like either a failed proposed spur, or an abandoned airport runway.



The 1980 topo has your answer.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: D-Dey65 on December 12, 2019, 09:48:40 PM
Quote from: NE2 on December 11, 2019, 06:31:07 PM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on December 11, 2019, 06:29:39 PM
More about Santee; what's this diagonal strip of land from Bass Road to the southbound on-ramp from SC 6 in 1972?

https://historicaerials.com/?layer=map&zoom=12&lat=33.483333&lon=-80.483333

It looks like either a failed proposed spur, or an abandoned airport runway.



The 1980 topo has your answer.
Yes, that helps. And I see it didn't last very long.

Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: D-Dey65 on February 20, 2020, 01:46:02 PM
Is the news lying, or has there been some snow in northern South Carolina this week?

Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: 74/171FAN on February 20, 2020, 03:59:47 PM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on February 20, 2020, 01:46:02 PM
Is the news lying, or has there been some snow in northern South Carolina this week?



It is in Accuweather's forecast (https://www.accuweather.com/en/winter-weather/north-carolina-prepares-for-wintry-blast-as-437-day-snow-drought-ends/685691) for today. However, I do not understand why you did not post this in the Weather Board.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: D-Dey65 on February 20, 2020, 10:36:02 PM
Quote from: 74/171FAN on February 20, 2020, 03:59:47 PM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on February 20, 2020, 01:46:02 PM
Is the news lying, or has there been some snow in northern South Carolina this week?



It is in Accuweather's forecast (https://www.accuweather.com/en/winter-weather/north-carolina-prepares-for-wintry-blast-as-437-day-snow-drought-ends/685691) for today. However, I do not understand why you did not post this in the Weather Board.
1)I forgot about it, and 2)It seemed to apply exclusively to the North and South Carolina border. I apologize.



Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: AcE_Wolf_287 on March 10, 2020, 09:33:07 AM
I Think US 15 Should Be Extended along US 17 Alt to US 21 in Yemassee
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: jcarte29 on March 10, 2020, 10:13:24 AM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on November 07, 2019, 09:05:58 PM
Onto another issue; The south end of I-77 at I-26 has a missing Interstate shield above one of the BGS's and Google Street View won't let me go back in time to find out what it was.
https://www.google.com/maps/@33.9297439,-81.0580514,3a,75y,261.05h,81.63t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sQIXd-u89XaJ6uqSK-V6Z3A!2e0!7i16384!8i8192?hl=en

Good thing there's an old AARoads photo around showing it:
https://www.aaroads.com/sc/077/i-077_sb_exit_001_03.jpg




Probably I-20
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Mapmikey on March 10, 2020, 10:34:54 AM
Quote from: AcE_Wolf_287 on March 10, 2020, 09:33:07 AM
I Think US 15 Should Be Extended along US 17 Alt to US 21 in Yemassee

This may have been the case briefly around 1951.  The evidence that this actually happened is laid out here - http://www.vahighways.com/scannex/route-log/us015.htm
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: wriddle082 on March 10, 2020, 02:05:41 PM
Quote from: jcarte29 on March 10, 2020, 10:13:24 AM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on November 07, 2019, 09:05:58 PM
Onto another issue; The south end of I-77 at I-26 has a missing Interstate shield above one of the BGS's and Google Street View won't let me go back in time to find out what it was.
https://www.google.com/maps/@33.9297439,-81.0580514,3a,75y,261.05h,81.63t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sQIXd-u89XaJ6uqSK-V6Z3A!2e0!7i16384!8i8192?hl=en

Good thing there's an old AARoads photo around showing it:
https://www.aaroads.com/sc/077/i-077_sb_exit_001_03.jpg




Probably I-20

Was definitely I-20.  They have recently awarded a contract to replace every BGS along I-77 from I-26 to the Richland/Fairfield Co line because the current ones have silkscreen letters peeling off due to either poor sign construction (only one factor IMO) or our blistering sun and humidity (the more likely factor IMO).  I'm sure they will fix this issue once that particular sign is replaced.

Also, the BGS replacement may have started already.  I noticed new overhead BGSs going northbound at SC 12, with newer blue state route shields, and the text was in FHWA font instead of Clearview.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: CanesFan27 on April 17, 2020, 10:09:45 PM
The Gaffney Peachoid.  For nearly 40 years, travelers along Interstate 85 in Upstate South Carolina have wondered - does this 135 foot tall water tower look like a peach or someone's rear end?

https://www.gribblenation.org/2020/04/the-peachoid.html
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: cowboy_wilhelm on July 04, 2020, 10:04:06 AM
Have there ever been any freeway/expressway long range plans for U.S. 25 on the west side of Greenville, through Travelers Rest and on to N.C.?
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: D-Dey65 on July 04, 2020, 03:41:24 PM
Any updates on the status of the old US 15-301 Bridge over Lake Marion?

Hey, my 2,525th post. That deserves something;

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/81/Florida_25.svg/240px-Florida_25.svg.png)
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: fillup420 on July 04, 2020, 06:53:05 PM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on July 04, 2020, 03:41:24 PM
Any updates on the status of the old US 15-301 Bridge over Lake Marion?

last i drove past it was about a year ago. the old bridge is still there, but is completely closed off with fences on both ends
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: D-Dey65 on July 06, 2020, 01:06:56 AM
Quote from: fillup420 on July 04, 2020, 06:53:05 PM
last i drove past it was about a year ago. the old bridge is still there, but is completely closed off with fences on both ends
So basically the same as when I took the pictures in November.

Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: roadman65 on September 10, 2020, 11:12:13 PM
What is up in St. George?  I noticed that there are no shields whatsoever for both US 15 and US 78 there.  No JCT, no directional shields, and even no guide signs or TO I-95 shields.

Then north of there US 178 is not shielded at the flasher light intersection on US 15 northbound  but at least a guide sign is there plus two interstate shields for both I-95 and I-26.  Did SCDOT now cut funding to shield their highways?
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: WashuOtaku on September 11, 2020, 08:34:20 AM
Quote from: roadman65 on September 10, 2020, 11:12:13 PM
What is up in St. George?  I noticed that there are no shields whatsoever for both US 15 and US 78 there.  No JCT, no directional shields, and even no guide signs or TO I-95 shields.

Then north of there US 178 is not shielded at the flasher light intersection on US 15 northbound  but at least a guide sign is there plus two interstate shields for both I-95 and I-26.  Did SCDOT now cut funding to shield their highways?

The truth is more scary as the town is trying to confuse visitors so they are unable to leave.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Mapmikey on September 11, 2020, 09:16:20 AM
Quote from: roadman65 on September 10, 2020, 11:12:13 PM
What is up in St. George?  I noticed that there are no shields whatsoever for both US 15 and US 78 there.  No JCT, no directional shields, and even no guide signs or TO I-95 shields.

Then north of there US 178 is not shielded at the flasher light intersection on US 15 northbound  but at least a guide sign is there plus two interstate shields for both I-95 and I-26.  Did SCDOT now cut funding to shield their highways?

It appears in St George when they replaced the stoplight structure which had shields attached in 2 directions they did not put the shields back.

I have no explanation for the US 15-178 jct.

South Carolina has never been stellar about route posting in my lifetime.  The last times I was down there (Nov 2019 and Feb 2020) I did not notice a reduction of postings and I did drive around a fair bit.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: roadman65 on September 22, 2020, 07:11:00 PM
See the cloverleaf in Columbia between I-20 and I-26 is slated for removal to a mega interchange incorporating many cd roads and braided ramps with other nearby interchanges especially with I-126.

https://www.thestate.com/news/traffic/article245914475.html
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: The Ghostbuster on September 22, 2020, 08:58:20 PM
Hopefully, in the future, traffic will not have to exit to stay on Interstate 26 at its interchange with Interstate 126. Oh, and give Interstate 126 and SC 277 exit numbers.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: D-Dey65 on September 24, 2020, 01:54:56 PM
Why did SCDOT realign and lower US 17 around an embankment north of SC 315 three or four years ago? It looks like they're increasing the risk of flooding for drivers.


Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Mapmikey on September 24, 2020, 03:30:37 PM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on September 24, 2020, 01:54:56 PM
Why did SCDOT realign and lower US 17 around an embankment north of SC 315 three or four years ago? It looks like they're increasing the risk of flooding for drivers.




The embankment was the approaches to a early 1950s bridge over the railroad which has been gone a while.  Had nothing to do with keeping water off the road.

I presume rebuilding the road off to the side was cheaper than replacing a bridge that was no longer necessary.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: D-Dey65 on September 24, 2020, 09:25:01 PM
Quote from: Mapmikey on September 24, 2020, 03:30:37 PM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on September 24, 2020, 01:54:56 PM
Why did SCDOT realign and lower US 17 around an embankment north of SC 315 three or four years ago? It looks like they're increasing the risk of flooding for drivers.




The embankment was the approaches to a early 1950s bridge over the railroad which has been gone a while.  Had nothing to do with keeping water off the road.

I presume rebuilding the road off to the side was cheaper than replacing a bridge that was no longer necessary.
Sounds like the same thing that was done with FL 50 in Mabel, only they kept the same alignment.

BTW, I looked at that railroad line, and it crosses US 17 again just south of the north end of the SC 170 overlap leading to the CSX Charleston Subdivision just south of the bridges under I-95.

Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: cowboy_wilhelm on September 26, 2020, 09:41:50 AM
Quote from: roadman65 on September 22, 2020, 07:11:00 PM
See the cloverleaf in Columbia between I-20 and I-26 is slated for removal to a mega interchange incorporating many cd roads and braided ramps with other nearby interchanges especially with I-126.

https://www.thestate.com/news/traffic/article245914475.html

That's pretty impressive. I was looking at this interchange the other day and wondering if it was ever going to be upgraded. The last time I drove through it was 15 years ago, and it was a complete cluster then. Can't imagine now and in the future.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: architect77 on September 26, 2020, 04:02:32 PM
Quote from: roadman65 on September 10, 2020, 11:12:13 PM
What is up in St. George?  I noticed that there are no shields whatsoever for both US 15 and US 78 there.  No JCT, no directional shields, and even no guide signs or TO I-95 shields.

Then north of there US 178 is not shielded at the flasher light intersection on US 15 northbound  but at least a guide sign is there plus two interstate shields for both I-95 and I-26.  Did SCDOT now cut funding to shield their highways?

I hate graphic design faux pas more than regular mistakes because it highlights just plain stupidity,

Those blue SC shields that someone intended to look nice cannot be clearly appreciated from moving traffic and from the distance of the driver.

When you fail to deliver regarding the main function of signs that relay clear info to the intended audience, it suggests that there's no oversight or quality control practiced by the issuing agency by the state. But the bar isn't set very high in the state anyway.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Gnutella on September 29, 2020, 04:19:50 PM
Quote from: roadman65 on September 22, 2020, 07:11:00 PM
See the cloverleaf in Columbia between I-20 and I-26 is slated for removal to a mega interchange incorporating many cd roads and braided ramps with other nearby interchanges especially with I-126.

https://www.thestate.com/news/traffic/article245914475.html

Sweet, now I know what Jeff Blake is doing after he retired from the NFL in 2005: He's a writer for The State. :spin:
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: jflick99 on November 11, 2020, 07:36:54 AM
SCDOT is releasing plans to upgrade the I-526 corridor. This includes major changes to the I-26, Paul Cantrell Blvd, and N Rhett Ave interchanges. There will be a virtual public meeting on Thursday, which will have more details about the changes.

https://www.live5news.com/2020/11/10/scdot-releases-plans-changes-i-i-other-interchanges/
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: tolbs17 on November 22, 2020, 11:41:40 AM
http://prntscr.com/vnvr9e

why does this look so sloppy?
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Dirt Roads on November 22, 2020, 12:43:34 PM
Quote from: tolbs17 on November 22, 2020, 11:41:40 AM
http://prntscr.com/vnvr9e

why does this look so sloppy?

Looks like this was recently opened, as the aerials posted on Ducky show the long bridge under construction.  The mapping techniques get confused translating construction equipment into a digital path for roadway lanes.  Additionally, it looks like the portion of the bridge over the swampland near Enterprise Road is narrower than the bridge over the Intercoastal Waterway.  That would make it more difficult to trace the path of the lanes (unless the program was designed to determine the centerline between the lanes before charting the lanes themselves).
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: D-Dey65 on January 25, 2021, 07:59:11 PM
I know that my Wikipedia photograph and article on the St. James General Store in St. James, New York has increased the number of visitors to that prized relic, because an employee who works there told me. And I also know that the my pictures of the Richloam General Store in the Withlacoochee State Forest has done the same, because the woman who works there told me the same thing. Now, I'm starting to wonder if my pictures of the former segment of US 17 between Exits 22 and 33 on I-95 has gotten the attention of any travelers and curiosity seekers. I tried to look for the traffic count for Jasper County from SCDOT, but I didn't find anything.

BTW, this is my 2,727th post, but I decided against adding some route shield in order to celebrate it.


Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: ahj2000 on January 30, 2021, 11:26:04 AM
Anyone know where US 701 ends? I know there is (was?) a sign on 17 coming into Georgetown from Pawleys that said 17-701, and IIRC, there wasn't any good END signage on 701. It's a weird road, only connecting to 501 and 301, not actual US 1.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Mapmikey on January 30, 2021, 01:22:23 PM
US 701 ends at the US 17-17 ALT-701 intersection.

The 17-701 sign is legacy signage (finally removed 2013-15) from when US 701 continued with US 17 to Charleston until 1992.

As for why 701 was the number, I don't know but NC/SC asked for US 317 when they applied for a Charleston to Smithfield corridor.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: ahj2000 on January 30, 2021, 11:53:48 PM
Quote from: Mapmikey on January 30, 2021, 01:22:23 PM
US 701 ends at the US 17-17 ALT-701 intersection.

The 17-701 sign is legacy signage (finally removed 2013-15) from when US 701 continued with US 17 to Charleston until 1992.

As for why 701 was the number, I don't know but NC/SC asked for US 317 when they applied for a Charleston to Smithfield corridor.
Huh. Thanks for that.
Surprised that they'd refuse a 317 when 701 works much less well. The only X17 is 117 in NC.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: 74/171FAN on February 07, 2021, 07:46:02 PM
OSM is showing that SC 18 around I-85 (Exit 95) has been relocated.  Has anyone clarified that this is correct in the field?  I cannot seem to find any news articles even on the I-85 Widening website (http://www.85widening.com/).
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: sernum on February 07, 2021, 08:42:33 PM
Quote from: 74/171FAN on February 07, 2021, 07:46:02 PM
OSM is showing that SC 18 around I-85 (Exit 95) has been relocated.  Has anyone clarified that this is correct in the field?  I cannot seem to find any news articles even on the I-85 Widening website (http://www.85widening.com/).
the whole project area has needed some serious tlc for awhile, so I doubt it has.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: D-Dey65 on February 15, 2021, 10:05:17 AM
More Santee stuff;

At the intersection of US 15, US 301 and Bass Road (old US 15), there's an elongated turning ramp from southbound Bass Road to Southbound US 301. Shouldn't there also be another turning ramp from northbound US 15 to US 301, especially since the two routes are merged northeast of that intersection?

Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: fillup420 on February 15, 2021, 04:40:40 PM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on February 15, 2021, 10:05:17 AM
More Santee stuff;

At the intersection of US 15, US 301 and Bass Road (old US 15), there's an elongated turning ramp from southbound Bass Road to Southbound US 301. Shouldn't there also be another turning ramp from northbound US 15 to US 301, especially since the two routes are merged northeast of that intersection?

Looks to me like its left over from before I-95 was built. Back then, that intersection would've been the southern split of 15 and 301. North of there, the routes were concurrent through town and across Lake Marion. The extra connections between the mainline and the ramp north of the intersection show this. SC has a lot of these wye-type intersections around the state. a lot of them have been upgraded over the years, but many still remain.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Mapmikey on February 15, 2021, 07:08:36 PM
Quote from: fillup420 on February 15, 2021, 04:40:40 PM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on February 15, 2021, 10:05:17 AM
More Santee stuff;

At the intersection of US 15, US 301 and Bass Road (old US 15), there's an elongated turning ramp from southbound Bass Road to Southbound US 301. Shouldn't there also be another turning ramp from northbound US 15 to US 301, especially since the two routes are merged northeast of that intersection?

Looks to me like its left over from before I-95 was built. Back then, that intersection would've been the southern split of 15 and 301. North of there, the routes were concurrent through town and across Lake Marion. The extra connections between the mainline and the ramp north of the intersection show this. SC has a lot of these wye-type intersections around the state. a lot of them have been upgraded over the years, but many still remain.

This is correct.  1957 aerial shows exactly same configuration as today for the former US 15-301 split.

Definitely no need for a corresponding ramp from 15 NB to 15-301 NB.  Almost nobody is making this movement, since US 15 intersects I-95 a few miles south of here.

Interestingly, there are traffic count stations in all 4 directions from this intersection and they are (2019):
US 301 west of jct - 6800
US 15 south of jct - 1750
US 15-301 east of jct - 4300
Old 15-301 north of jct - 7900

The distribution before the reconstruction was a little closer between old and new 15-301

Source - https://scdot.maps.arcgis.com/apps/MapSeries/index.html?appid=fe2e97641eac493094342c502369814b
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Tom958 on February 15, 2021, 07:28:06 PM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on February 15, 2021, 10:05:17 AM
More Santee stuff;

At the intersection of US 15, US 301 and Bass Road (old US 15), there's an elongated turning ramp from southbound Bass Road to Southbound US 301. Shouldn't there also be another turning ramp from northbound US 15 to US 301, especially since the two routes are merged northeast of that intersection?

Apparently, that ramp used to be the two-lane US 301 mainline. It's still two lanes from that side street to US 15 (https://goo.gl/maps/HmHaL33QCQ9AxkaJ7), where the old channelized intersection still survives (https://www.google.com/maps/@33.4649336,-80.4945113,180m/data=!3m1!1e3).
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: amroad17 on February 17, 2021, 02:59:48 AM
I do not see why US 15 SB cannot stay on I-95 until Exit 93 (and vice versa--NB entering I-95 at Exit 93) instead of having the zig-zag routing it currently has.  SC 267 could be extended south to I-95 and the rest of Bass Drive become locally controlled.

Also, where does US 15 exit I-95?  At Exit 98 or Exit 97, as there are not any BGS's depicting this?  Looking at Google Maps, I notice that the signage is near non-existent until I saw a SOUTH US 15 reassurance marker on Bass just south of the US 301 intersection.  Meanwhile, on the overhead satellite view, Google depicts US 15 SB as exiting at Exit 98 while the street view has US 15 SB (implied) exiting at Exit 97.

I also noticed a THRU TRUCKS PROHIBITED sign on Bass north of the US 301 intersection.  This is more than likely why US 15 isn't routed that way now (no matter what Google Maps depicts--I know, they are somewhat inaccurate on certain routings).  Yet US 15 is routed inefficiently around Santee.  I guess it is routed the way it is because it is a way for US 15 NB traffic to get to Santee, and indirectly to Elloree, and because no paperwork has been filed with AASHTO to change the official routing--especially SB.  So, the way SC gets around it is by not placing US 15 SB on any BGS's until Exit 93.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Mapmikey on February 17, 2021, 07:19:13 AM
Quote from: amroad17 on February 17, 2021, 02:59:48 AM
I do not see why US 15 SB cannot stay on I-95 until Exit 93 (and vice versa--NB entering I-95 at Exit 93) instead of having the zig-zag routing it currently has.  SC 267 could be extended south to I-95 and the rest of Bass Drive become locally controlled.

Also, where does US 15 exit I-95?  At Exit 98 or Exit 97, as there are not any BGS's depicting this?  Looking at Google Maps, I notice that the signage is near non-existent until I saw a SOUTH US 15 reassurance marker on Bass just south of the US 301 intersection.  Meanwhile, on the overhead satellite view, Google depicts US 15 SB as exiting at Exit 98 while the street view has US 15 SB (implied) exiting at Exit 97.

I also noticed a THRU TRUCKS PROHIBITED sign on Bass north of the US 301 intersection.  This is more than likely why US 15 isn't routed that way now (no matter what Google Maps depicts--I know, they are somewhat inaccurate on certain routings).  Yet US 15 is routed inefficiently around Santee.  I guess it is routed the way it is because it is a way for US 15 NB traffic to get to Santee, and indirectly to Elloree, and because no paperwork has been filed with AASHTO to change the official routing--especially SB.  So, the way SC gets around it is by not placing US 15 SB on any BGS's until Exit 93.

Routing US 15 to Exit 93 makes sense, as would decommissioning it entirely south of Exit 102.

The older GMSV shows US 15 NB directed to follow 301 to I-95 and the request to AASHTO removing 15-301 from the Lake Marion bridge also puts it there, so that is its real routing via Exit 97.   I do not recall ever seeing any US 15 signage at Exit 97 itself when the change was initially made, and I had thought at the time 15-301 exited with SC 6.

Signage in Santee, esp. along SC 6 is extremely contradictory about the status of 15-301. 
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: D-Dey65 on February 18, 2021, 11:17:58 PM
Quote from: Mapmikey on February 15, 2021, 07:08:36 PM
Quote from: fillup420 on February 15, 2021, 04:40:40 PM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on February 15, 2021, 10:05:17 AM
More Santee stuff;

At the intersection of US 15, US 301 and Bass Road (old US 15), there's an elongated turning ramp from southbound Bass Road to Southbound US 301. Shouldn't there also be another turning ramp from northbound US 15 to US 301, especially since the two routes are merged northeast of that intersection?

Looks to me like its left over from before I-95 was built. Back then, that intersection would've been the southern split of 15 and 301. North of there, the routes were concurrent through town and across Lake Marion. The extra connections between the mainline and the ramp north of the intersection show this. SC has a lot of these wye-type intersections around the state. a lot of them have been upgraded over the years, but many still remain.

This is correct.  1957 aerial shows exactly same configuration as today for the former US 15-301 split.

Yeah, I see that. Speaking of the 1957 aerial, is this a toll plaza I see north of there?
https://historicaerials.com/?layer=map&zoom=12&lat=33.483333&lon=-80.483333

Since amroad17 and Mapmikey brought it up, before I went on the Old US 15-301 photograph crusade on my way to Metro New York City, I was a bit confused on whether or not the current US 15-301 overlap existed (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=4088.msg2454353;topicseen#msg2454353) between that intersection and Exit 97 as well. SCDOT really has to get on the ball when it comes to signage.



Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Mapmikey on February 19, 2021, 09:05:39 PM
The link to satellite didn't bring up anything specific.

Are you referring to a facility on former 15-301 just south of the railroad crossing below SC 6?
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: D-Dey65 on February 20, 2021, 02:11:05 AM
Quote from: Mapmikey on February 19, 2021, 09:05:39 PM
The link to satellite didn't bring up anything specific.

Are you referring to a facility on former 15-301 just south of the railroad crossing below SC 6?
I certainly am.

Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Mapmikey on February 20, 2021, 11:56:32 AM
I see why the question was asked based on what that looks like.

Definitely not a toll booth as the bridge wasn't tolled.  Location also not ideal for a booth if it was since it can be easily avoided.

If it was a state run thing it would've been a weigh station.  Subsequent aerials and GMSVs are inconclusive on that conjecture.  County maps of that era do not label weigh stations.

What it does have there is a "business establishment" so it may have been a gas station, truck stop or truck repair business, which is plausible given aerials and GMSV

99% sure this was across the street from whatever it was (and the photo taken from the open paved area) - https://www.ebay.com/itm/Palms-Motel-Santee-South-Carolina-Vintage-1954-Advertising-Postcard/123737748706?hash=item1ccf5834e2:g:nJQAAOSwFNZWx1Vn


modified to add postcard link
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: D-Dey65 on February 24, 2021, 08:08:28 PM
Good to know. Now I'd like to find out where the former Horne's was. That usual website on ex-restaurants and hotels and such isn't giving me enough info.

The same goes for the one in Ocala, which should be on another thread.

Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Mapmikey on February 25, 2021, 07:17:50 AM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on February 24, 2021, 08:08:28 PM
Good to know. Now I'd like to find out where the former Horne's was. That usual website on ex-restaurants and hotels and such isn't giving me enough info.

The same goes for the one in Ocala, which should be on another thread.




The Ocala location was behind the Denny's and was torn down in the mid 2010s:  https://goo.gl/maps/Sq5A3EcrnMn9UpND7 and https://goo.gl/maps/6Ei1vAPynrmQecqu6


Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: D-Dey65 on February 25, 2021, 06:56:09 PM
Quote from: Mapmikey on February 25, 2021, 07:17:50 AM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on February 24, 2021, 08:08:28 PM
Good to know. Now I'd like to find out where the former Horne's was. That usual website on ex-restaurants and hotels and such isn't giving me enough info.

The same goes for the one in Ocala, which should be on another thread.




The Ocala location was behind the Denny's and was torn down in the mid 2010s:  https://goo.gl/maps/Sq5A3EcrnMn9UpND7 and https://goo.gl/maps/6Ei1vAPynrmQecqu6

Well thanks, because I now know the site I did capture in June 2020 was a former Waffle House about four business sites west of there.   
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Mapmikey on February 26, 2021, 09:30:20 AM
I believe I know where the Santee one was now.  I was misreading the description at http://highwayhost.org/Hornes/Locations/SouthCarolina/southcarolina1.htm#Santee yesterday.

Satellite views aren't the greatest though.  But I believe this was the spot: https://goo.gl/maps/g8e6apRNQ53tne199
I have vague memories of a thing being here but couldn't tell you what.

I may have found the Pee Dee SC one
In the median at this location: https://goo.gl/maps/92BSMGtUM5Cz58T2A
The 1983 satellite view strongly suggests it was here.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: 74/171FAN on February 26, 2021, 06:32:53 PM
Some important SCDOT News Releases from earlier this month:

SCDOT to Discontinue Toll Collections on Hilton Head's Cross Island Parkway June 30, 2021 (http://info2.scdot.org/SCDOTPress/Lists/Posts/Post.aspx?ID=3101) (So I guess it just got more attractive to clinch US 278 there.)

SCDOT to Begin Widening of Highway 17 in Jasper County Feb. 22 (http://info2.scdot.org/SCDOTPress/Lists/Posts/Post.aspx?ID=3105) (This is from the GA Border to SC 315.)
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: D-Dey65 on March 10, 2021, 06:13:42 PM
Quote from: amroad17 on February 17, 2021, 02:59:48 AM
I do not see why US 15 SB cannot stay on I-95 until Exit 93 (and vice versa--NB entering I-95 at Exit 93) instead of having the zig-zag routing it currently has.  SC 267 could be extended south to I-95 and the rest of Bass Drive become locally controlled.
Yes, that area was quite barren when I saw it in the Fall of 2019. I don't mind your suggestion, but I also like the additional idea of having the segment between Exits 93 and 98 redesignated a US 15 Business or Old US 15, or even Historic US 15, albeit with overlaps with the extended SC 267, and the short segment of SC 6 between Bass Road and I-95.

Quote from: 74/171FAN on February 26, 2021, 06:32:53 PM
SCDOT to Begin Widening of Highway 17 in Jasper County Feb. 22 (http://info2.scdot.org/SCDOTPress/Lists/Posts/Post.aspx?ID=3105) (This is from the GA Border to SC 315.)
If they do that, GDOT should also widen the Tallmadge Memorial Bridge north of the Savannah Harbor Parkway.

Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: D-Dey65 on March 12, 2021, 04:10:13 PM
Somebody on Wikipedia is trying to cast doubt about the closing date of the old US 15-301 Lake Marion Bridge. Do they have a legitimate reason for that?

Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Mapmikey on March 12, 2021, 04:21:56 PM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on March 12, 2021, 04:10:13 PM
Somebody on Wikipedia is trying to cast doubt about the closing date of the old US 15-301 Lake Marion Bridge. Do they have a legitimate reason for that?



What Wikipedia page are you seeing this? 

The US 15 and US 301 pages have them correctly moving to I-95 in 1987.

The I-95 page has a caption saying the bridge closed as a fishing pier in 2019.  That might be inaccurate by a couple years, per https://thetandd.com/news/local/state-might-reopen-lake-marion-bridge-agencies-look-at-possibility-cost-of-project/article_0ed26ca4-a47f-5396-8d64-9473e7386fec.html
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: D-Dey65 on March 12, 2021, 05:12:51 PM
Quote from: Mapmikey on March 12, 2021, 04:21:56 PM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on March 12, 2021, 04:10:13 PM
Somebody on Wikipedia is trying to cast doubt about the closing date of the old US 15-301 Lake Marion Bridge. Do they have a legitimate reason for that?



What Wikipedia page are you seeing this? 

The US 15 and US 301 pages have them correctly moving to I-95 in 1987.
With citation tags attached to them.  That's the problem.

Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Mapmikey on March 12, 2021, 05:33:29 PM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on March 12, 2021, 05:12:51 PM
Quote from: Mapmikey on March 12, 2021, 04:21:56 PM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on March 12, 2021, 04:10:13 PM
Somebody on Wikipedia is trying to cast doubt about the closing date of the old US 15-301 Lake Marion Bridge. Do they have a legitimate reason for that?



What Wikipedia page are you seeing this? 

The US 15 and US 301 pages have them correctly moving to I-95 in 1987.
With citation tags attached to them.  That's the problem.



The previous citation was to my website, which Wikipedia doesn't consider to be an original source (what folks who have done with Virginia highway stuff on Wikipedia is just cite what I cite in the CTB for a lot of information).  An actual citation does exist for the US 15-301 move, though, and that would be the AASHO minutes of 1987 approving the move.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Alps on April 12, 2021, 07:50:22 PM
I have been unable to find any indication of when I-585 will be upgraded near and at I-85. It seems to have quietly died 15 years ago and I wonder if that was a condition of its extension.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Mapmikey on April 13, 2021, 06:31:30 AM
Quote from: Alps on April 12, 2021, 07:50:22 PM
I have been unable to find any indication of when I-585 will be upgraded near and at I-85. It seems to have quietly died 15 years ago and I wonder if that was a condition of its extension.

I sent SCDOT this e-mail on Feb 25 but got no response beyond 'let me look into it'.  I just now sent a nudge asking if an answer has been determined.

QuoteI am trying to learn whether I-585 has been officially extended past I-85 Bus, where it had ended for decades, to the relocated I-85 (or just short of there since there is still an at-grade intersection just south of the interchange with I-85 which is also not free-flowing.

The national and Spartanburg inset maps available through https://hepgis.fhwa.dot.gov/fhwagis/ show that I-585 has been extended north.

The FHWA 2018 mile log (https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/planning/national_highway_system/interstate_highway_system/routefinder/table02.cfm) still shows the original distance and SCDOT's mile log (https://ris.scdot.org/LogMileReport.aspx?county=42&type=1&number=585&auxiliary=0&map=y) shows it ending 0.18 miles north of the I-85 Bus overpass, which is probably the original 1959 endpoint within the footprint of the original interchange with I-85.

If I-585 now extends to the relocated I-85, when did this occur?
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Henry on April 13, 2021, 11:19:01 AM
Quote from: Mapmikey on April 13, 2021, 06:31:30 AM
Quote from: Alps on April 12, 2021, 07:50:22 PM
I have been unable to find any indication of when I-585 will be upgraded near and at I-85. It seems to have quietly died 15 years ago and I wonder if that was a condition of its extension.

I sent SCDOT this e-mail on Feb 25 but got no response beyond 'let me look into it'.  I just now sent a nudge asking if an answer has been determined.

QuoteI am trying to learn whether I-585 has been officially extended past I-85 Bus, where it had ended for decades, to the relocated I-85 (or just short of there since there is still an at-grade intersection just south of the interchange with I-85 which is also not free-flowing.

The national and Spartanburg inset maps available through https://hepgis.fhwa.dot.gov/fhwagis/ show that I-585 has been extended north.

The FHWA 2018 mile log (https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/planning/national_highway_system/interstate_highway_system/routefinder/table02.cfm) still shows the original distance and SCDOT's mile log (https://ris.scdot.org/LogMileReport.aspx?county=42&type=1&number=585&auxiliary=0&map=y) shows it ending 0.18 miles north of the I-85 Bus overpass, which is probably the original 1959 endpoint within the footprint of the original interchange with I-85.

If I-585 now extends to the relocated I-85, when did this occur?
So this means that Spartanburg is stuck with another Breezewood?
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: sprjus4 on April 13, 2021, 11:22:33 AM
I suppose, but in reality, it's not even comparable. I-585 is a local route, not a major through route that dumps you onto city streets.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: The Ghostbuster on April 13, 2021, 09:10:40 PM
Why was Interstate 585 designated? The freeway is not up to Interstate Standards, and it hasn't connected with Interstate 85 since the relocation of 85 was completed in 1995. Maybe the freeway should have remained solely US 176, especially since the exit numbers are based on 176's mileage, not 585's.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: sprjus4 on April 13, 2021, 09:18:42 PM
It was built in 1957 and designated in 1962 when those standards were acceptable, and it did connect to the previous I-85 alignment that is now I-85 Business.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Henry on April 14, 2021, 10:35:47 AM
Quote from: sprjus4 on April 13, 2021, 11:22:33 AM
I suppose, but in reality, it's not even comparable. I-585 is a local route, not a major through route that dumps you onto city streets.
I see where I went wrong. So it's more of a Cheyenne situation where a 2di meets its 3di spur at a diamond interchange. At least I-585 is a freeway further down.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Mapmikey on April 14, 2021, 11:01:30 AM
Breaking news on I-585.  It has NOT been extended past I-85 Bus.  I forgot who I emailed.  It was FHWA, not SCDOT.

QuoteAfter some research, we can confirm that I-585 still terminates at I-85 Bus, and has not been extended to the relocated I-85.  I have revised the hepgis map to show the correct I-585 termination.  Thank you for bringing this to our attention.

i verified the map was indeed changed.

Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: The Ghostbuster on April 14, 2021, 09:26:34 PM
If Interstate 585 hasn't been extended beyond Business 85, then why are there Interstate 585 shields posted on side streets, and along the mainline itself? Looking at StreetView mode on Google Maps, both the East Campus Blvd. and Valley Falls Rd. interchanges have 585 shields at the ramp terminals, and there are at least two reassurance shields in the northbound direction. It's also signed in both directions from the southbound direction of Business 85. Therefore, the Interstate 585 designation does continue to, at least, the Fairforest Rd./Upper Valley Falls Rd. intersection.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Mapmikey on April 15, 2021, 06:33:01 AM
That's a question for SCDOT.

In the 1980s I-585 was posted northbound starting at US 29.  That didn't mean it actually was I-585.

North Carolina has also been guilty of signing interstates that technically were not approved.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Finrod on April 17, 2021, 06:27:50 AM
This whole problem with I-585 could have been avoided if South Carolina had simply built a freeway-to-half-freeway interchange when they relocated I-85.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Dirt Roads on April 17, 2021, 10:52:17 AM
Quote from: Finrod on April 17, 2021, 06:27:50 AM
This whole problem with I-585 could have been avoided if South Carolina had simply built a freeway-to-half-freeway interchange when they relocated I-85.

I might be wrong about this, but what you are suggesting would have [fill in any verb here] AASHTO to probably not permit SCDOT to sign the "new" Spartanburg bypass as I-85.  I think that AASHTO is requiring any new construction to provide full access to all interchanges, so-called "half-freeways" included.  The flip side should also be true, that is if SCDOT wants I-585 to get extended to the "new" I-85 then a minimum of a full cloverleaf interchange would need to constructed to get AASHTO approval.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: The Ghostbuster on April 17, 2021, 01:43:43 PM
Since it probably would take extensive work to bring US 176/Interstate 585 up to Interstate Standards, and there is no guarantee that South Carolina has the money or political will (and I doubt its a high priority on the DOT's project list), 585 will probably stay substandard permanently. Heck, it would probably also take an arm and a leg to upgrade Business 85 to Interstate Standards, with the same circumstances preventing South Carolina from possibly undertaking that as well.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: sprjus4 on April 17, 2021, 01:55:07 PM
Quote from: The Ghostbuster on April 17, 2021, 01:43:43 PM
Since it probably would take extensive work to bring US 176/Interstate 585 up to Interstate Standards, and there is no guarantee that South Carolina has the money or political will (and I doubt its a high priority on the DOT's project list), 585 will probably stay substandard permanently. Heck, it would probably also take an arm and a leg to upgrade Business 85 to Interstate Standards, with the same circumstances preventing South Carolina from possibly undertaking that as well.
Not to mention, is such a project even necessary to meet traffic demands? The only thing that would come from a major, likely $100+ million project, would appease a few roadgeeks.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Dirt Roads on April 17, 2021, 09:54:19 PM
Quote from: The Ghostbuster on April 17, 2021, 01:43:43 PM
Since it probably would take extensive work to bring US 176/Interstate 585 up to Interstate Standards, and there is no guarantee that South Carolina has the money or political will (and I doubt its a high priority on the DOT's project list), 585 will probably stay substandard permanently. Heck, it would probably also take an arm and a leg to upgrade Business 85 to Interstate Standards, with the same circumstances preventing South Carolina from possibly undertaking that as well.

Quote from: sprjus4 on April 17, 2021, 01:55:07 PM
Not to mention, is such a project even necessary to meet traffic demands? The only thing that would come from a major, likely $100+ million project, would appease a few roadgeeks.

[/rant] That's my main beef against AASHTO's approach to route numbering.  There's no consideration for the user's need for continuity and simplicity.  I understand the desire to force large states like New York, California, Texas and even North Carolina to spend the funds needed to meet a certain set of standards on newly constructed freeways.  But there should also be a review board that can decide that something like extending I-585 is an appropriate use of signage.  Even without an application from SCDOT. [/endrant]

Quote from: The Ghostbuster on April 17, 2021, 01:43:43 PM
Heck, it would probably also take an arm and a leg to upgrade Business 85 to Interstate Standards, with the same circumstances preventing South Carolina from possibly undertaking that as well.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: WashuOtaku on April 18, 2021, 09:27:11 PM
Quote from: The Ghostbuster on April 17, 2021, 01:43:43 PM
Heck, it would probably also take an arm and a leg to upgrade Business 85 to Interstate Standards, with the same circumstances preventing South Carolina from possibly undertaking that as well.

The whole reason they created the I-85 bypass was so they wouldn't upgrade the late 1950s era freeway. So yea, don't anticipate SCDOT doing this unless Spartanburg gets a sudden population boom.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: sprjus4 on April 18, 2021, 10:45:51 PM
Question about I-85 in South Carolina.

Why is the speed limit along the entire 34 mile segment between US-29 (south of Greenville) to Spartanburg restricted at 60 mph? The vast majority of this stretch could easily handle 65 mph or even 70 mph.

Additionally, why is none of I-85 - with the exception of the Spartanburg bypass - posted at 70 mph? The rural segments north of Spartanburg (once widening is complete) and south of US-29 could easily handle it, along with even portions of the existing 60 mph zone.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Mapmikey on April 19, 2021, 06:30:49 AM
Quote from: sprjus4 on April 18, 2021, 10:45:51 PM
Question about I-85 in South Carolina.

Why is the speed limit along the entire 34 mile segment between US-29 (south of Greenville) to Spartanburg restricted at 60 mph? The vast majority of this stretch could easily handle 65 mph or even 70 mph.

Additionally, why is none of I-85 - with the exception of the Spartanburg bypass - posted at 70 mph? The rural segments north of Spartanburg (once widening is complete) and south of US-29 could easily handle it, along with even portions of the existing 60 mph zone.

The stretch between Greenville and Spartanburg is likely considered an urban stretch of interstate which SC signs as 60 mph.

North of Spartanburg was 65 prior to the widening construction start so perhaps it will go to 70 when it is through.

For a while I-26 between I-385 and Spartanburg was also 60 but has since been raised to 70.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: cowboy_wilhelm on April 19, 2021, 07:52:21 AM
Actual driving speeds were more like 55 up hill and 75 down hill due to all the trucks. Driving I-85 and I-26 in the Upstate is like riding a roller coaster. I guess significant grading was optional in the 50's. Hopefully the extra lane helps for a few years.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: wriddle082 on April 19, 2021, 10:10:08 PM
Quote from: cowboy_wilhelm on April 19, 2021, 07:52:21 AM
Actual driving speeds were more like 55 up hill and 75 down hill due to all the trucks. Driving I-85 and I-26 in the Upstate is like riding a roller coaster. I guess significant grading was optional in the 50's. Hopefully the extra lane helps for a few years.

I think the 85 widening is also fixing a lot of the more serious grading discrepancies.  Especially noticeable in the Cowpens area. Will be very interesting to see how the finished product turns out.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: NJRoadfan on April 19, 2021, 10:25:02 PM
Quote from: sprjus4 on April 18, 2021, 10:45:51 PM
Additionally, why is none of I-85 - with the exception of the Spartanburg bypass - posted at 70 mph? The rural segments north of Spartanburg (once widening is complete) and south of US-29 could easily handle it, along with even portions of the existing 60 mph zone.

They pull the same crap on the 6 lane section of I-95 in Florence. It can easily handle 65-70mph without a problem.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: sprjus4 on April 20, 2021, 01:10:25 AM
Quote from: NJRoadfan on April 19, 2021, 10:25:02 PM
Quote from: sprjus4 on April 18, 2021, 10:45:51 PM
Additionally, why is none of I-85 - with the exception of the Spartanburg bypass - posted at 70 mph? The rural segments north of Spartanburg (once widening is complete) and south of US-29 could easily handle it, along with even portions of the existing 60 mph zone.

They pull the same crap on the 6 lane section of I-95 in Florence. It can easily handle 65-70mph without a problem.
That stretch is a joke, but it's only a few miles long north of I-20. Most of the 6 lane area still is 70 mph.

Nobody slows down through there, and I've easily done over 80 mph, simply maintaining what I was driving in the 70 mph, and the road didn't feel any more "urban"  or dangerous to require a reduction in speed.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: WashuOtaku on April 20, 2021, 08:26:03 AM
Quote from: wriddle082 on April 19, 2021, 10:10:08 PM
Quote from: cowboy_wilhelm on April 19, 2021, 07:52:21 AM
Actual driving speeds were more like 55 up hill and 75 down hill due to all the trucks. Driving I-85 and I-26 in the Upstate is like riding a roller coaster. I guess significant grading was optional in the 50's. Hopefully the extra lane helps for a few years.

I think the 85 widening is also fixing a lot of the more serious grading discrepancies.  Especially noticeable in the Cowpens area. Will be very interesting to see how the finished product turns out.

They are doing a lot of changes. No more short on/off ramps, improved safety, relocation of a cemetery in median, improved overpass heights, etc. It has taken them several years, but when done it should become a freeway capable of 70mph traffic safely.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: sprjus4 on April 20, 2021, 09:33:22 AM
I thought they weren't removing the cemetery?
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: WashuOtaku on April 20, 2021, 06:31:43 PM
Quote from: sprjus4 on April 20, 2021, 09:33:22 AM
I thought they weren't removing the cemetery?

My bad, it is not being removed.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: froggie on April 20, 2021, 06:49:49 PM
Quote from: Dirt Roads on April 17, 2021, 10:52:17 AM
I think that AASHTO is requiring any new construction to provide full access to all interchanges, so-called "half-freeways" included.

This is actually a FHWA requirement that also applies to existing Interstates.  That said, they will grant exemptions in rare circumstances.  Such an exemption was required for MnDOT to rebuild the I-494/US 169 interchange into its current configuration.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: roadman65 on May 22, 2021, 10:09:02 AM
http://www.dot.ga.gov/BuildSmart/Projects/Pages/I20SavannahRiver.aspx

I see both SC and GA are widening (and most of all replacing) the Savannah River Bridge between the two cities of Augusta, GA and North Augusta, SC.

MY photo here https://www.flickr.com/photos/54480415@N08/51195231306/in/dateposted-public/ shows activity last Summer on both sides of the River.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: D-Dey65 on June 16, 2021, 09:16:41 AM
Does this sign along southbound I-95 still exist?
https://www.google.com/maps/@32.6365424,-80.8819254,3a,15y,205.24h,89.07t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sBwBlj67rxuBtO3GWA3s4rg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192?hl=en

Because it looks like it might be worthy of a picture. It's not like this one:
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Blue_NB_Exit_33_Sign;_I-95_Point_South,_SC-1.jpg



Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Georgia on June 16, 2021, 04:27:22 PM
Quote from: roadman65 on May 22, 2021, 10:09:02 AM
http://www.dot.ga.gov/BuildSmart/Projects/Pages/I20SavannahRiver.aspx

I see both SC and GA are widening (and most of all replacing) the Savannah River Bridge between the two cities of Augusta, GA and North Augusta, SC.

MY photo here https://www.flickr.com/photos/54480415@N08/51195231306/in/dateposted-public/ shows activity last Summer on both sides of the River.

Crossed over it a few times in the last month and the beams on the main span over the Savannah River are in place, looks like they are getting ready for the deck pour as they have the machine in position on the GA side.

edit: had it all backwards in reality.  Span over the Augusta Canal is beamed and deck steel appears to be in place.  Screed is set over this span and it looks like this work could be accomplished any day now.  The span over the Savannah River has about 33% of its beams set and it looks like the pile driving has been finished on the SC side end bent. 
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: D-Dey65 on June 28, 2021, 04:15:49 PM
Can anybody find me a picture of what this sign at the Southbound I-95 Welcome Center used to say?

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:I-95_SB_South_Carolina_Welcome_Center-10.JPG

I can't find any images of the thing before it was smudged into illegibility. A future rename of the picture is riding on this.

Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Mapmikey on June 28, 2021, 04:31:54 PM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on June 28, 2021, 04:15:49 PM
Can anybody find me a picture of what this sign at the Southbound I-95 Welcome Center used to say?

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:I-95_SB_South_Carolina_Welcome_Center-10.JPG

I can't find any images of the thing before it was smudged into illegibility. A future rename of the picture is riding on this.



How much of it do you need to know?

It is talking about a Carolina Fence Garden
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: architect77 on June 28, 2021, 07:28:54 PM
South Carolina seems to have raised its gas tax by a lot. Prices are equal to Georgia and NC .

I think NC must have capped the gas tax as a break for consumers during the pandemic, because it's usually higher than other states but not now.

Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Mapmikey on June 28, 2021, 08:06:28 PM
Quote from: architect77 on June 28, 2021, 07:28:54 PM
South Carolina seems to have raised its gas tax by a lot. Prices are equal to Georgia and NC .

I think NC must have capped the gas tax as a break for consumers during the pandemic, because it's usually higher than other states but not now.



SC is raising the gas tax 2 cents per year every July 1 from 2017 through 2022.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: D-Dey65 on June 28, 2021, 08:47:32 PM
Quote from: Mapmikey on June 28, 2021, 04:31:54 PM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on June 28, 2021, 04:15:49 PM
Can anybody find me a picture of what this sign at the Southbound I-95 Welcome Center used to say?

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:I-95_SB_South_Carolina_Welcome_Center-10.JPG

I can't find any images of the thing before it was smudged into illegibility. A future rename of the picture is riding on this.



How much of it do you need to know?

It is talking about a Carolina Fence Garden
The title seems to be enough, but more is always welcome.

Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Love2drive on June 28, 2021, 08:55:44 PM
Quote from: architect77 on June 28, 2021, 07:28:54 PM
South Carolina seems to have raised its gas tax by a lot. Prices are equal to Georgia and NC .

I think NC must have capped the gas tax as a break for consumers during the pandemic, because it's usually higher than other states but not now.

I drove down to Hilton Head a few weeks ago... expecting to see a significant drop in prices once I crossed over the border.    It was pretty much the same as I was paying here in NC.  Oh yeah.. the interstates and back roads were awful for the most part.   I'd never driven south of Rock Hill on 77, and obviously it was my first time on 26 south of Columbia and 95.... I was astounded at the subpar nature of the highways  :banghead:

Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: ahj2000 on June 29, 2021, 12:19:33 AM
Quote from: Love2drive on June 28, 2021, 08:55:44 PM
Quote from: architect77 on June 28, 2021, 07:28:54 PM
South Carolina seems to have raised its gas tax by a lot. Prices are equal to Georgia and NC .

I think NC must have capped the gas tax as a break for consumers during the pandemic, because it's usually higher than other states but not now.

I drove down to Hilton Head a few weeks ago... expecting to see a significant drop in prices once I crossed over the border.    It was pretty much the same as I was paying here in NC.  Oh yeah.. the interstates and back roads were awful for the most part.   I'd never driven south of Rock Hill on 77, and obviously it was my first time on 26 south of Columbia and 95.... I was astounded at the subpar nature of the highways  :banghead:
Oh yeah...SC is something else...
Does anyone know if there is going to be any new projects out of the gas tax or is it just necessary for revenue?
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: amroad17 on June 29, 2021, 01:04:37 AM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on June 16, 2021, 09:16:41 AM
Does this sign along southbound I-95 still exist?
https://www.google.com/maps/@32.6365424,-80.8819254,3a,15y,205.24h,89.07t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sBwBlj67rxuBtO3GWA3s4rg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192?hl=en

Because it looks like it might be worthy of a picture. It's not like this one:
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Blue_NB_Exit_33_Sign;_I-95_Point_South,_SC-1.jpg
As of Saturday 6/19, heading to a visit to my in-laws outside of Savannah, it is still there.  I noticed it because of the blue and green backgrounds on the sign.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: wriddle082 on June 29, 2021, 04:06:47 PM
Quote from: ahj2000 on June 29, 2021, 12:19:33 AM
Quote from: Love2drive on June 28, 2021, 08:55:44 PM
Quote from: architect77 on June 28, 2021, 07:28:54 PM
South Carolina seems to have raised its gas tax by a lot. Prices are equal to Georgia and NC .

I think NC must have capped the gas tax as a break for consumers during the pandemic, because it's usually higher than other states but not now.

I drove down to Hilton Head a few weeks ago... expecting to see a significant drop in prices once I crossed over the border.    It was pretty much the same as I was paying here in NC.  Oh yeah.. the interstates and back roads were awful for the most part.   I'd never driven south of Rock Hill on 77, and obviously it was my first time on 26 south of Columbia and 95.... I was astounded at the subpar nature of the highways  :banghead:
Oh yeah...SC is something else...
Does anyone know if there is going to be any new projects out of the gas tax or is it just necessary for revenue?

Let's see.... They're widening all of 85 from Spartanburg to the NC state line, widening 20 west of Columbia, and widening 26 northwest of Columbia.  They recently finished a massive rebuild of the 85/385 interchange in Greenville to a four-level stack, and widened a little bit of 77 north of Columbia.  Next year they are finally going to start on rebuilding Malfunction Junction in Columbia.  And a lot of other roads have been resurfaced (though this needs to be accelerated).

So yeah, they have put this extra tax revenue to work.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: sprjus4 on June 29, 2021, 04:30:07 PM
Any plans to accelerate desperately needed I-95 widening in the near future, besides the first few miles north of Georgia that's planned?
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Mapmikey on June 29, 2021, 04:58:36 PM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on June 28, 2021, 08:47:32 PM
Quote from: Mapmikey on June 28, 2021, 04:31:54 PM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on June 28, 2021, 04:15:49 PM
Can anybody find me a picture of what this sign at the Southbound I-95 Welcome Center used to say?

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:I-95_SB_South_Carolina_Welcome_Center-10.JPG

I can't find any images of the thing before it was smudged into illegibility. A future rename of the picture is riding on this.



How much of it do you need to know?

It is talking about a Carolina Fence Garden
The title seems to be enough, but more is always welcome.



The fourth bullet is about Yellow Jasmine, the state flower of SC.

The other information is probably similar to what is here: http://www.scwf.org/carolina-fence-gardens
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: wriddle082 on July 30, 2021, 10:32:42 AM
This morning, I saw the first ever white regulatory signs along I-77 which stated this:

STATE LAW
––––––
SLOWER
TRAFFIC
  MOVE
  RIGHT

The first one I saw was right at the state line near Carowinds.  I think it was even before the welcome sign.  And I spotted another one on the left, going down a hill between Ridgeway and Blythewood.

NC and OH drivers in SC, you are now on notice!

Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: sprjus4 on July 30, 2021, 10:50:50 AM
I-95 needs these every mile. The amount of people I've encountered throughout the state who just hold left for miles on end and back up traffic behind... without actually actively passing.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: NJRoadfan on July 30, 2021, 05:49:12 PM
Those "Slower Traffic Move Right" signs (and likely the state law) aren't explicit enough (VA posts similar signs). NJ posts "KEEP RIGHT EXCEPT TO PASS" and has a law to back it.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Mapmikey on July 30, 2021, 10:25:23 PM
Quote from: NJRoadfan on July 30, 2021, 05:49:12 PM
Those "Slower Traffic Move Right" signs (and likely the state law) aren't explicit enough (VA posts similar signs). NJ posts "KEEP RIGHT EXCEPT TO PASS" and has a law to back it.

Here is the text of the law.  As best I can tell, no law specific to this issue existed in SC prior to this passing in March 2021.  Penalties are up to $200 or 30 days jail with no points off license.  SC has been posting SLOWER TRAFFIC KEEP RIGHT signs for many years.

Quote(A)    A vehicle may not be driven in the farthest left-hand lane of a controlled access highway except when overtaking and passing another vehicle.

(B)    Subsection (A) of this section does not apply:

(1)    when no other vehicle is directly behind the vehicle in the left lane;

(2)    when traffic conditions and congestion make it impractical to drive in the right lane;

(3)    when snow and other inclement weather conditions make it safer to drive in the left lane;

(4)    when obstructions or hazards exist in the right lane;

(5)    when, because of highway design, a vehicle must be driven in the left lane when preparing to exit;

(6)    to law enforcement vehicles, ambulances, or other emergency vehicles engaged in official duties and vehicles engaged in highway maintenance and construction operations;

(7)    when a driver of a tractor-trailer commercial motor vehicle combination is unable to move into the right lane safely due to another vehicle overtaking or passing his vehicle to the right; or

(8)    when a driver of a vehicle requiring a commercial motor vehicle license to operate is unable to move into the right lane safely due to a highway grade or another vehicle overtaking or passing his vehicle on the right.

(C)    Nothing in this section shall limit the Department of Transportation's ability to establish and delineate lane restrictions for certain types of vehicles.

(D)    The Department of Transportation must place signs along interstate highways directing slower traffic to move to the right. The signs must be placed at intervals of no more than thirty-five miles.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: NJRoadfan on July 30, 2021, 10:56:09 PM
NJ's law, which manages to keep it simple:

Quote
39:4-88 Traffic on marked lanes.

When a roadway has been divided into clearly marked lanes for traffic, drivers of vehicles shall obey the following regulations:

a. A vehicle shall normally be driven in the lane nearest the right-hand edge or curb of the roadway when that lane is available for travel, except when overtaking another vehicle or in preparation for a left turn.

b. A vehicle shall be driven as nearly as practicable entirely within a single lane and shall not be moved from that lane until the driver has first ascertained that the movement can be made with safety.

c. Upon a highway which is divided into 3 lanes, a vehicle shall not be driven in the center lane except when overtaking or passing another vehicle or in preparation for a left turn or unless the center lane is at the time allocated for traffic moving in the direction the vehicle is proceeding and is signposted to give notice of that allocation.

d. The State Highway Commissioner may by regulation or local authorities may by resolution or ordinance with respect to highways under their jurisdiction designate right-hand lanes for slow moving traffic and inside lanes for traffic moving at the speed designated for the district as provided under this chapter, and when the lanes are signposted or marked to give notice of the designation a vehicle may be driven in any lane allocated to traffic moving in the direction in which it is proceeding, but when traveling within the inside lanes the vehicle shall be driven at approximately the speed authorized in such lanes and speed shall not be decreased unnecessarily so as to block, hinder or retard traffic.

e. When such roadway had been divided in such a manner that there are three or more lanes for traffic in any one direction, no truck of 10,000 pounds registered gross weight or over shall be driven in the farthest left-hand lane, except:

(1) when and to the extent necessary to prepare for a left turn; a truck may be driven in the farthest left lane for up to one mile to prepare for a left hand turn as authorized under this paragraph;

(2) when necessary to enter or leave such roadway by entrance or exit to or from the left lane; a truck may be driven in the farthest left lane for up to one mile to prepare to enter or leave the roadway as authorized under this paragraph;

(3) when reasonably necessary in response to emergency conditions; for the purposes of this paragraph, "emergency conditions" shall include, but not be limited to: poor visibility, snow, accidents, or the presence of emergency vehicles.

amended 1951, c.23, s.47; 1968, c.432; 2013, c.86, s.1.

39:4-82. Keeping to right

Upon all highways of sufficient width, except upon one-way streets, the driver of a vehicle shall drive it on the right half of the roadway. He shall drive a vehicle as closely as possible to the right-hand edge or curb of the roadway, unless it is impracticable to travel on that side of the roadway, and except when overtaking and passing another vehicle subject to the provisions of sections 39:4-84 and 39:4-85 of this Title.

Amended by L.1951, c. 23, p. 81, s. 43.

2 points on license. Fine or imprisonment not exceeding 15 days (this NEVER happens), or both. Fine is $100 to $300.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Mapmikey on July 31, 2021, 10:14:16 AM
It looks like SC went to the trouble of defining "available for travel" (as someone who has to parse and comply with the meaning of Nuclear Regulatory Commission regulations, definitions like this are helpful).  It also looks like that unless NJ categorically excludes law enforcement and emergency vehicles for all its traffic laws, they are subject to NJ's version of this law.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: NJRoadfan on July 31, 2021, 07:04:41 PM
There are additional statures covering yielding to emergency vehicles along with the "move over" law, which only passed somewhat recently in NJ.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: gbgoose on August 03, 2021, 11:24:14 AM
How's the I-85 widening going from Spartanburg to Blacksburg?  I going to be in South Carolina starting Friday for a week and since I don't see a lot of updates on the I-85 widening site, was curious if anyone here had any insight.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: 74/171FAN on August 03, 2021, 02:41:54 PM
Quote from: gbgoose on August 03, 2021, 11:24:14 AM
How's the I-85 widening going from Spartanburg to Blacksburg?  I going to be in South Carolina starting Friday for a week and since I don't see a lot of updates on the I-85 widening site, was curious if anyone here had any insight.

Yeah, that has been a problem on my end.  I am unable to tell if SC 18 has been realigned around Exit 95 yet or not.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: AcE_Wolf_287 on August 24, 2021, 08:54:21 PM
Looking for a Columbia, SC Page under SE, (if there is one) anyways, SC 277 Should be I-177, a Spur into Downtown Columbia, looks like it needs a little bit of more upgrading!
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: The Ghostbuster on August 24, 2021, 10:09:28 PM
If SC 277 were to be changed into Interstate 177, the designation would have to end at Harden St. Extension. There is no way in hell Bull St. would be converted into a freeway, and I don't think designating the rest of SC 277 as Business 177 or any other designation would cut it either. SC 277 is here to stay.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: sprjus4 on August 24, 2021, 10:16:11 PM
^ I believe that was his point - the freeway portion.

If anything, just designate it as I-277. Don't change the number, you're just going to cause more confusion.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: froggie on August 25, 2021, 08:52:09 AM
Why does it need to be an Interstate?  Easiest way to avoid confusion is to just leave it as-is.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: sprjus4 on August 25, 2021, 11:44:59 AM
Quote from: froggie on August 25, 2021, 08:52:09 AM
Why does it need to be an Interstate?  Easiest way to avoid confusion is to just leave it as-is.
I agree - I'm merely stating that if an interstate was desired, designating it as I-277 would be far less confusing than switching it to I-177.

Granted, however, I'm sure there's plenty of people that already call it "I-277"  regardless of what it actually is. I've heard countless people refer to "VA-164"  in Portsmouth, for example, of "I-164" , which is not totally unreasonable.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: AcE_Wolf_287 on August 25, 2021, 12:30:19 PM
Quote from: sprjus4 on August 25, 2021, 11:44:59 AM
Quote from: froggie on August 25, 2021, 08:52:09 AM
Why does it need to be an Interstate?  Easiest way to avoid confusion is to just leave it as-is.
I agree - I'm merely stating that if an interstate was desired, designating it as I-277 would be far less confusing than switching it to I-177.

Granted, however, I'm sure there's plenty of people that already call it "I-277"  regardless of what it actually is. I've heard countless people refer to "VA-164"  in Portsmouth, for example, of "I-164" , which is not totally unreasonable.

as someone who lives in columbia, it is true that people do call it "I-277"
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: MASTERNC on August 26, 2021, 10:23:12 AM
Quote from: gbgoose on August 03, 2021, 11:24:14 AM
How's the I-85 widening going from Spartanburg to Blacksburg?  I going to be in South Carolina starting Friday for a week and since I don't see a lot of updates on the I-85 widening site, was curious if anyone here had any insight.

A trucker had a YouTube video traveling south through the construction zone this week and it looked like there was a 35 MPH speed limit!?  There seemed to be a split pattern going in that direction.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Rothman on August 26, 2021, 10:28:20 AM
Quote from: MASTERNC on August 26, 2021, 10:23:12 AM
Quote from: gbgoose on August 03, 2021, 11:24:14 AM
How's the I-85 widening going from Spartanburg to Blacksburg?  I going to be in South Carolina starting Friday for a week and since I don't see a lot of updates on the I-85 widening site, was curious if anyone here had any insight.

A trucker had a YouTube video traveling south through the construction zone this week and it looked like there was a 35 MPH speed limit!?  There seemed to be a split pattern going in that direction.
Wasn't this the construction zone that had a nasty fatality accident a couple of months ago?  Probably caused the speed crackdown.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: cowboy_wilhelm on August 26, 2021, 11:19:01 AM
Quote from: Rothman on August 26, 2021, 10:28:20 AM
Quote from: MASTERNC on August 26, 2021, 10:23:12 AM
Quote from: gbgoose on August 03, 2021, 11:24:14 AM
How's the I-85 widening going from Spartanburg to Blacksburg?  I going to be in South Carolina starting Friday for a week and since I don't see a lot of updates on the I-85 widening site, was curious if anyone here had any insight.

A trucker had a YouTube video traveling south through the construction zone this week and it looked like there was a 35 MPH speed limit!?  There seemed to be a split pattern going in that direction.
Wasn't this the construction zone that had a nasty fatality accident a couple of months ago?  Probably caused the speed crackdown.

Yes, "the chute" or "death trap" as the Cherokee County coroner called it. SCDOT was defending it, but then three were killed in the last major accident. They have apparently changed their tone and are planning to remove it. Stories and video on WSPA. Sounds like tractor-trailers were in a lane they weren't supposed to be in (I'm guessing "the chute").
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: MASTERNC on August 26, 2021, 11:57:34 AM
I've just never seen a speed limit on an Interstate below 40 MPH (and even that is an outlier).
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Rothman on August 26, 2021, 12:02:55 PM
Quote from: MASTERNC on August 26, 2021, 11:57:34 AM
I've just never seen a speed limit on an Interstate below 40 MPH (and even that is an outlier).
I am sure there is a thread on that somewhere.  Central Artery was posted at 35, for example.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: sprjus4 on August 26, 2021, 03:36:16 PM
^^^^

Quote GAFFNEY, S.C. – The South Carolina Department of Transportation is working to lower speed limits along the Interstate 85 construction zone in Spartanburg and Cherokee counties.

This is as crews work to widen the roadway to change plans in order to eliminate the "chute" as quickly as possible.

SCDOT said the details of the new plan are still under review and would be refined over the next few days.

The contractor will be able to remove the chute in two stages, with each phase lasting less than 90 days each, SCDOT said.

The first stage involves the contract finishing the widening work needed in the southbound lanes for the 5 miles between mile markers 81 and 86. That's at the Spartanburg/Cherokee county line. Once that's done, SCDOT said the chute will be removed in that 5-mile stretch.

The same approach will be taken for the second phase, which involves the portion of the interstate between mile markers 86 and 91 in Cherokee County.

SCDOT said that a team of its engineers made recommendations for change on Friday morning.

"All options are on the table and we will continue to look for more ways to make the project corridor safer,"  Secretary of Transportation Christy Hall said Saturday. "Today the State Transport Police began patrolling the project corridor in order to assist the State Highway Patrol and others in slowing traffic down through the work zone. This is especially important as we lower the speed limit in the southbound direction to 45 mph and prepare to make additional changes to signage to reinforce that all truck traffic must be in the outside lane."

SCDOT said it has completed the installation of new speed limit signs.

The speed limit was lowered from 55 mph to 45 mph for the outside southbound lanes, SCDOT said.

Officials said the speed limit for the "chute"  was lowered to 35 mph.

This comes after three people died in a crash on Thursday afternoon on that stretch of I-85.

The Cherokee County Coroner is responding to the removal of the "chute."

"The SCDOT reaction is nothing more than lip service again. 90 days on each phase to remove the chutes is 180 days. That puts us at the end of the year which is what they had stated at the original meeting with county officials several months ago. Nothing has changed and this is not acceptable. Another day with those chutes in place is another place is another day a motorist can be killed in this maze of concrete that has been proven not to work."

SCDOT said more than 55,000 vehicles pass through the construction site on a daily basis.
https://www.wyff4.com/article/scdot-changing-i-85-construction-plans-to-eliminate-chute/37056760

IMO, the construction zone is poorly designed. I understand it's a temporary situation, but there has to be a way to at least maintain standard lane widths, avoid abrupt lane shifts, etc. I've seen my fair share of good and bad work zones, and this one is on the down side.

Also... what is the point of having the lane splits anyways? They've always seemed completely pointless in my mind. What do you need to split the lane for that can't just have a single roadway with two striped lanes?
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: sprjus4 on August 26, 2021, 03:37:01 PM
Quote from: MASTERNC on August 26, 2021, 11:57:34 AM
I've just never seen a speed limit on an Interstate below 40 MPH (and even that is an outlier).
I-264 is posted at 35 mph through the Downtown Tunnel and across the Berkley Bridge in Norfolk, VA.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: wriddle082 on September 03, 2021, 12:12:37 PM
(I also posted this to the I-26 thread, because this story applies to both I-26 and South Carolina.)

SC Governor Henry McMaster will be using federal funds to accelerate widening I-26 between Columbia and Charleston.

https://www.wistv.com//app/2021/09/02/mcmaster-expected-make-major-infrastructure-announcement-thursday/

The first project will start next year from SC 27 near Ridgeville to Jedburg Rd near Summerville.  I wish they would start on the Columbia end first, since there are hills just east of where the current 6-lane section ends that really tend to slow down the truck traffic.  But they are saying either way that the whole thing will be done in 10 years.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: froggie on September 06, 2021, 10:44:37 AM
Quote from: sprjus4 on August 26, 2021, 03:36:16 PM
Also... what is the point of having the lane splits anyways? They've always seemed completely pointless in my mind. What do you need to split the lane for that can't just have a single roadway with two striped lanes?

I'm not sure how SCDOT is doing things, but in other regions, lane splits are occasionally necessary in order to maintain the desired number of lanes when one carriageway isn't wide enough to hold them all.  Another current example of this is I-94 in northwestern Hennepin County, MN, where they're trying to keep 3 lanes open in each direction (the same as existed pre-construction).
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: fillup420 on September 06, 2021, 02:05:55 PM
Quote from: froggie on September 06, 2021, 10:44:37 AM
Quote from: sprjus4 on August 26, 2021, 03:36:16 PM
Also... what is the point of having the lane splits anyways? They've always seemed completely pointless in my mind. What do you need to split the lane for that can't just have a single roadway with two striped lanes?

I'm not sure how SCDOT is doing things, but in other regions, lane splits are occasionally necessary in order to maintain the desired number of lanes when one carriageway isn't wide enough to hold them all.  Another current example of this is I-94 in northwestern Hennepin County, MN, where they're trying to keep 3 lanes open in each direction (the same as existed pre-construction).

well, between the I-85 construction mess and the woefully under-maintained I-26, i would say SC DOT doesnt do much of anything. I lived in SC for about a year, and was constantly disappointed in the quality of roadways all over the state.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: snowc on September 06, 2021, 03:11:40 PM
Quote from: MASTERNC on August 26, 2021, 11:57:34 AM
I've just never seen a speed limit on an Interstate below 40 MPH (and even that is an outlier).
i81 in downtown syracuse is 45
(https://storage13.openstreetcam.org/files/photo/2021/5/30/proc/3614145_97cb5e936a8705f01e376e5f9f81eb09.jpg)
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Henry on September 07, 2021, 11:59:36 AM
Quote from: snowc on September 06, 2021, 03:11:40 PM
Quote from: MASTERNC on August 26, 2021, 11:57:34 AM
I've just never seen a speed limit on an Interstate below 40 MPH (and even that is an outlier).
i81 in downtown syracuse is 45
(https://storage13.openstreetcam.org/files/photo/2021/5/30/proc/3614145_97cb5e936a8705f01e376e5f9f81eb09.jpg)
And it'll only go lower once that community grid is fully implemented.

Sure, SC may have some terrible roads, but there are other location with far worse ones, including NYC (and they also have 40 MPH posted (https://www.google.com/maps/@40.6709582,-73.9978956,3a,15y,331.28h,94.37t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s9kARuJrg2VA2KmYlKZWw0Q!2e0!7i13312!8i6656) on one of their so-called expressways!).

Getting rid of that I-85 chute would certainly go a very long way in improving the Charlotte-Atlanta corridor. They really need to look at NC and how it improved its own sections of the Interstate to modern standards, because it's infinitely better now than it was 25 years ago.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: sprjus4 on September 07, 2021, 06:13:48 PM
^ The I-85 terrible zone in South Carolina is temporary though. Remember, it is actively being expanded to a modern 6 lane facility.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: ran4sh on September 07, 2021, 11:20:20 PM
Although it has been "active" for like 4 years now.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: sprjus4 on September 07, 2021, 11:38:30 PM
Quote from: ran4sh on September 07, 2021, 11:20:20 PM
Although it has been "active" for like 4 years now.
Two phases, started some years apart. It'll all likely be done in the next few years, with the southern section sooner.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: cowboy_wilhelm on September 08, 2021, 09:11:29 AM
Chute removal began last night. The first five miles should be removed by September 15.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: cowboy_wilhelm on September 08, 2021, 09:14:29 AM
The first section started in 2017 (design) with construction in 2018. Completion has been delayed from July 2021 to late 2023. The northern section started in 2019 and will continue until at least 2023. Once source I found said 2025.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: D-Dey65 on October 06, 2021, 11:58:02 PM
So, does anybody have any further updates about the possibility of reconstruction of the interchange between I-95 and I-26?


Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: roadman65 on October 27, 2021, 03:50:54 PM
Was the SC 125 overpass over SC 421 in Beech Island ever a divided highway for SC 421 on the bottom?

I assume SC 421 was an old alignment of US 1/78 and I am guessing that exchange was a previous cloverleaf at one time.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Mapmikey on October 27, 2021, 07:48:53 PM
Quote from: roadman65 on October 27, 2021, 03:50:54 PM
Was the SC 125 overpass over SC 421 in Beech Island ever a divided highway for SC 421 on the bottom?

I assume SC 421 was an old alignment of US 1/78 and I am guessing that exchange was a previous cloverleaf at one time.

Yes...explicitly shown in the 1955 historic aerial.  Originally, SC 421 was 4-lanes but only within the interchange.  The WB lanes ran into US 1-78 at grade and you could turn either direction.  There was no access from SC 125 SB to either direction of US 1-78 or SC 421, though both of those highways could access SC 125 SB.  SC 125 NB had access to both directions of both highways.  There was no previous cloverleaf.  SC 125 was built specifically as access to the Savannah River Plant about 1952 and US 1-78 had already bypassed SC 421 by then.

By 1971, the divided SC 421 was removed and the ramps from SC 125 SB to both directions of US 1-78 plus SC 421 EB were built.  Direct access from SC 125 NB to US 1-78 east was removed but can still easily be done via SC 421 EB.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: wriddle082 on November 12, 2021, 10:14:11 AM
Earlier this week, Governor McMaster and other officials officially broke ground on the "Carolina Crossroads"  (Malfunction Junction) rebuild in Columbia.

https://www.newsbreak.com/news/2428281259176/columbia-s-malfunction-junction-traffic-nightmare-targeted-in-new-1-7b-improvement-plan
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: tolbs17 on December 17, 2021, 12:25:35 PM
Quote from: sprjus4 on September 07, 2021, 06:13:48 PM
^ The I-85 terrible zone in South Carolina is temporary though. Remember, it is actively being expanded to a modern 6 lane facility.
As SCDOT is already widening their part, NCDOT does not intend to do so in the foreseeable future so it will likely be beyond 2030 before they start. I wonder if the infrastructure bill will bump that up, but I have to say I-85 is probably the busiest north/south route in the southeast region and REALLY needs widening...
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: wriddle082 on December 17, 2021, 01:17:36 PM
Quote from: tolbs17 on December 17, 2021, 12:25:35 PM
Quote from: sprjus4 on September 07, 2021, 06:13:48 PM
^ The I-85 terrible zone in South Carolina is temporary though. Remember, it is actively being expanded to a modern 6 lane facility.
As SCDOT is already widening their part, NCDOT does not intend to do so in the foreseeable future so it will likely be beyond 2030 before they start. I wonder if the infrastructure bill will bump that up, but I have to say I-85 is probably the busiest north/south route in the southeast region and REALLY needs widening...

At least this four-lane section in NC is short and isn't nearly as substandard as the portion in SC that's currently being widened.  I'd say the worst parts of the NC section are the steep incline southbound approaching Exit 4, and the left entrance going northbound.  Otherwise it's not nearly as substandard.  I'm sure it will soon start having issues heading northbound after SC's third lane drops at the Grover/Blacksburg exit.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: roadman65 on December 17, 2021, 01:34:41 PM
What is going on in Charleston on US 78 at Huger Street?The asphalt that was applied was laid down on ungraded soil. Obviously someone didn't think of using a steam roller to pack down the soil flat.

Unacceptable contractor and worst paving job ever even if temporary.  The road was so bumpy that even at 5 mph a full bladder would piss someone s pants.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Mapmikey on December 18, 2021, 08:59:13 AM
What was likely the oldest route shield standing in SC has been taken down - https://aaroads.com/shields/show.php?image=SC19560171

GMSV shows this happened between Jun 2017-19. 

Fixed URL to make it clickable. - rmf67
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: fillup420 on December 19, 2021, 07:36:47 AM
Quote from: Mapmikey on December 18, 2021, 08:59:13 AM
What was likely the oldest route shield standing in SC has been taken down - https://aaroads.com/shields/show.php?image=SC19560171

GMSV shows this happened between Jun 2017-19. 

Fixed URL to make it clickable. - rmf67

I remember seeing that shield in late 2018 or early 2019. Sad to see it go. I was super stoked when I first saw it
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: roadman65 on December 19, 2021, 12:44:12 PM
Why is US 76 in Sumter signed both on Washington Street and US 378?   Will the real US route please stand up?
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Mapmikey on December 19, 2021, 02:56:14 PM
Quote from: roadman65 on December 19, 2021, 12:44:12 PM
Why is US 76 in Sumter signed both on Washington Street and US 378?   Will the real US route please stand up?

Bannerless business routes are not that uncommon in Souh Carolina:

More examples:
US 52 Bus Darlington - https://goo.gl/maps/pe89vPBbPxcWT3WaA
SC 3 Bus Springfield - https://goo.gl/maps/3cVu6FTnDZoDTXKh7
US 25 Bus Edgefield - https://goo.gl/maps/JexVdENrXLTyis5a8
US 29 Bus Anderson - https://goo.gl/maps/vfRJq7g23Sjy3GU4A
SC 28 Bus Anderson - https://goo.gl/maps/msaSC8VkbYQQJ5Ps9
SC 28 Bus Pendleton - https://goo.gl/maps/MtHXb63MvpgmwJK58
US 321-SC 9 Bus Chester - https://goo.gl/maps/4DpR7tgYLSd4K9oe6
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: roadman65 on December 21, 2021, 11:50:23 AM
Also the four way STOP on SC 63 and US 21 west of Walterboro is got a large STOP guide sign nestled between four alternative flashing red! 

Is that even MUTCD compliant?

Walterboro
https://maps.app.goo.gl/h6jD32L8hoxXxP8R8
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Mapmikey on December 21, 2021, 12:04:15 PM
Which part?

Those rectangle stop signs go back decades in SC.  The double flashing lights might not, though.  I want to say growing up ones with lights were singles only.

Here is a 4 way intersection with double red flashing and double yellow flashing (been there at least 15 years) - https://goo.gl/maps/o6ioi1KeUYCoSUz56

I saw this unusual signal in Pennsylvania recently, a flashing red beacon with a green arrow - https://goo.gl/maps/Wj9v7hRMQTkpMY5i9
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: roadman65 on December 21, 2021, 12:17:50 PM
https://goo.gl/maps/Et9pupcrpWhuaSAc6

This one here out in the middle of nowhere has both.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: roadman65 on December 21, 2021, 01:03:48 PM
Also what year was US 278 realigned between Hardeeville and Sun City?  I remember in 04 it was changed as I exited at Exit 8 and saw the change then.

I do know also that the exchange with SC 336 in Ridgeland opened before the realignment as it was signed US 278 after opening. So the tight SC 336 diamond had to completed in the mid 90s or about.  That leaves anytime between 95 and 04 for the US 278  realigning to happen.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Mapmikey on December 21, 2021, 04:20:53 PM
Quote from: roadman65 on December 21, 2021, 01:03:48 PM
Also what year was US 278 realigned between Hardeeville and Sun City?  I remember in 04 it was changed as I exited at Exit 8 and saw the change then.

I do know also that the exchange with SC 336 in Ridgeland opened before the realignment as it was signed US 278 after opening. So the tight SC 336 diamond had to completed in the mid 90s or about.  That leaves anytime between 95 and 04 for the US 278  realigning to happen.

The US 278 move was approved by AASHTO in 1995.

The SC 336 interchange is shown in the 1994 aerial and not the 1984 one.  I'd have to check maps to see when the interchange shows up on them...
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: KCRoadFan on January 02, 2022, 06:33:06 PM
Something I've wondered about South Carolina: why does the state appear to have a disproportionate amount of counties whose county seats match the county's name? Most states have at least a couple such counties, but in SC, among the 46 counties in the state, 31 of them (that is to say, two-thirds) happen to have a county seat of the same name as the county. Is there any particular historical reason as to why? I'm sure some user who lives there might be able to fill me in on that.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: wriddle082 on January 02, 2022, 07:21:48 PM
Quote from: KCRoadFan on January 02, 2022, 06:33:06 PM
Something I've wondered about South Carolina: why does the state appear to have a disproportionate amount of counties whose county seats match the county's name? Most states have at least a couple such counties, but in SC, among the 46 counties in the state, 31 of them (that is to say, two-thirds) happen to have a county seat of the same name as the county. Is there any particular historical reason as to why? I'm sure some user who lives there might be able to fill me in on that.

The way I understand it, SC's original counties were originally nothing more than judicial districts, and took the name of the town with the courthouse.  Wikipedia has a pretty good history here: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_counties_in_South_Carolina

What's particularly interesting is that SC counties did not have Home Rule until 1975, and it's still just a bit more limited than in most other states.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: roadman65 on January 05, 2022, 05:18:32 PM
Why are SC 61 and SC 63 signed N-S when both routes are E-W running?  Even if SCDOT follows the US route guide that odd numbers must be N-S and even numbers E-W, still with the awkward routings it still would be better that they sign it as their overall routing and not because of their assigned number.

Or better yet assign even numbers to both.

Even US 52 they made awkward now signing it E-W as it was much better before when it was N-S and not to mention match NC to the north that does sign it N-S along with VA and WV.  In St. Stephens now you travel west on US 52 and have US 521 south to your right and US 521 north head to your left which is counter logical to the compass.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Mapmikey on January 05, 2022, 06:41:15 PM
Quote from: roadman65 on January 05, 2022, 05:18:32 PM
Why are SC 61 and SC 63 signed N-S when both routes are E-W running?  Even if SCDOT follows the US route guide that odd numbers must be N-S and even numbers E-W, still with the awkward routings it still would be better that they sign it as their overall routing and not because of their assigned number.

Or better yet assign even numbers to both.

Even US 52 they made awkward now signing it E-W as it was much better before when it was N-S and not to mention match NC to the north that does sign it N-S along with VA and WV.  In St. Stephens now you travel west on US 52 and have US 521 south to your right and US 521 north head to your left which is counter logical to the compass.

This absurdity with the state routes is pretty recent.  In truth a lot of SC state routes were signed without direction at all, but the ones that were were signed correctly.  Now there are numerous routes signed contraary to reality.  Their numbering system, which goes back to 1920 was not set up for odds one direction and evens another.

US 52 was also signed N-S in places when I was growing up, but that was eliminated much sooner than the state route stuff.

From Reply 377 in this thread:
Quote from: Mapmikey on September 18, 2019, 01:12:40 PM
Since the South Carolina system is under review in Travel Mapping, it has become clear that SCDOT is posting more directional banners on their state routes than they used to.

For reasons I don't understand, they seem to be making all even numbers E-W and all odd numbers N-S whether that makes any sense or not, as their numbering system never evolved with that in mind.

An egregious example is SC 20 is posted as E-W despite its Greenville endpoint being north 47.08 mi and west only 1.36 miles from its Abbeville endpoint.

SC 8, SC 14 and SC 18 (ok I did spot one SC 18 North sign) are all now posted E-W despite being clearly N-S routes.  SC 211 is posted N-S while being extremely E-W and I recall it being posted E-W in the 1980s.

I have now found evidence they re-bannered routes for sure - SC 63 was posted E-W and is now N-S (see https://www.usends.com/walterboro.html)

Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: roadman65 on January 05, 2022, 07:13:59 PM
There's still is one EAST shield north of where US 17 ALT merges.


(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51796867584_9be317db2a_k.jpg)
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: US 89 on January 05, 2022, 07:15:39 PM
Quote from: Mapmikey on December 21, 2021, 12:04:15 PM
Which part?

Those rectangle stop signs go back decades in SC.  The double flashing lights might not, though.  I want to say growing up ones with lights were singles only.

I think double flashing lights are OK as long as they're flashing at the same time. I know alternating horizontal flashing reds aren't allowed because they could be confused with a railroad crossing signal.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: roadman65 on January 05, 2022, 07:24:34 PM
Quote from: US 89 on January 05, 2022, 07:15:39 PM
Quote from: Mapmikey on December 21, 2021, 12:04:15 PM
Which part?

Those rectangle stop signs go back decades in SC.  The double flashing lights might not, though.  I want to say growing up ones with lights were singles only.

I think double flashing lights are OK as long as they're flashing at the same time. I know alternating horizontal flashing reds aren't allowed because they could be confused with a railroad crossing signal.

I believe SC also uses rectangular YIELD signs as well.

As far as flashing reds go, yes horizontal flashes yes were told in letter addressed to me from Osceola County, FL public works in regards to an intersection with alternative flashers.

They were going to eliminated it in Yeehaw Junction, FL due to the MUTCD  claimin it was solely for the purpose of railroad signals.  SCDOT uses them vertically and horizontally to give a size zag effect so that when top Left lit, bottom right will be lit etc.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: roadman65 on January 07, 2022, 10:09:13 AM
I see also SC 45 heading NE of US 15 and 176 in Wells is SB SC 45 despite it runs NE to Euwatila then east with SC 6 and arcs around in Berkeley County.

Boy SC is very bad at assigning cardinal directions not only in the Low Country, but in other places as well. SC 9 is another one running close to the NC Border which which runs more E-W than N-S and I believe it was once signed E-W in the early nineties.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: wriddle082 on January 07, 2022, 01:59:58 PM
Quote from: roadman65 on January 07, 2022, 10:09:13 AM
I see also SC 45 heading NE of US 15 and 176 in Wells is SB SC 45 despite it runs NE to Euwatila then east with SC 6 and arcs around in Berkeley County.

Boy SC is very bad at assigning cardinal directions not only in the Low Country, but in other places as well. SC 9 is another one running close to the NC Border which which runs more E-W than N-S and I believe it was once signed E-W in the early nineties.

I'm convinced they don't even care anymore.  They recently put up some new reassurance markers on US 21/176/321 near my house.  Previously they had all three highways posted underneath either a single NORTH or SOUTH directionals, which is correct for 21 and 321 but not 176.  There are still several other instances of this throughout that triplex, but what really bothers me is a brand new set near my house that has 176 WEST posted with 21 and 321 SOUTH and 176 EAST posted with 21 and 321 NORTH.  It's supposed to be EAST with SOUTH and WEST with NORTH.  I reported this blatant error to SCDOT over a month ago, and I have received absolutely no acknowledgement that they received my complaint, much less have they fixed the issue.

Before that, my biggest issue was how SC 14 WEST breaks away from I-385 NORTH via a right hand turn, and SC 14 EAST breaking away from I-385 SOUTH via another right hand turn.  This could feasibly happen if SC 14 were to, say, cross back over 385 at any given point, but of course that doesn't happen.  SC 14 just needs to be signed NORTH-SOUTH so it can stop driving me crazy every time I drive to Greenville!
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: roadman65 on January 08, 2022, 10:41:27 AM
Another strange thing is the two different types of interchanges along I-95 and I-26 for US 15.

Why does I-26 exchange with US 15 using a cloverleaf, but I-95 intersects with a standard diamond? Are the traffic counts that different between the north side of US 176 than the south side of US 176? 

The need for a cloverleaf at I-26 and US 15 IMO is unwarranted. Being it’s a rural two lane road, it doesn’t deserve a cloverleaf. Cloverleaf interchanges are usually between two freeways or two divided highways or one of each. Even in Orangeburg further west between I-26 and US 301 seems a little odd, but at least US 301 is a four lane highway though with motorist services located at it.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: wriddle082 on January 08, 2022, 11:10:20 AM
Quote from: roadman65 on January 08, 2022, 10:41:27 AM
Another strange thing is the two different types of interchanges along I-95 and I-26 for US 15.

Why does I-26 exchange with US 15 using a cloverleaf, but I-95 intersects with a standard diamond? Are the traffic counts that different between the north side of US 176 than the south side of US 176? 

The need for a cloverleaf at I-26 and US 15 IMO is unwarranted. Being it's a rural two lane road, it doesn't deserve a cloverleaf. Cloverleaf interchanges are usually between two freeways or two divided highways or one of each. Even in Orangeburg further west between I-26 and US 301 seems a little odd, but at least US 301 is a four lane highway though with motorist services located at it.

I-26 was designed and built a lot earlier than I-95, so the US 15 cloverleaf, as well as the ones at US 301 and US 601 (the latter now a parclo, lost the loop off-ramps a few years ago) came long before the one at I-95.  I guess they just haven't felt the need to update the one at US 15 just yet because of low volumes, but I'm thinking the one at US 301 will be updated soon because of the popular new QT truck stop that opened a little over a year ago.

I just wish they would do something about the cloverleafs at US 1, US 29, and Business 85.  They're all quite dangerous.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Tom958 on January 08, 2022, 11:58:22 AM
Quote from: wriddle082 on January 08, 2022, 11:10:20 AMI just wish they would do something about the cloverleafs at US 1, US 29, and Business 85.  They're all quite dangerous.

The one at Business will be a heavy lift as close as it is to the I-95 and Fairforest Road interchanges, especially if it becomes necessary to provide two-lane ramps between I-26 south of 85 and 85 to the east, which seems likely to me.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: roadman65 on January 08, 2022, 12:06:34 PM
Seems like I-26 is full of cloverleafs in that specific area.

Of course I remember when the segment of I-95 between Exit 97 and I-16 in GA was incomplete and you had the choice of either only going further south on either US 15 or US 301. Being at that particular time, I-95 was mostly incomplete in GA too, US 301 to Callahan, Florida was a great option considering the Talmadge Bridge was a major choke point at the time and the constant transferring back and forth between I-95 and US 17 was very weary to most drivers. Many drivers opted then for staying on 301 to Florida due to many cities like Orangeburg, Bamberg, Sylvania, Statesboro, Jesup, and Folkston provided motorists services to travelers going down the coast.

It makes sense now, but I am sure that next major project along I-26 will remedy that situation.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: roadman65 on January 10, 2022, 09:04:44 AM
I was noticing in 2005 aerial shots the original configuration of the I-26 and US 17 exchange with the former Pearman and Grace Bridges.  I see that left exit for King Street that I-26 now uses appears to have been US 17s original exit for US 78 then.

Now coming off the Ravenel Bridge the traffic with EB I-26 don't merge until the first signalized at grade intersection with a ramp on both sides of the raised curb for King Street.  US 17 exits right onto Carolina Street while I-26 exits to the left to a cul de sac
and then follows the start of a dead end street to access King Street.

I assume that the roles were swapped before the Ravenel Bridge opened? The left exit was previously US 17 SB exit from the Grace Bridge and the Carolina Street exit was used then by I-26 traffic?

Also where was the crossover point from the Pearman's SB lane to the Grace Bridge?  Old aerials don't zoom in close enough to see that. I assume the single SB lane of the Pearman Bridge did have full access to I-26 when in operation even though there was a weave issue.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: roadman65 on January 11, 2022, 10:47:30 PM
https://scdot.maps.arcgis.com/apps/MapSeries/index.html?appid=a877baaafbb74eb3ba9c638469673339&folderid=4e17c266ce0948f09afdf3b21f429b15

I was there last month and seen no construction.  I am guessing it's on hold for the moment.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Mapmikey on January 12, 2022, 12:37:34 PM
Quote from: roadman65 on January 10, 2022, 09:04:44 AM
I was noticing in 2005 aerial shots the original configuration of the I-26 and US 17 exchange with the former Pearman and Grace Bridges.  I see that left exit for King Street that I-26 now uses appears to have been US 17s original exit for US 78 then.

Now coming off the Ravenel Bridge the traffic with EB I-26 don't merge until the first signalized at grade intersection with a ramp on both sides of the raised curb for King Street.  US 17 exits right onto Carolina Street while I-26 exits to the left to a cul de sac
and then follows the start of a dead end street to access King Street.

I assume that the roles were swapped before the Ravenel Bridge opened? The left exit was previously US 17 SB exit from the Grace Bridge and the Carolina Street exit was used then by I-26 traffic?

This is correct

Quote
Also where was the crossover point from the Pearman's SB lane to the Grace Bridge?  Old aerials don't zoom in close enough to see that. I assume the single SB lane of the Pearman Bridge did have full access to I-26 when in operation even though there was a weave issue.

The SB Pearman lane dropped to adjacent to the Grace bridge landing.  Traffic stayed on this lane and it went to a curved roadway where right went to a stoplight at US 52 and its former ramp to I-26 west.  Left went back to Meeting St at Sheppard St.  This curved roadway is also how Meeting St NB traffic reached the Pearman bridge (the reversible lane drop from the bridge was two-way traffic (see this photo (https://twitter.com/burnellleroy/status/1025060080520245248)

I am trying to remember how truck traffic who wanted to stay with US 17 had to go.  I want to say they had to turn left on Meeting St then right on Coming St.  The 2005 aerial clearly shows it was not possible to weave to the right to merge onto US 17 SB off the Grace Bridge.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: D-Dey65 on January 24, 2022, 07:54:10 AM
Quote from: roadman65 on December 21, 2021, 12:17:50 PM
https://goo.gl/maps/Et9pupcrpWhuaSAc6

This one here out in the middle of nowhere has both.
Here's one at SC 527 with US 301:
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/fa/NB_4-Way_Stop%3B_SC_527_%26_US_301.JPG/800px-NB_4-Way_Stop%3B_SC_527_%26_US_301.JPG)
Just in case nobody knows what roadman65 is talking about.

Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: D-Dey65 on January 24, 2022, 08:00:39 AM
I was just checking out Exits 29 and 30 on I-526 in Charleston, and I had to zoom in on the concrete barrier in the spur to northbound US 17 and Hungry Neck Boulevard;
https://www.google.com/maps/@32.8205676,-79.8468662,227m/data=!3m1!1e3?hl=en

If you're looking at this from too far away, you might incorrectly assume the wider concrete barrier was a westbound stub road continuing Hungry Neck west of I-526.

Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: VTGoose on January 24, 2022, 08:51:11 AM
Somewhere in one of the threads (it might have been the I-95 in North Carolina one), the discussion sidled into some comments about I-95 in South Carolina, with comments about the pavement. Someone asserted that it was fine -- and I strongly disagree. After a trip south last week and a return yesterday via I-26 and I-95 down to Florida, I will agree with the first person who claimed it was bad. While not continuously bad, there are enough bad sections of concrete at random intervals to make for a rough ride or push travel into the left lane.

There are also occasional assertions (and I'm one of them) that I-95 and I-26 need to be three lanes. Others point out that heavy traffic is an anomaly that only happens around Thanksgiving and otherwise the highway is adequate. Our recent trip (down on a Sunday night, return on a Sunday afternoon) moved along without heavy traffic, but there are too many people who believe it is their right to travel at 80+ MPH. They aren't happy with people who are passing others who are at or under the speed limit and tailgate to express displeasure. A third lane would help alleviate this to some extent by keeping slower traffic to the right, putting faster traffic in the middle, and having the leftmost lane open for the leadfoots and the need to pass slightly slower people in the middle lane.

Bruce in Blacksburg
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: chrisdiaz on January 24, 2022, 08:45:10 PM
I 10000% agree Bruce. 95 needs to be three laned at the very least from the SC-GA border to the 95/26 interchange.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: D-Dey65 on January 25, 2022, 01:05:59 AM
Quote from: VTGoose on January 24, 2022, 08:51:11 AM
Somewhere in one of the threads (it might have been the I-95 in North Carolina one), the discussion sidled into some comments about I-95 in South Carolina, with comments about the pavement. Someone asserted that it was fine -- and I strongly disagree.
I don't know who you think claimed it was fine, but it couldn't have been me. I simply didn't pay that much attention to the condition of the pavement. But I agree with you on I-95 being three lanes in each direction. I haven't been on enough of I-26 to make a proper judgement, so I have to trust the rest of you people here, or go to Google Street View, or even traffic reports in the cities along the route.

And ultimately, the widening of I-95 should be statewide, but I'm realistic enough to know SCDOT can't do this as easily as NCDOT.




Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: sprjus4 on January 25, 2022, 01:14:42 AM
^ They need to focus efforts on south of I-26, at minimum.

There's a huge difference between the 6 lanes in Georgia and 4 lanes in South Carolina, especially during peak weekends.

It flows so much better and maintains 80+ mph. South Carolina... bumper to bumper and usually max speed 55-60 mph. Occasionally, you get single lane openings for a bit you can push up 80-85 mph, but you don't get far. You're trapped in an infinite flow.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: VTGoose on January 25, 2022, 11:11:43 AM
Quote from: sprjus4 on January 25, 2022, 01:14:42 AM
^ They need to focus efforts on south of I-26, at minimum.

There's a huge difference between the 6 lanes in Georgia and 4 lanes in South Carolina, especially during peak weekends.

It flows so much better and maintains 80+ mph. South Carolina... bumper to bumper and usually max speed 55-60 mph. Occasionally, you get single lane openings for a bit you can push up 80-85 mph, but you don't get far. You're trapped in an infinite flow.

Been there, done that. Hitting the Georgia line is like popping the top off a shaken bottle of Coke. Earlier in January when returning from Florida, we were glad to be going north -- there was a solid two lanes of traffic slowly moving south through most of SC up to I-26.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Mapmikey on January 25, 2022, 01:08:10 PM
The SCDOT projects page lists widening I-95 from GA to Exit 33 but has no timetable at all.  It also shows complete pavement rehab for MM 33-68 to be done over the 2021-25.

I-26 is being widened out to SC 27 heading west.  No other I-26 stuff until past Columbia...
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Crown Victoria on January 27, 2022, 09:05:34 AM
Quote from: VTGoose on January 24, 2022, 08:51:11 AM
Somewhere in one of the threads (it might have been the I-95 in North Carolina one), the discussion sidled into some comments about I-95 in South Carolina, with comments about the pavement. Someone asserted that it was fine -- and I strongly disagree. After a trip south last week and a return yesterday via I-26 and I-95 down to Florida, I will agree with the first person who claimed it was bad. While not continuously bad, there are enough bad sections of concrete at random intervals to make for a rough ride or push travel into the left lane.

There are also occasional assertions (and I'm one of them) that I-95 and I-26 need to be three lanes. Others point out that heavy traffic is an anomaly that only happens around Thanksgiving and otherwise the highway is adequate. Our recent trip (down on a Sunday night, return on a Sunday afternoon) moved along without heavy traffic, but there are too many people who believe it is their right to travel at 80+ MPH. They aren't happy with people who are passing others who are at or under the speed limit and tailgate to express displeasure. A third lane would help alleviate this to some extent by keeping slower traffic to the right, putting faster traffic in the middle, and having the leftmost lane open for the leadfoots and the need to pass slightly slower people in the middle lane.

Bruce in Blacksburg

Quote from: VTGoose on January 25, 2022, 11:11:43 AM
Quote from: sprjus4 on January 25, 2022, 01:14:42 AM
^ They need to focus efforts on south of I-26, at minimum.

There's a huge difference between the 6 lanes in Georgia and 4 lanes in South Carolina, especially during peak weekends.

It flows so much better and maintains 80+ mph. South Carolina... bumper to bumper and usually max speed 55-60 mph. Occasionally, you get single lane openings for a bit you can push up 80-85 mph, but you don't get far. You're trapped in an infinite flow.

Been there, done that. Hitting the Georgia line is like popping the top off a shaken bottle of Coke. Earlier in January when returning from Florida, we were glad to be going north -- there was a solid two lanes of traffic slowly moving south through most of SC up to I-26.

Quote from: Mapmikey on January 25, 2022, 01:08:10 PM
The SCDOT projects page lists widening I-95 from GA to Exit 33 but has no timetable at all.  It also shows complete pavement rehab for MM 33-68 to be done over the 2021-25.

I-26 is being widened out to SC 27 heading west.  No other I-26 stuff until past Columbia...

Having traveled I-95 through SC last week on our way to Florida, and I-95 to I-26 this week on our way home, I can attest to the need for widening of I-95 in SC, especially south of I-26. There are some days (like our trip down, on a Wednesday) where traffic flow is steady, above the speed limit, but with a noticeable increase in traffic south of I-26, and other days (like Tuesday, on our way home) where heavy truck traffic can slow things down a bit. Weekends and holidays are no doubt much busier and slower. 

As for the pavement quality on I-95 in SC, some places it's not too bad, but in others it's enough to make a Pennsylvanian feel right at home  :-D.

Looks like SCDOT does have the right idea in mind, beginning widening efforts south of Exit 33 (US 17 to Charleston), but they will need to eventually widen up to I-26.

Speaking of I-26, that roadway will also need to be widened. I believe SC's governor has proposed using some of the state's budget surplus to complete widening between Columbia and Charleston, including improvements to the I-26/I-95 interchange, along with (finally) getting part of I-73 built.

Finally, our trip home included an overnight in the Upstate. Which meant enduring I-85 north of Spartanburg...

Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: D-Dey65 on January 28, 2022, 10:30:23 AM
When the I-26/I-95 interchange is rebuilt, they really have to have frontage roads on I-26 between there and US 15. And if they decide to downgrade the interchange with US 15 (something I wouldn't blame them for), a folded-diamond interchange with ramps on the east side of US 15 would be the way to go.

Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: fillup420 on January 28, 2022, 09:21:47 PM
I was a part of that discussion in the NC thread. I will continue to assert that I-95 in SC is trash, as well as I-26 between Cola and Charleston. On both roads the narrow shoulders, rough pavement, and aggressive drivers add up to a very stressful time. On 26 especially, it often feels like the unofficial speed limit is 90, and god forbid you get in anyone's way who is trying to do 90. its terrible, and I do not miss living in SC because of it.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: sprjus4 on January 29, 2022, 02:51:31 AM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on January 28, 2022, 10:30:23 AM
When the I-26/1-95 interchange is rebuilt, they really have to have frontage roads on I-26 between there and US 15.
Why is this necessary?
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: wriddle082 on January 29, 2022, 07:50:51 AM
Quote from: sprjus4 on January 29, 2022, 02:51:31 AM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on January 28, 2022, 10:30:23 AM
When the I-26/1-95 interchange is rebuilt, they really have to have frontage roads on I-26 between there and US 15.
Why is this necessary?

Yeah those exits are 3 miles apart.  Not necessary in the least.

Unless he means C/D roads somewhere at the 26/95 interchange itself, which if they rebuild it into a cloverstack with 95N-26W and 95S-26E flyovers, won't be necessary.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: roadman65 on February 05, 2022, 10:11:04 AM
The freeway connector near Northwoods Mall in North Charleston that connects I-26 with Rivers Avenue I was curious about.  I know it's referred to by SCDOT as US 52 Connector for inventory purposes, but is it officially logged by AASHTO as such?
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Mapmikey on February 05, 2022, 10:43:13 AM
Quote from: roadman65 on February 05, 2022, 10:11:04 AM
The freeway connector near Northwoods Mall in North Charleston that connects I-26 with Rivers Avenue I was curious about.  I know it's referred to by SCDOT as US 52 Connector for inventory purposes, but is it officially logged by AASHTO as such?

The connectors in SC are not referenced in any way in the 1989 US route logs
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: roadman65 on February 05, 2022, 11:38:51 AM
That includes SPUR US 52 in Charleston too?
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: PColumbus73 on February 16, 2022, 07:27:47 PM
http://info2.scdot.org/GISMapping/GISMapdl/32357Display%20with%20design.pdf

US 501 between SC 544 and SC 31 in the Myrtle Beach / Conway area is slated to be completely widened to 6 lanes soon, the link is for the widening of US 501 between SC 544 and Gardner Lacy/Myrtle Ridge Drive. Currently supposed to begin construction in 2023.

US 501 Northbound from SC 31 to Gardner Lacy was widened to 3 lanes under RIDE 2, and SCDOT is currently working on widening the other side and scheduled to be complete in 2023.

There are some other local road projects that will hopefully take some of the local traffic off of US 501, Postal Way is being extended behind Tanger Outlets to Waccamaw Pines Drive. On the other side of the road, Middle Ridge Ave is planned to extend from West Perry Road to (I believe) Singleton Ridge Road.

Personally, I think adding frontage roads along 501 and removing most, or all, of the driveways would make things flow a lot smoother, but I know that's expensive and ROW acquisition would be difficult.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Mapmikey on February 16, 2022, 07:47:08 PM
Quote from: roadman65 on February 05, 2022, 11:38:51 AM
That includes SPUR US 52 in Charleston too?

Correct...US 52 SPUR not shown as an intersection on US 52.  I cannot find any AASHO documentation placing US 52A or US 52 Spur in Charleston into the system (nor US 52 Bus Darlington, for that matter).

However, both US 95 Spur and US 281 Spur are shown as intersecting routes
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: chrisdiaz on February 17, 2022, 02:39:48 AM
Quote from: PColumbus73 on February 16, 2022, 07:27:47 PM
http://info2.scdot.org/GISMapping/GISMapdl/32357Display%20with%20design.pdf

US 501 between SC 544 and SC 31 in the Myrtle Beach / Conway area is slated to be completely widened to 6 lanes soon, the link is for the widening of US 501 between SC 544 and Gardner Lacy/Myrtle Ridge Drive. Currently supposed to begin construction in 2023.

US 501 Northbound from SC 31 to Gardner Lacy was widened to 3 lanes under RIDE 2, and SCDOT is currently working on widening the other side and scheduled to be complete in 2023.

There are some other local road projects that will hopefully take some of the local traffic off of US 501, Postal Way is being extended behind Tanger Outlets to Waccamaw Pines Drive. On the other side of the road, Middle Ridge Ave is planned to extend from West Perry Road to (I believe) Singleton Ridge Road.

Personally, I think adding frontage roads along 501 and removing most, or all, of the driveways would make things flow a lot smoother, but I know that's expensive and ROW acquisition would be difficult.
Excited for this!! I try to avoid 501 at all costs as it stands now, and agree that frontage roads should be added. I also think that 501 should have a grade separated interchange at Carolina Forest Boulevard. If I want to be ambitious, I would say to have 501 continue grade separation up from 31 to just north of CF Blvd.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: wriddle082 on February 17, 2022, 05:54:20 AM
Quote from: PColumbus73 on February 16, 2022, 07:27:47 PM
http://info2.scdot.org/GISMapping/GISMapdl/32357Display%20with%20design.pdf

US 501 between SC 544 and SC 31 in the Myrtle Beach / Conway area is slated to be completely widened to 6 lanes soon, the link is for the widening of US 501 between SC 544 and Gardner Lacy/Myrtle Ridge Drive. Currently supposed to begin construction in 2023.

US 501 Northbound from SC 31 to Gardner Lacy was widened to 3 lanes under RIDE 2, and SCDOT is currently working on widening the other side and scheduled to be complete in 2023.

There are some other local road projects that will hopefully take some of the local traffic off of US 501, Postal Way is being extended behind Tanger Outlets to Waccamaw Pines Drive. On the other side of the road, Middle Ridge Ave is planned to extend from West Perry Road to (I believe) Singleton Ridge Road.

Personally, I think adding frontage roads along 501 and removing most, or all, of the driveways would make things flow a lot smoother, but I know that's expensive and ROW acquisition would be difficult.

If they can add frontage roads and grade separations to a good bit of US 17 Johnnie Dodds Blvd in Mt. Pleasant, where I think they had even less ROW to deal with, then I think they can easily handle 501 through Carolina Forest.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: PColumbus73 on February 17, 2022, 06:52:18 PM
Quote from: chrisdiaz on February 17, 2022, 02:39:48 AM
Quote from: PColumbus73 on February 16, 2022, 07:27:47 PM
http://info2.scdot.org/GISMapping/GISMapdl/32357Display%20with%20design.pdf

US 501 between SC 544 and SC 31 in the Myrtle Beach / Conway area is slated to be completely widened to 6 lanes soon, the link is for the widening of US 501 between SC 544 and Gardner Lacy/Myrtle Ridge Drive. Currently supposed to begin construction in 2023.

US 501 Northbound from SC 31 to Gardner Lacy was widened to 3 lanes under RIDE 2, and SCDOT is currently working on widening the other side and scheduled to be complete in 2023.

There are some other local road projects that will hopefully take some of the local traffic off of US 501, Postal Way is being extended behind Tanger Outlets to Waccamaw Pines Drive. On the other side of the road, Middle Ridge Ave is planned to extend from West Perry Road to (I believe) Singleton Ridge Road.

Personally, I think adding frontage roads along 501 and removing most, or all, of the driveways would make things flow a lot smoother, but I know that's expensive and ROW acquisition would be difficult.
Excited for this!! I try to avoid 501 at all costs as it stands now, and agree that frontage roads should be added. I also think that 501 should have a grade separated interchange at Carolina Forest Boulevard. If I want to be ambitious, I would say to have 501 continue grade separation up from 31 to just north of CF Blvd.

If they convert Carolina Forest Blvd into an interchange, they need to rework the section of US 501 between Carolina Forest and SC 31, the interchange is just going to make it easier to pile traffic onto 501 if they don't do anything with the lights at Legends and Waccamaw Pines.

(Recently moved to Georgetown from Myrtle Beach BTW)
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: PColumbus73 on February 17, 2022, 06:55:37 PM
Quote from: wriddle082 on February 17, 2022, 05:54:20 AM
Quote from: PColumbus73 on February 16, 2022, 07:27:47 PM
http://info2.scdot.org/GISMapping/GISMapdl/32357Display%20with%20design.pdf

US 501 between SC 544 and SC 31 in the Myrtle Beach / Conway area is slated to be completely widened to 6 lanes soon, the link is for the widening of US 501 between SC 544 and Gardner Lacy/Myrtle Ridge Drive. Currently supposed to begin construction in 2023.

US 501 Northbound from SC 31 to Gardner Lacy was widened to 3 lanes under RIDE 2, and SCDOT is currently working on widening the other side and scheduled to be complete in 2023.

There are some other local road projects that will hopefully take some of the local traffic off of US 501, Postal Way is being extended behind Tanger Outlets to Waccamaw Pines Drive. On the other side of the road, Middle Ridge Ave is planned to extend from West Perry Road to (I believe) Singleton Ridge Road.

Personally, I think adding frontage roads along 501 and removing most, or all, of the driveways would make things flow a lot smoother, but I know that's expensive and ROW acquisition would be difficult.

If they can add frontage roads and grade separations to a good bit of US 17 Johnnie Dodds Blvd in Mt. Pleasant, where I think they had even less ROW to deal with, then I think they can easily handle 501 through Carolina Forest.


The extension of Postal Way to Waccamaw Pines, and the Middle Ridge Ave project would give US 501 psuedo-frontage roads. I think they would justify better access management along 501 and prioritize signalized intersections.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: D-Dey65 on February 27, 2022, 08:01:31 PM
So, does anybody know of any plans to extend I-585 further north to I-85? Because Google Maps is saying it's already there.


Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: sprjus4 on February 27, 2022, 08:04:41 PM
^ It's not happening.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: US 89 on February 27, 2022, 08:40:07 PM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on February 27, 2022, 08:01:31 PM
So, does anybody know of any plans to extend I-585 further north to I-85? Because Google Maps is saying it's already there.

Google Maps says that because 585 is for some reason signed well north of its endpoint at BL-85. The last northbound reassurance is all the way up past the Valley Falls Rd interchange (https://goo.gl/maps/wpZwMZU1dhSZutgg9). This error even made it into some official FHWA maps for a time if you go back a few pages in this thread (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=4088.msg2596756#msg2596756).
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: wriddle082 on February 28, 2022, 08:01:39 AM
Quote from: sprjus4 on February 27, 2022, 08:04:41 PM
^ It's not happening.

Never say never!  I mean, traffic volumes don't seem to warrant a full interstate-to-interstate interchange, though standards certainly do.  If Spartanburg ever sees the type of growth that Greenville is currently experiencing, then it could happen.  But SCDOT has more pressing needs, like resurfacing, and resurfacing. and maybe even some resurfacing.  Or turn the secondaries over to counties who have the money for the resurfacing.  Just get something done!!!
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: sprjus4 on February 28, 2022, 12:03:58 PM
Standards apparently haven't deemed it necessary over the last 20-30 years. IMO, it's more likely it gets demoted from interstate status than a full interchange built.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: The Ghostbuster on February 28, 2022, 04:34:55 PM
Maybe Interstate 585 shouldn't have been designated to begin with. It has never met Interstate Standards, and was "orphaned" by the relocation of Interstate 85 in the 1990's. The exits that are numbered have always used US 176's mileage numbers. On the other hand, if the Business 85-to-Interstate 685 proposal had been approved, it wouldn't have been necessary for 585 to connect with 85.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: WashuOtaku on March 01, 2022, 01:15:00 PM
Quote from: The Ghostbuster on February 28, 2022, 04:34:55 PM
Maybe Interstate 585 shouldn't have been designated to begin with. It has never met Interstate Standards, and was "orphaned" by the relocation of Interstate 85 in the 1990's. The exits that are numbered have always used US 176's mileage numbers. On the other hand, if the Business 85-to-Interstate 685 proposal had been approved, it wouldn't have been necessary for 585 to connect with 85.

When I-585 was established, it did meet the Interstate standards as they were back in the early 1960s. Only SCDOT can decide if they want to decommission I-585 or not, and I doubt they are are even considering it as its designation does give it some additional Federal funds to help maintain that stretch of highway (probably pays for the fresh coat of asphalt every ten years).
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: sprjus4 on March 02, 2022, 12:03:16 PM
^ Not sure interstates get "special funding"  anymore, it's all pooled in the NHS system.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Rothman on March 02, 2022, 04:18:15 PM
Quote from: sprjus4 on March 02, 2022, 12:03:16 PM
^ Not sure interstates get "special funding"  anymore, it's all pooled in the NHS system.
The only advantage is that they can be funded at 90/10.  But, using NHP funds eats into other uses for the funding, obviously.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: roadman65 on March 14, 2022, 12:05:01 PM
Why do some older maps of SC say that a pass is required to use SC 125 traveling through the Atomic Energy Facility as the route does transit the reservation there?

GSV shows no restrictions at the property line and uninterrupted travel and transit is possible.

To be more specific, I'm referring to the Savannah River Site SE of Augusta.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Mapmikey on March 14, 2022, 12:39:51 PM
Quote from: roadman65 on March 14, 2022, 12:05:01 PM
Why do some older maps of SC say that a pass is required to use SC 125 traveling through the Atomic Energy Facility as the route does transit the reservation there?

GSV shows no restrictions at the property line and uninterrupted travel and transit is possible.

To be more specific, I'm referring to the Savannah River Site SE of Augusta.

From my SC 125 page:

Driving through the Savannah River Site was a unique experience in the 1980's (I haven't driven it since then, so don't know what it is like today). You had to get a pass at the gate and turn it in on the other side. There was no stopping anywhere within the facility, which was patrolled by government security forces. Often vehicles were searched before entry, and to top it off, if you reached the other side too quickly (speed limit was 55), they'd give you a speeding ticket! Also, some of the creeks had water with elevated temperatures, which was sometimes noticeable when driving by.
Today there are no gates but you are still supposed to drive straight through without stopping.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: wriddle082 on March 14, 2022, 07:12:27 PM
Quote from: Mapmikey on March 14, 2022, 12:39:51 PM
Quote from: roadman65 on March 14, 2022, 12:05:01 PM
Why do some older maps of SC say that a pass is required to use SC 125 traveling through the Atomic Energy Facility as the route does transit the reservation there?

GSV shows no restrictions at the property line and uninterrupted travel and transit is possible.

To be more specific, I'm referring to the Savannah River Site SE of Augusta.

From my SC 125 page:

Driving through the Savannah River Site was a unique experience in the 1980's (I haven't driven it since then, so don't know what it is like today). You had to get a pass at the gate and turn it in on the other side. There was no stopping anywhere within the facility, which was patrolled by government security forces. Often vehicles were searched before entry, and to top it off, if you reached the other side too quickly (speed limit was 55), they'd give you a speeding ticket! Also, some of the creeks had water with elevated temperatures, which was sometimes noticeable when driving by.
Today there are no gates but you are still supposed to drive straight through without stopping.

I still haven't driven it, and a few years back I almost had a work excuse to do so, but it didn't pan out.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: fillup420 on March 14, 2022, 08:12:03 PM
Quote from: roadman65 on March 14, 2022, 12:05:01 PM
Why do some older maps of SC say that a pass is required to use SC 125 traveling through the Atomic Energy Facility as the route does transit the reservation there?

GSV shows no restrictions at the property line and uninterrupted travel and transit is possible.

To be more specific, I'm referring to the Savannah River Site SE of Augusta.
drove it a few years ago. There isn't any checkpoint, but there are signs at either end that say No Stopping or Exiting vehicles. I passed an official looking vehicle on my way through. I definitely got a weird vibe from the place. Its very empty and not much traffic.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Mapmikey on March 14, 2022, 08:37:28 PM
SC State Officials showed a pass was needed from either 1968 or 1969 through 1994 or 1995.

From 1950 until 1952, SC 28 was a route with a non-travelable gap through SRS.  In 1952 SC 28 was rerouted around the north and east of SRS with the north stub becoming SC 125 and the south stub becoming part of SC 641 (changed to SC 125 when through traffic was allowed). 
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: roadman65 on March 15, 2022, 11:49:49 AM
So the pass was there and used at the time to make sure everyone was moving along at speed and above or below it.

An article on wiki shows that a milepost 8 there are defunct ramps to SC 64 visible along the route as at one time SC 64 traveled further west and ended there.  Plus if you took more time to get to the endpoints the guard would detain you for questioning.

So I see now why the pass as it was more like a relay stick to see how fast you can drive thru the facility and to check that everone is doing 55 mph.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Mapmikey on March 15, 2022, 01:05:50 PM
The former SC 64 ending at former SC 28 is still intact - https://goo.gl/maps/4FYBYu61cPTjBwuh6

Historic Aerials suggests the former SC 64 roadway stopped being used at the west end in the 1990s.  There is a barrier not very far up the road.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: NJRoadfan on March 15, 2022, 10:58:03 PM
Some creative recycling of county route markers there: https://goo.gl/maps/BT78YdPjcz2fkFE18
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Mapmikey on March 16, 2022, 06:36:02 AM
Quote from: NJRoadfan on March 15, 2022, 10:58:03 PM
Some creative recycling of county route markers there: https://goo.gl/maps/BT78YdPjcz2fkFE18

Savannah River Site has been using pentagon shields for its internal road network for at least 40 years.

South Carolina has never used pentagon markers on its secondary systems - always the small rectangles though originally they were black on white instead of white on black like they are today.

Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: 74/171FAN on March 24, 2022, 11:24:22 PM
I recently saw this SC 34 shield (https://www.google.com/maps/@34.2738408,-79.7039939,3a,15y,40.13h,92.54t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sJEaOCGQLLZ9zTE8uVKl_lQ!2e0!7i16384!8i8192) when turning around in the area Monday Night after clinching SC 327 (and seeing an under construction Bucees).

I have no clue at this time why it is there. (maybe a reroute of the nearby truck route?)
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: kernals12 on May 01, 2022, 10:18:23 PM
Estimated cost of finishing I-526 has tripled to over $2 billion
https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/south-carolina/articles/2022-05-01/sc-says-cost-to-finish-i-526-in-charleston-triples-to-2-3b
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Plutonic Panda on May 02, 2022, 10:34:55 AM
Hopefully they can still get it built.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: kernals12 on May 02, 2022, 11:31:03 AM
Quote from: Plutonic Panda on May 02, 2022, 10:34:55 AM
Hopefully they can still get it built.

Probably not
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Plutonic Panda on May 02, 2022, 11:59:54 PM
Quote from: kernals12 on May 02, 2022, 11:31:03 AM
Quote from: Plutonic Panda on May 02, 2022, 10:34:55 AM
Hopefully they can still get it built.

Probably not
This was a pretty significant project that was recently fought hard to get going. So they're just going to abandon it now? I don't see that. It might get delayed but I suspect it will move forward .
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: 74/171FAN on May 03, 2022, 10:24:14 AM
Quote from: kernals12 on May 01, 2022, 10:18:23 PM
Estimated cost of finishing I-526 has tripled to over $2 billion
https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/south-carolina/articles/2022-05-01/sc-says-cost-to-finish-i-526-in-charleston-triples-to-2-3b

This project (and any widening of SC 700/Maybank Hwy) has been in limbo for a long time.  I have been tracking this off and on since I visited John's Island on a mission trip in 2012.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: The Ghostbuster on May 03, 2022, 03:43:22 PM
I thought the Interstate 526 extension to connect it with SC 30 was permanently killed in 2016. I guess I was wrong (the Interstate 526 Wikipedia page has been updated as well). Somehow, I am skeptical it will actually be built.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: WashuOtaku on May 04, 2022, 02:11:55 PM
Quote from: Plutonic Panda on May 02, 2022, 11:59:54 PM
Quote from: kernals12 on May 02, 2022, 11:31:03 AM
Quote from: Plutonic Panda on May 02, 2022, 10:34:55 AM
Hopefully they can still get it built.
Probably not
This was a pretty significant project that was recently fought hard to get going. So they're just going to abandon it now? I don't see that. It might get delayed but I suspect it will move forward .
I'm always surprised how South Carolina fails to get projects off the ground, even when they get the funding for it (which they end up using it all on more studies).
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Plutonic Panda on May 04, 2022, 02:16:42 PM
Quote from: WashuOtaku on May 04, 2022, 02:11:55 PM
Quote from: Plutonic Panda on May 02, 2022, 11:59:54 PM
Quote from: kernals12 on May 02, 2022, 11:31:03 AM
Quote from: Plutonic Panda on May 02, 2022, 10:34:55 AM
Hopefully they can still get it built.
Probably not
This was a pretty significant project that was recently fought hard to get going. So they're just going to abandon it now? I don't see that. It might get delayed but I suspect it will move forward .
I'm always surprised how South Carolina fails to get projects off the ground, even when they get the funding for it (which they end up using it all on more studies).
South Carolina isn't territory so I'm not too heavily focused on it but I am aware of a few projects this being one of them. I thought this project was in the bag. Approved and ready to start construction. For some reason I thought preliminary work had already begun. Shows you what I know.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: D-Dey65 on July 12, 2022, 12:28:42 AM
Exit 193 on Interstate 95 still needs traffic signals at the on and off ramp intersections with SC 9 and 57.


Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: wriddle082 on July 12, 2022, 04:08:26 AM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on July 12, 2022, 12:28:42 AM
Exit 193 on Interstate 95 still needs traffic signals at the on and off ramp intersections with SC 9 and 57.




Yes it does.  But I see less and less traffic using this exit in the future as a fuel stop if the Florence Buc-ee's eats into their business.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: D-Dey65 on July 13, 2022, 01:49:20 PM
Another issue on the vicinity of an I-95 interchange; I was checking out Exit 135 in Turbeville (https://www.google.com/maps/place/33%C2%B053'22.0%22N+80%C2%B000'48.0%22W/@33.899632,-80.0928444,1856m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0xd2309227e68548cb!8m2!3d33.889444!4d-80.013333?hl=en), and I was wondering why US 378 narrow down from a four-lane divided highway to a two-lane undivided road. Then I did a Google Street View examiniation of the area, and I realized it doesn't narrow down to two lanes. The divider just ends before approaching the vicinity of the interstate.

So the next question is, should the divider be extended a few more yards?

Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Mapmikey on July 13, 2022, 02:08:02 PM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on July 13, 2022, 01:49:20 PM
Another issue on the vicinity of an I-95 interchange; I was checking out Exit 135 in Turbeville (https://www.google.com/maps/place/33%C2%B053'22.0%22N+80%C2%B000'48.0%22W/@33.899632,-80.0928444,1856m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0xd2309227e68548cb!8m2!3d33.889444!4d-80.013333?hl=en), and I was wondering why US 378 narrow down from a four-lane divided highway to a two-lane undivided road. Then I did a Google Street View examiniation of the area, and I realized it doesn't narrow down to two lanes. The divider just ends before approaching the vicinity of the interstate.

So the next question is, should the divider be extended a few more yards?



This goes back to at least 1978 per historicaerials, though the concrete strip over the interstate used to extend past the off-ramps in both directions further.

My guess is that the grass median ends where it does so that service businesses can have easy access to left turns.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: cbalducc on July 28, 2022, 08:59:36 PM
Why was a new alignment of I-85 built around Spartanburg instead of widening the old alignment?
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Mapmikey on July 28, 2022, 09:51:06 PM
Quote from: cbalducc on July 28, 2022, 08:59:36 PM
Why was a new alignment of I-85 built around Spartanburg instead of widening the old alignment?

The old alignment was a pre-interstate era freeway that has/had missing exit movements and terrible ramp geometries.  To modernize it would've required more than a simple widening to 6 lanes - would've required a complete rebuild which would've taken out many existing businesses/structures.

It was likely just as easy to build an all new alignment around the city.  There was discussion of changing I-85 Bus to I-685 in 2000 but it would've still cost >$100M to bring the road up to interstate standard, presumably with no widening.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Alex on July 28, 2022, 11:58:04 PM
Quote from: Mapmikey on July 28, 2022, 09:51:06 PM
Quote from: cbalducc on July 28, 2022, 08:59:36 PM
Why was a new alignment of I-85 built around Spartanburg instead of widening the old alignment?

The old alignment was a pre-interstate era freeway that has/had missing exit movements and terrible ramp geometries.  To modernize it would've required more than a simple widening to 6 lanes - would've required a complete rebuild which would've taken out many existing businesses/structures.

It was likely just as easy to build an all new alignment around the city.  There was discussion of changing I-85 Bus to I-685 in 2000 but it would've still cost >$100M to bring the road up to interstate standard, presumably with no widening.

Proposals to upgrade the old freeway started in 1983. Spartanburg initially was against realignment, fearing a loss in economic revenue. Nonetheless FHWA approved the northern realignment, which at the time the estimated cost was just $4 million more than costs to upgrade the old route:

https://www.interstate-guide.com/i-085/

The old alignment was once proposed as I-285, partly so that I-585 would still connect with the Interstate system.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: wriddle082 on July 29, 2022, 10:53:17 AM
Quote from: Alex on July 28, 2022, 11:58:04 PM
Quote from: Mapmikey on July 28, 2022, 09:51:06 PM
Quote from: cbalducc on July 28, 2022, 08:59:36 PM
Why was a new alignment of I-85 built around Spartanburg instead of widening the old alignment?

The old alignment was a pre-interstate era freeway that has/had missing exit movements and terrible ramp geometries.  To modernize it would've required more than a simple widening to 6 lanes - would've required a complete rebuild which would've taken out many existing businesses/structures.

It was likely just as easy to build an all new alignment around the city.  There was discussion of changing I-85 Bus to I-685 in 2000 but it would've still cost >$100M to bring the road up to interstate standard, presumably with no widening.

Proposals to upgrade the old freeway started in 1983. Spartanburg initially was against realignment, fearing a loss in economic revenue. Nonetheless FHWA approved the northern realignment, which at the time the estimated cost was just $4 million more than costs to upgrade the old route:

https://www.interstate-guide.com/i-085/

The old alignment was once proposed as I-285, partly so that I-585 would still connect with the Interstate system.

Little by little they're still fixing parts of 85 Business.  Right now the bridge over the Hearon Circle interchange (Exit 4) is closed down for a complete rebuild.  I think that's scheduled to be finished by June of next year.  They'll probably/hopefully add shoulders to the new bridge, but I'm sure it won't be upgraded to full interstate standards.  The original bridge dates back to the 50's, possibly early 50's.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: architect77 on July 29, 2022, 06:30:58 PM
Does anyone know when the I-85 widening project will be finished? It's not fun to navigate the work zone, and I feel like I've had to do it a dozen times.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: VTGoose on August 09, 2022, 11:33:40 AM
Did the Florida-Virginia trip home on Sunday, slogging up I-95/I-26/I-77 through South Carolina. Luckily traffic wasn't bad and we moved right along. Somewhere around Hardeeville there were two smallish text-heavy signs next to the interstate about public comment wanted. Not sure how anyone was supposed to read the signs at 70+ MPH, but they apparently refer to the call for comments the on the I-95 Widening Project in Jasper County between MM 8 -MM 21 (see https://www.scdot.org/projects/press-releases-MileMarker8-MM21.aspx). Per the news release, preliminary engineering will be done this year but construction won't start until 2026. There is also another call for comments on the next section from MM 21 to exit 33 (see https://www.scdot.org/projects/press-releases-MileMarker21-MM33.aspx). That construction won't start until 2028. Perhaps (if interstates still matter) I-95 will be widened for its entire length in South Carolina by the turn of the next century.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: D-Dey65 on August 31, 2022, 07:18:29 PM
Quote from: VTGoose on August 09, 2022, 11:33:40 AM
Did the Florida-Virginia trip home on Sunday, slogging up I-95/I-26/I-77 through South Carolina. Luckily traffic wasn't bad and we moved right along. Somewhere around Hardeeville there were two smallish text-heavy signs next to the interstate about public comment wanted. Not sure how anyone was supposed to read the signs at 70+ MPH, but they apparently refer to the call for comments the on the I-95 Widening Project in Jasper County between MM 8 -MM 21 (see https://www.scdot.org/projects/press-releases-MileMarker8-MM21.aspx). Per the news release, preliminary engineering will be done this year but construction won't start until 2026. There is also another call for comments on the next section from MM 21 to exit 33 (see https://www.scdot.org/projects/press-releases-MileMarker21-MM33.aspx). That construction won't start until 2028. Perhaps (if interstates still matter) I-95 will be widened for its entire length in South Carolina by the turn of the next century.

"Comments will be accepted until the close of business on August 11, 2022."
Damn! If I only knew about this before then.  :-(

I was hoping there would be more details on their PDF files. I'm also disappointed they're not covering anything south of Exit 8. Today I reconsidered a replacement for the northbound off-ramp at Exit 5 that included the entrance to the Welcome Center.

Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: D-Dey65 on September 03, 2022, 08:51:25 PM
Here's my idea for the new Exit 5, more or less:
https://imgur.com/a/3AUpkoI

Hey, did you know that the majority of Bridge Reports for bridges in Jasper County are rated at either fair or poor condition, including those along I-95?
https://bridgereports.com/sc/jasper/exhibit/
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Ted$8roadFan on November 24, 2022, 08:10:27 AM
Quote from: architect77 on July 29, 2022, 06:30:58 PM
Does anyone know when the I-85 widening project will be finished? It's not fun to navigate the work zone, and I feel like I've had to do it a dozen times.

Still in progress as of late October. Not fun to travel indeed.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: gbgoose on November 24, 2022, 11:56:21 AM
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on November 24, 2022, 08:10:27 AM
Quote from: architect77 on July 29, 2022, 06:30:58 PM
Does anyone know when the I-85 widening project will be finished? It's not fun to navigate the work zone, and I feel like I've had to do it a dozen times.
Still in progress as of late October. Not fun to travel indeed.

According to the i-85 South Carolina site, MM 98-106 is scheduled for completion next month.  The rest of it not until late 2024.

Fixed quote
- Alex
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: wriddle082 on November 24, 2022, 06:02:55 PM
Quote from: gbgoose on November 24, 2022, 11:56:21 AM
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on November 24, 2022, 08:10:27 AM
Quote from: architect77 on July 29, 2022, 06:30:58 PM
Does anyone know when the I-85 widening project will be finished? It's not fun to navigate the work zone, and I feel like I've had to do it a dozen times.

According to the i-85 South Carolina site, MM 98-106 is scheduled for completion next month.  The rest of it not until late 2024.
Still in progress as of late October. Not fun to travel indeed.

Indeed, a couple of weeks ago I went through going northbound.  After you cross the Broad River, you have three striped asphalt lanes with barrels blocking the right lane.  So much smoother than the temporary patchwork work zone pavement, and even though the lanes aren't fully opened, it's nice to not have the claustrophobic feeling that the cattle chutes give.

One reason why the rest of it is taking longer, IMO, is because it's mostly being built in concrete.  Also they have been fixing some of the superelevation issues.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: quantumzirconium on November 27, 2022, 03:43:53 AM
I've been to South Carolina and Convey so many times. They have fine roads.
I like the local nature.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: VTGoose on April 11, 2023, 11:38:40 AM
Another "Mountains to the Gulf" trip to see the grandson, which mandated driving through South Carolina. I-77 has signs all around Columbia announcing the closure of the northbound lanes for bridge work. The huge vacant field on the east side of the highway, close to the I-26 interchange, appears to be the staging area for all the equipment needed for the work.

On I-26 and I-95 (which was misbehaving with micro-passers and bad speed differentials) it appears that the major project is removal of any and all standing vegetation from right-of-way fence to right-of-way fence. There must be some rationale for doing that, but it seems like the money could be better spent.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: chrisdiaz on April 11, 2023, 01:28:37 PM
Quote from: VTGoose on April 11, 2023, 11:38:40 AM
On I-26 and I-95 ... it appears that the major project is removal of any and all standing vegetation from right-of-way fence to right-of-way fence.

The same is occurring on I-20 as well. I guess it could do with making maintenance easier.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: sprjus4 on April 11, 2023, 02:12:03 PM
This happened some years ago further north on I-95 in SC I believe as well... I believe the purpose was to reduce fatal accidents of vehicles driving into the forested median.

Virginia has installed cable barrier along the clear zones between the forested median and the left shoulder in some areas. I've noticed this on I-64 particularly. This is likely another mitigation tactic without actually tearing out the trees.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: wriddle082 on April 11, 2023, 02:58:12 PM
There were several fatal accidents involving the median trees in recent years that SCDOT has decided that eliminating the trees is now a priority.  But I believe they are making back some of the money they are spending by selling the timber.

As for the I-77 total closures, they are to fix the terrible bridge decks between mm's 0 and 5.  They had a northbound closure recently that began on the evening of 3/24 and ended one day early on the evening of 4/1, and the bridge decks are much improved.  The same closure will happen for southbound starting this Friday 4/14 evening and is scheduled once again for 9 days.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: kernals12 on May 08, 2023, 08:31:39 PM
Were there ever any plans for a crosstown freeway in Charleston?
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Mapmikey on May 09, 2023, 06:43:35 AM
Quote from: kernals12 on May 08, 2023, 08:31:39 PM
Were there ever any plans for a crosstown freeway in Charleston?

Yes.  See pg. 38 at https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=ien.35556030781793&view=1up&seq=38 for a 1972 EIS of the proposed Inner Belt Freeway
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: The Ghostbuster on May 09, 2023, 02:00:42 PM
Did Charleston have a freeway revolt like other cities did?
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: kernals12 on May 09, 2023, 02:09:06 PM
Quote from: The Ghostbuster on May 09, 2023, 02:00:42 PM
Did Charleston have a freeway revolt like other cities did?


Does the controversy over the extension of 526 to John's Island count?

That 1972 EIS is the only documented evidence I've seen of proof that a Crosstown freeway was seriously contemplated in an official capacity.

I'm guessing that lack of funds was the reason it never got built.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: ran4sh on May 09, 2023, 07:27:01 PM
I don't see how it wouldn't count, especially since the exit numbering of I-526 has always included the mileage of that section in the numbering. (I wish they would at least post the missing numbers on the west half of the route though, even if it doesn't end at mile 0 as is.)
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: kernals12 on May 10, 2023, 08:55:53 PM
It's very bizarre I-95 doesn't go through Charleston and Myrtle Beach. Is that because of the difficulty of building in wetlands?
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: 74/171FAN on May 10, 2023, 09:12:29 PM
Quote from: kernals12 on May 10, 2023, 08:55:53 PM
It's very bizarre I-95 doesn't go through Charleston and Myrtle Beach. Is that because of the difficulty of building in wetlands?


Well I-73's southern end was supposed to be in Charleston.   :-D
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Mapmikey on May 12, 2023, 08:45:53 AM
Quote from: kernals12 on May 10, 2023, 08:55:53 PM
It's very bizarre I-95 doesn't go through Charleston and Myrtle Beach. Is that because of the difficulty of building in wetlands?


There was definitely a contingent trying to route I-95 closer to Charleston in the 1960s.  One logistical issue was Lake Marion and Lake Moultrie being in the way which would've made I-95 much, much longer through SC.  In the 1980s there were news articles about a proposal to build a freeway that looped off I-95 to get much closer to Charleston.

I was actually surprised to find the 1972 EIS for those proposed freeways including one along today's Crosstown Expwy.  I lived in the Charleston area 1975-95 (age 5-25) and do not recall seeing or hearing anything about those proposals. SC highway stuff is very difficult to research because not much is online.  Lots of MPOs like CHATS nationwide had pie in the sky proposals that never got approval by the state DOTs whether $ was a factor or not.  But I will say the oil crisis and inflation/stagflation in the 1970s put the brakes on many freeway proposals in the US.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: ran4sh on May 23, 2023, 10:50:44 PM
Quote from: kernals12 on May 10, 2023, 08:55:53 PM
It's very bizarre I-95 doesn't go through Charleston and Myrtle Beach. Is that because of the difficulty of building in wetlands?


I would say it's because of general anti-South bias as well as the fact that Charleston and especially MB are a lot less important than the larger cities that I-95 needs to serve such as Washington DC and the Florida coast, so I-95 simply goes relatively straight from Washington/Richmond toward Savannah/Florida.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: kernals12 on May 24, 2023, 12:11:29 AM
Quote from: ran4sh on May 23, 2023, 10:50:44 PM
Quote from: kernals12 on May 10, 2023, 08:55:53 PM
It's very bizarre I-95 doesn't go through Charleston and Myrtle Beach. Is that because of the difficulty of building in wetlands?


I would say it's because of general anti-South bias as well as the fact that Charleston and especially MB are a lot less important than the larger cities that I-95 needs to serve such as Washington DC and the Florida coast, so I-95 simply goes relatively straight from Washington/Richmond toward Savannah/Florida.

But Charleston and MB are clearly more important cities than Florence
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: wriddle082 on May 24, 2023, 01:28:20 AM
Quote from: kernals12 on May 24, 2023, 12:11:29 AM
Quote from: ran4sh on May 23, 2023, 10:50:44 PM
Quote from: kernals12 on May 10, 2023, 08:55:53 PM
It's very bizarre I-95 doesn't go through Charleston and Myrtle Beach. Is that because of the difficulty of building in wetlands?


I would say it's because of general anti-South bias as well as the fact that Charleston and especially MB are a lot less important than the larger cities that I-95 needs to serve such as Washington DC and the Florida coast, so I-95 simply goes relatively straight from Washington/Richmond toward Savannah/Florida.

But Charleston and MB are clearly more important cities than Florence

I-95 mostly follows US 301 from Petersburg, VA south to Santee, SC (once it's across Lake Marion), then works it's way to eventually follow US 17 towards the general direction of Savannah, and to get back closer to the coast.

Way back before I-95 even existed, US 301 was a very important route heading south.  Probably more or equally as important as US 1.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: D-Dey65 on June 07, 2023, 10:57:03 AM
I know anti-South bias exists, but I don't think it has anything to do with the decision on the route of I-95. Besides that, Charleston has I-26.

wriddle082 mentioned the fact that it follows US 301, and later US 17, but in between the two it also follows US 15.

Also, why do so many people keep dumping on Florence all the time?


Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: wriddle082 on June 07, 2023, 03:50:19 PM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on June 07, 2023, 10:57:03 AM
I know anti-South bias exists, but I don't think it has anything to do with the decision on the route of I-95. Besides that, Charleston has I-26.

wriddle082 mentioned the fact that it follows US 301, and later US 17, but in between the two it also follows US 15.

Also, why do so many people keep dumping on Florence all the time?




Follows US 301, US 15, Alt US 17, and finally regular  US 17.  It follows the middle two for such a relatively short distance that it wasn't really worth mentioning.

Florence is easy to dump on.  First off, it's exactly halfway between NYC and Miami, so many motorists who have travelled between the two over the years has probably stopped for the night in Florence.  And I would imagine that being used to accommodations in NYC and Miami, they were extremely underwhelmed by Florence.  Especially if they couldn't find a kosher deli, NY-style pizza, or bagel shop.  Waffle House and Little Caesar's just won't cut it for many of those people.

But for being a stopover town, Florence is actually not too bad these days.  If you look at the Business Spur I-20 exit instead of the US 52 exit, the accommodations are pretty good.  Most of the mid-priced Marriott brands are represented, as well as a Hilton Garden Inn and Aloft.  Of course there's also a Buc-ee's at the SC 327 exit, and in general the economy isn't too terribly bad with distribution centers and a Honda non-automotive manufacturing plant in the area.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: D-Dey65 on June 08, 2023, 12:09:40 AM
^
Ahh, Timmonsville. I've been trying to get pictures of that Honda factory for years, but I can never get a good shot.

I don't stay overnight in Florence. It may be halfway between Miami and NYC, but it's not halfway between Spring Hill and NYC (I stop in the Rocky Mount area anyhow). Nevertheless, I have stopped there to take pictures of various sites. Either that or I'll go to one of the shopping centers along Business Spur I-20 to pick up something I either should've packed up before, or simply ran out of while I was driving up.

Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Mapmikey on June 08, 2023, 09:53:21 PM
South Carolina wanted I-95 to follow US 15, via Society Hill, Bennettsville, and McColl. What got I-95 to run the way it actually does is that North Carolina already set I-95 to US 301, the Feds said it had to serve Savannah GA, and crossing Lake Marion had limiting options.

Source is the book The South Carolina Highway Department 1917-1987 by John Hammond Moore

Definitely no southern bias...the SC Highway Commissioner was AASHTO president in 1957.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Revive 755 on June 08, 2023, 10:19:11 PM
Quote from: Mapmikey on June 08, 2023, 09:53:21 PM
South Carolina wanted I-95 to follow US 15, via Society Hill, Bennettsville, and McColl. What got I-95 to run the way it actually does is that North Carolina already set I-95 to US 301, the Feds said it had to serve Savannah GA, and crossing Lake Marion had limiting options.

Source is the book The South Carolina Highway Department 1917-1987 by John Hammond Moore

I'm not seeing how Lake Marion would have ruled out a hybrid option generally along US 15 from Summerton to Sumter, then following US 76 to Florence.  Or a jog over to the US 15 corridor just south of the North Carolina border.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Mapmikey on June 09, 2023, 08:27:49 AM
The book doesn't go into details on which towns were to be served by the interstates. So I don't know if a more direct passing of Sumter was ever on the table.

I'm a little surprised I-20 wasn't routed by Sumter given the first freeway in SC was the Sumter bypass in the late 50s.

Another area that felt hosed was Union as I-26 does a dogleg to avoid it.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Mapmikey on June 25, 2023, 10:03:51 AM
Quote from: Mapmikey on March 10, 2020, 10:34:54 AM
Quote from: AcE_Wolf_287 on March 10, 2020, 09:33:07 AM
I Think US 15 Should Be Extended along US 17 Alt to US 21 in Yemassee

This may have been the case briefly around 1951.  The evidence that this actually happened is laid out here - http://www.vahighways.com/scannex/route-log/us015.htm

The AASHO database shows this extension to have actually occurred for a short time before AASHO forced its truncation back to Walterboro as a condition for accepting US 17 ALT.

But was the US 15 extension posted?

Yes it was - https://catalog.archives.gov/id/234115905
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Tom958 on June 25, 2023, 11:11:22 AM
I wish I'd seen the I-95 routing discussion while it was current. I'm sorry for my tardiness. I'm riffing on many comments that I won't bother with quoting.

I think the routing of I-95 through SC is really good. Essentially what it amounts to is a near-beeline from Jacksonville, FL to US 301 at the SC-NC line, leading to a major reduction in travel distance compared to US 301 or any other legacy highway. The rationale behind this would've been comparable to that of I-5 through California's Central Valley: a bold and highly useful new line on the national map.

NC's investment in the US 301 corridor made it the obvious choice for I-95 in that state. Jogging it eastward from Lumberton or so to Myrtle Beach would've greatly increased the corridor's overall length. Even now, there's still no superior highway connecting Myrtle Beach to I-95 running northward. It would've been far more difficult to justify in the fifties. Plus, it would've required I-20 to be a lot longer to reach I-95, maybe too long to even bother with.

As far as Charleston goes, I think a case could've been made for running I-95 closer to it, via Summerville and Florence, east of Lake Moultrie. That would've had little effect on the overall length and avoided having to build a fairly major bridge at Santee. However, doing this would've lengthened the Savannah-Columbia axis, likely eventually requiring a better highway in that corridor as well. In other words, the planners of the day appear to have been thinking strategically. With I-77 not yet in the picture, the case would've been less compelling; I wouldn't be surprised, though, if I-77 starting at Columbia was a gleam in the eye of the planners of the day.

So, the chosen routing of I-95 provides adequate service for the Savannah-Fayetteville NC, Charleston-Fayetteville, and Savannah-Columbia axes while greatly shortening the overall FL-NC route. I think it's excellent.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: bigdave on June 27, 2023, 03:17:35 PM
Quote from: kernals12 on May 24, 2023, 12:11:29 AM
But Charleston and MB are clearly more important cities than Florence

Back in the 60s, MB was nothing and Florence was (and still is) a significant crossroads.

MB population was 8,536 in 1970, now close to 40K plus the whole area is growing like a week.

In the 60s, MB was a downscale beach destination. That's where my family went to the beach.

David
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Rothman on June 27, 2023, 03:34:30 PM
Quote from: bigdave on June 27, 2023, 03:17:35 PM
Quote from: kernals12 on May 24, 2023, 12:11:29 AM
But Charleston and MB are clearly more important cities than Florence

Back in the 60s, MB was nothing and Florence was (and still is) a significant crossroads.

MB population was 8,536 in 1970, now close to 40K plus the whole area is growing like a week.

In the 60s, MB was a downscale beach destination. That's where my family went to the beach.

David
Eh, MB was still the place for hillbillies to head on vacation.  My great uncle owned a motel there.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: bigdave on June 27, 2023, 04:17:12 PM
Quote from: Rothman on June 27, 2023, 03:34:30 PM
Eh, MB was still the place for hillbillies to head on vacation.  My great uncle owned a motel there.

My family is from upper East Tennessee, so we definitely were among the hillbillies.  :bigass:

Great place for a cheap family vacation back in the day, but I expect nothing is still standing from those days.

David
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: wriddle082 on June 27, 2023, 09:03:33 PM
Quote from: bigdave on June 27, 2023, 04:17:12 PM
Quote from: Rothman on June 27, 2023, 03:34:30 PM
Eh, MB was still the place for hillbillies to head on vacation.  My great uncle owned a motel there.

My family is from upper East Tennessee, so we definitely were among the hillbillies.  :bigass:

Great place for a cheap family vacation back in the day, but I expect nothing is still standing from those days.

David

Indeed, I spent most of last week in MB for a national dance competition that both of my daughters were participating in.  Most of the out-of-state license plates that I saw were OH, WV, KY, and TN.  Most definitely hillbilly country.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: PColumbus73 on June 28, 2023, 10:51:36 PM
Quote from: bigdave on June 27, 2023, 03:17:35 PM
Quote from: kernals12 on May 24, 2023, 12:11:29 AM
But Charleston and MB are clearly more important cities than Florence

Back in the 60s, MB was nothing and Florence was (and still is) a significant crossroads.

MB population was 8,536 in 1970, now close to 40K plus the whole area is growing like a week.

In the 60s, MB was a downscale beach destination. That's where my family went to the beach.

David

Might call this a local legend, but according to my dad, when they were routing I-95 through Florence, one of the more prominent land owners in the area lobbied for, and succeeded, in getting I-95 routed through land that they owned.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Ted$8roadFan on June 29, 2023, 01:36:13 PM
Quote from: PColumbus73 on June 28, 2023, 10:51:36 PM
Quote from: bigdave on June 27, 2023, 03:17:35 PM
Quote from: kernals12 on May 24, 2023, 12:11:29 AM
But Charleston and MB are clearly more important cities than Florence

Back in the 60s, MB was nothing and Florence was (and still is) a significant crossroads.

MB population was 8,536 in 1970, now close to 40K plus the whole area is growing like a week.

In the 60s, MB was a downscale beach destination. That's where my family went to the beach.

David

Might call this a local legend, but according to my dad, when they were routing I-95 through Florence, one of the more prominent land owners in the area lobbied for, and succeeded, in getting I-95 routed through land that they owned.

Wouldn't be surprised at all if true. 
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Mapmikey on July 12, 2023, 09:21:03 PM
While searching for something else, I ran across a Jan 1963 detailed study of running I-95 via Summerville and a corridor a bit east of US 52 to meet I-20 northeast of Florence:

https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=uc1.c100825574&view=1up&seq=1


Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: PColumbus73 on July 29, 2023, 12:37:42 AM
https://www.wmbfnews.com/2022/06/20/new-interchange-expected-break-ground-2023/

Apologies for the late news, but it appears SC 31 in Myrtle Beach will be getting a new interchange at Augusta Plantation Drive / Revolutionary War Way, according to WMBF, construction is expected to start in the fall.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: froggie on July 29, 2023, 09:14:02 PM
^ What 31 needs isn't another interchange....it needs an extension.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: The Ghostbuster on July 29, 2023, 10:56:29 PM
I think it is going to be quite a while before SC 31 is extended northwards, and everyone knows that SC 707 is as far south as 31 will go.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: planxtymcgillicuddy on July 30, 2023, 10:07:19 AM
Quote from: Mapmikey on June 08, 2023, 09:53:21 PM
South Carolina wanted I-95 to follow US 15, via Society Hill, Bennettsville, and McColl. What got I-95 to run the way it actually does is that North Carolina already set I-95 to US 301, the Feds said it had to serve Savannah GA, and crossing Lake Marion had limiting options.

Source is the book The South Carolina Highway Department 1917-1987 by John Hammond Moore

Definitely no southern bias...the SC Highway Commissioner was AASHTO president in 1957.

I had never heard of this route for I-95 in SC before. Did SC ever propose an I-95 route that followed US-321 or US-601 further south? I could see them pitching for either a US-321/US-601 routing via Hampton & Bamberg en route to Orangeburg & Sumter, or a US-21 route via Branchville en route to Orangeburg & Sumter
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Ted$8roadFan on July 30, 2023, 10:27:39 AM
What role does North Carolina play.....I've heard that one of the reasons there aren't more highways in South Carolina, esp. Myrtle Beach is because North Carolina isn't interested in creating or expanding highways that would drive traffic that they believe would more benefit South Carolina.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: The Nature Boy on July 30, 2023, 10:59:11 AM
Quote from: PColumbus73 on June 28, 2023, 10:51:36 PM
Quote from: bigdave on June 27, 2023, 03:17:35 PM
Quote from: kernals12 on May 24, 2023, 12:11:29 AM
But Charleston and MB are clearly more important cities than Florence

Back in the 60s, MB was nothing and Florence was (and still is) a significant crossroads.

MB population was 8,536 in 1970, now close to 40K plus the whole area is growing like a week.

In the 60s, MB was a downscale beach destination. That's where my family went to the beach.

David

Might call this a local legend, but according to my dad, when they were routing I-95 through Florence, one of the more prominent land owners in the area lobbied for, and succeeded, in getting I-95 routed through land that they owned.

Not a local but I heard specifically that it was South of the Border that requested this and they had enough politically sway at the time to make it happen.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: sprjus4 on July 30, 2023, 02:58:42 PM
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on July 30, 2023, 10:27:39 AM
What role does North Carolina play.....I've heard that one of the reasons there aren't more highways in South Carolina, esp. Myrtle Beach is because North Carolina isn't interested in creating or expanding highways that would drive traffic that they believe would more benefit South Carolina.
https://www.ncdot.gov/projects/carolina-bays-parkway/Pages/default.aspx

Also, how does North Carolina limit South Carolina in building I-73 between I-95 and Myrtle Beach... fully in South Carolina? Let alone, if they did ever connect to Rockingham, it would go into... North Carolina. Which NCDOT has built over 100 miles of freeway connecting towards the border and ultimately Myrtle Beach, from Greensboro.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: wdcrft63 on July 30, 2023, 07:13:41 PM
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on July 30, 2023, 10:27:39 AM
What role does North Carolina play.....I've heard that one of the reasons there aren't more highways in South Carolina, esp. Myrtle Beach is because North Carolina isn't interested in creating or expanding highways that would drive traffic that they believe would more benefit South Carolina.
Let's think about that idea.
(1) The best way to get to MB is to stay in NC as long as possible: I-40 to I-140 to NC 17. It would work even better if SC hadn't forgotten that the CBP should connect to 17 when it was built.
(2) NC is expanding I-95 in the Lumberton area, helping people reach SC,
(3) NC built 100 miles of I-73 pointed directly at SC. It could help people reach MB and also Columbia and Charleston. But SC can't think of any reason to make that connection and folks in the Forum seem to think that connection is a lower priority than building I-73 from I-95 to MB.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: wdcrft63 on July 30, 2023, 07:40:29 PM
Quote from: wdcrft63 on July 30, 2023, 07:13:41 PM
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on July 30, 2023, 10:27:39 AM
What role does North Carolina play.....I've heard that one of the reasons there aren't more highways in South Carolina, esp. Myrtle Beach is because North Carolina isn't interested in creating or expanding highways that would drive traffic that they believe would more benefit South Carolina.
Let's think about that idea.
(1) The best way to get to MB is to stay in NC as long as possible: I-40 to I-140 to NC 17. It would work even better if SC hadn't forgotten that the CBP should connect to 17 when it was built.
(2) NC is expanding I-95 in the Lumberton area, helping people reach SC,
(3) NC built 100 miles of I-73 pointed directly at SC. It could help people reach MB and also Columbia and Charleston. But SC can't think of any reason to make that connection and folks in the Forum seem to think that connection is a lower priority than building I-73 from I-95 to MB.
US 17 not NC 17
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: US 89 on July 30, 2023, 07:46:11 PM
Quote from: wdcrft63 on July 30, 2023, 07:13:41 PM
It would work even better if SC hadn't forgotten that the CBP should connect to 17 when it was built.

Yeah, of all the transportation decisions I've ever seen by any agency, this one is one of the biggest head scratchers. Why wouldn't you connect it? SC 9 in particular is traffic light hell.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Mapmikey on July 31, 2023, 03:14:37 PM
Quote from: US 89 on July 30, 2023, 07:46:11 PM
Quote from: wdcrft63 on July 30, 2023, 07:13:41 PM
It would work even better if SC hadn't forgotten that the CBP should connect to 17 when it was built.

Yeah, of all the transportation decisions I've ever seen by any agency, this one is one of the biggest head scratchers. Why wouldn't you connect it? SC 9 in particular is traffic light hell.

SC 9 has 2 lights between SC 31 and US 17.  But non-trucks should just use Hickman Rd between SC 9 and US 17 in NC.

The extension to North Carolina has always been the intention, per the 1996 EIS (https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=ien.35556030783245&seq=1).   This requires cooperation from North Carolina.

The problem appeaers to be that NCDOT never considered the CBP as its own thing.  This 2006 feasibility study (https://xfer.services.ncdot.gov/PDEA/Web/R-5876/feasibility-study-introduction.pdf) combined it with I-74 from Whiteville to SC.  Even today NCDOT lumps it in with a project to continue it to Shalotte.

Environmental documents are to be submitted later this year and SC ROW begins next year.  NC ROW and overall construction start are still TBD.

The CBP was also intended to extend southeast to US 17 from SC 707.  And it still can - though it does not appear to be on the SCDOT projects site.  They did study taking it over to US 701 to get to Georgetown.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: chrisdiaz on July 31, 2023, 04:39:36 PM
I live off of Highway 57 south of SC 9. The need for 31 to be extended is real. The other side of 57 coming from North Carolina is backed up at all times of day, with backups that can extend more than a mile down the road, waiting to turn left onto SC 9 to get onto 31.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: US 89 on July 31, 2023, 05:42:41 PM
Quote from: Mapmikey on July 31, 2023, 03:14:37 PM
Quote from: US 89 on July 30, 2023, 07:46:11 PM
Quote from: wdcrft63 on July 30, 2023, 07:13:41 PM
It would work even better if SC hadn’t forgotten that the CBP should connect to 17 when it was built.

Yeah, of all the transportation decisions I've ever seen by any agency, this one is one of the biggest head scratchers. Why wouldn't you connect it? SC 9 in particular is traffic light hell.

SC 9 has 2 lights between SC 31 and US 17.  But non-trucks should just use Hickman Rd between SC 9 and US 17 in NC.

Even with only two lights, the one time I was there, the backups at them were pretty severe. Maybe that was unusual.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: wdcrft63 on July 31, 2023, 06:33:26 PM
Quote from: US 89 on July 31, 2023, 05:42:41 PM
Quote from: Mapmikey on July 31, 2023, 03:14:37 PM
Quote from: US 89 on July 30, 2023, 07:46:11 PM
Quote from: wdcrft63 on July 30, 2023, 07:13:41 PM
It would work even better if SC hadn't forgotten that the CBP should connect to 17 when it was built.

Yeah, of all the transportation decisions I've ever seen by any agency, this one is one of the biggest head scratchers. Why wouldn't you connect it? SC 9 in particular is traffic light hell.

SC 9 has 2 lights between SC 31 and US 17.  But non-trucks should just use Hickman Rd between SC 9 and US 17 in NC.

Even with only two lights, the one time I was there, the backups at them were pretty severe. Maybe that was unusual.
There are a half dozen more stoplights on 17 in Little River. The connection is even more awkward for northbound traffic since there's no ramp from EB SC 9 to NB 17, requiring a detour via SC 90. All in all, Breezewood on steroids.

I know to use Hickman Rd but it is unsigned as a through route. Of course if everyone tried to use it that would demonstrate how inadequate it is as the connection.

This problem is 21 years old and counting. I won't defend inaction by NCDOT but it has always been up to SCDOT to press for a timely solution.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: PColumbus73 on July 31, 2023, 07:07:13 PM
Quote from: wdcrft63 on July 31, 2023, 06:33:26 PM
Quote from: US 89 on July 31, 2023, 05:42:41 PM
Quote from: Mapmikey on July 31, 2023, 03:14:37 PM
Quote from: US 89 on July 30, 2023, 07:46:11 PM
Quote from: wdcrft63 on July 30, 2023, 07:13:41 PM
It would work even better if SC hadn't forgotten that the CBP should connect to 17 when it was built.

Yeah, of all the transportation decisions I've ever seen by any agency, this one is one of the biggest head scratchers. Why wouldn't you connect it? SC 9 in particular is traffic light hell.

SC 9 has 2 lights between SC 31 and US 17.  But non-trucks should just use Hickman Rd between SC 9 and US 17 in NC.

Even with only two lights, the one time I was there, the backups at them were pretty severe. Maybe that was unusual.
There are a half dozen more stoplights on 17 in Little River. The connection is even more awkward for northbound traffic since there's no ramp from EB SC 9 to NB 17, requiring a detour via SC 90. All in all, Breezewood on steroids.

I know to use Hickman Rd but it is unsigned as a through route. Of course if everyone tried to use it that would demonstrate how inadequate it is as the connection.

This problem is 21 years old and counting. I won't defend inaction by NCDOT but it has always been up to SCDOT to press for a timely solution.

It looks like the intersection of US 17 and Hickman Road is being converted to a superstreet (from seeing GSV), I wonder if that might deter some people from using Hwy 57 / Hickman Road.

I wouldn't call the interchange at US 17 & SC 9 'Breezewood on steroids', but it's definitely outdated, then again whenever SC 31 gets extended, that junction might not need to be upgraded.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Mapmikey on July 31, 2023, 07:36:12 PM
Quote from: chrisdiaz on July 31, 2023, 04:39:36 PM
I live off of Highway 57 south of SC 9. The need for 31 to be extended is real. The other side of 57 coming from North Carolina is backed up at all times of day, with backups that can extend more than a mile down the road, waiting to turn left onto SC 9 to get onto 31.

Admittedly this probably works much better heading to North Carolina. The last time I was through there was from North Carolina in Nov 2021 and it took I believe 3 cycles to turn left on SC 9.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: sprjus4 on July 31, 2023, 11:55:52 PM
Quote from: Mapmikey on July 31, 2023, 03:14:37 PM
Even today NCDOT lumps it in with a project to continue it to Shalotte.
This makes sense, IMO... not for I-74 though. The entire US-17 corridor between Wilmington and Myrtle Beach fully warrants being either upgraded to freeway standards, or bypassed on new location.

Whether it be NC-31, US-17, or US-17 Bypass - it's needed.

Perfect opportunity to extend I-140 westward as well...
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: US 89 on August 01, 2023, 12:38:39 AM
Quote from: sprjus4 on July 31, 2023, 11:55:52 PM
Quote from: Mapmikey on July 31, 2023, 03:14:37 PM
Even today NCDOT lumps it in with a project to continue it to Shalotte.
This makes sense, IMO... not for I-74 though. The entire US-17 corridor between Wilmington and Myrtle Beach fully warrants being either upgraded to freeway standards, or bypassed on new location.

Whether it be NC-31, US-17, or US-17 Bypass - it's needed.

Perfect opportunity to extend I-140 westward as well...

It should be upgraded all the way down to Charleston in my opinion. I don't think we'll ever see more than maybe a couple of spot interchange upgrades in the Myrtle Beach area, but the traffic through Pawleys Island and Georgetown can get quite dicey if you catch it at the wrong time.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: sprjus4 on August 01, 2023, 01:10:52 AM
^ I agree, at least down to Georgetown. In terms of traffic warrants, you could construct a freeway bypass around the west side of Georgetown, widen US-701 north of Georgetown to 4 lanes (or new location freeway to preserve limited access), and then construct a new connector over to SC-31 near Bucksville (will definitely present some environmental concerns crossing the wetlands though).

That would provide a free-flowing / freeway route from outside of Charleston (most of the highway between Charleston and Georgetown is desolate 4 lane divided highway) all the way to SC-9. That could be extended further north to Wilmington if NCDOT upgrades / relocates their portion of US-17.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: US 89 on August 01, 2023, 01:39:04 AM
I don’t think I fully realized until just now that there are no bridges across the Waccamaw between US 17 at Georgetown and US 501 at Conway. That right there is why 501 sucks so much.

There’s definitely no room for a freeway from Murrells Inlet south through Pawleys as there are way too many businesses with frontage directly onto 17 and nowhere to put a new terrain alignment, which is unfortunate. I like the idea of trying to divert as much through traffic as possible inland and off of 17 through northern Georgetown County, but yes the Waccamaw National Wildlife Refuge does throw a rather large wrench into things.

The thing about a Georgetown bypass is it probably needs to be useful to people coming from the east on US 17 in order to be worth it. I don’t see how that works unless you build a new bridge over the rivers somewhere north of its current location, which I’m not holding my breath on ever happening.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: PColumbus73 on August 12, 2023, 01:04:52 PM
SCDOT posted signs recently advertising a public meeting for improvements to the US 17 bridge over the Waccamaw River in Georgetown, meeting is scheduled for August 24 (or 25) in Georgetown. Hard to read those signs at 65 MPH, lol

Edit:

Unrelated to the Waccamaw bridge, but I hope SCDOT gets around to resurfacing South Fraser St (US 17) in Georgetown. Going south, the right lane is extremely rough, a lot of people stay in the left lane. Fraser south of Highmarket gets used by a lot of trucks, too.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: D-Dey65 on August 12, 2023, 09:34:02 PM
Again with Santee; I can't believe how much better some of the signage was a decade ago;
https://www.google.com/maps/@33.4632853,-80.4953438,3a,90y,241.25h,86.43t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1s5cCgkxLHP2-uUKrDdVd2fA!2e0!5s20150801T000000!7i13312!8i6656?hl=en&entry=ttu
That's from the intersection of US 15, US 301, and Former US 15-301 in 2015, and with the exception of the northeast corner, the route signage is halfway decent.

Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: webny99 on August 17, 2023, 06:09:01 PM
Quote from: The Ghostbuster on July 29, 2023, 10:56:29 PM
I think it is going to be quite a while before SC 31 is extended northwards, and everyone knows that SC 707 is as far south as 31 will go.

My question is, why won't or can't it be extended south of SC 707? I am bothered by the non-connection to US 17 that seemingly defeats half the purpose and forces SC 707 to carry freeway traffic volumes.


Quote from: US 89 on August 01, 2023, 01:39:04 AM
I don't think I fully realized until just now that there are no bridges across the Waccamaw between US 17 at Georgetown and US 501 at Conway. That right there is why 501 sucks so much.

The distance with no crossings is definitely notable, but the bigger problem is still the fact that there's only two crossings in Conway and neither of them are built for freeway traffic volumes. An east bypass of Conway that provides a freeway connection to SC 31 is what's really needed, that would go way further in solving the traffic issues than SC 22 ever will.

Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: PColumbus73 on August 24, 2023, 06:22:19 PM
Just attended the SCDOT public information meeting for repairs to the US 17 bridge over the Waccamaw River. From what I heard from the DOT representatives there, it appears they are going to replace the piers over the Waccamaw River channel because of excess scouring. This would NOT be a bridge replacement.

Their plan is to build these new piers alongside the existing ones, and then demo out the old piers. The road would be down to two lanes during the project.

Personally, I've never seen a bridge repair like this before.

Edit: https://us-17-waccamaw-river-scdot.hub.arcgis.com/

(https://i.imgur.com/j3Bxdcf.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/xQgsFNN.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/HKrBLEX.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/Exe5JCC.jpg)
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: wriddle082 on September 29, 2023, 07:47:12 PM
This weekend and next weekend, I-77 south in Rock Hill will be down to two lanes for bridge rehab over Celanese Rd (SC 161).

http://info2.scdot.org/SCDOTPress/Lists/Posts/Post.aspx?ID=3468
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: epzik8 on October 04, 2023, 07:06:32 PM
It looks like signage on US 17 north prior to the bridge to Little River finally acknowledges SC 9's overlap with it along the bridge.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: 74/171FAN on October 18, 2023, 05:55:03 PM
A Facebook friend of mine visited the Bucee's in Florence (https://www.google.com/maps/@34.27034,-79.7011753,3a,15y,314.57h,90.13t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sdalZBzlsoV4r4hv-MGpSGQ!2e0!7i16384!8i8192?entry=ttu), and I noticed a new cantilever structure being put up on the I-95 SB ramp to SC 327, but I was unable to see what the new signage there stated.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: VTGoose on November 02, 2023, 05:43:20 PM
Came from Columbia on I-26 and on down I-95 on Monday. There was work along I-26 to clear trees along both sides of the highway, giving hope to a start on extending the three-lane section further south. Unfortunately, the work was being done almost all the way to I-95 and along part of I-95. It appears it has nothing to do with widening, it is SCDOT's scorched-earth policy to rid the interstates of any vegetation between the right of way fences.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: wriddle082 on November 02, 2023, 08:31:51 PM
Quote from: VTGoose on November 02, 2023, 05:43:20 PM
Came from Columbia on I-26 and on down I-95 on Monday. There was work along I-26 to clear trees along both sides of the highway, giving hope to a start on extending the three-lane section further south. Unfortunately, the work was being done almost all the way to I-95 and along part of I-95. It appears it has nothing to do with widening, it is SCDOT's scorched-earth policy to rid the interstates of any vegetation between the right of way fences.


They're supposed to start widening 26 b/w mm 125 (Old Sandy Run Rd) and mm 136 (SC 6) in "late 2023", though I can't find where this has been advertised for letting.  And they're supposed to start widening b/w mm 136 and mm 145 (US 601) in Summer 2024, with work lasting 30 months.

The vegetation removal is also happening along I-77.  Though there aren't many trees in the median, they are cutting back everything along the sides up to thd ROW fences.  The reason they're going crazy with the tree removal, I believe, is because a few years ago a single mother and her kids were killed when their car went into the median of 95 near Santee and hit a tree.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: ran4sh on November 03, 2023, 01:18:45 AM
Quote from: 74/171FAN on October 18, 2023, 05:55:03 PM
A Facebook friend of mine visited the Bucee's in Florence (https://www.google.com/maps/@34.27034,-79.7011753,3a,15y,314.57h,90.13t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sdalZBzlsoV4r4hv-MGpSGQ!2e0!7i16384!8i8192?entry=ttu), and I noticed a new cantilever structure being put up on the I-95 SB ramp to SC 327, but I was unable to see what the new signage there stated.

When I was there in August (the month after that GSV) apparently that sign structure has been completed. It simply indicates the lane assignments for the lanes on the off-ramp. Left lane: "North Williston Road - SOUTH / To S.C.327 [in text, not a shield]" Center lane: "North Williston Road - NORTH / To E. Pocket Rd" Right lane: "Drs. Bruce and Lee Foundation Boulevard" with a black on yellow "ONLY" arrow . (The right lane is separated and leads directly toward the Bucee's driveway. The left and center lanes turn left and right respectively, at the end of the off-ramp)
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: PColumbus73 on November 08, 2023, 04:59:34 PM
Quote from: ran4sh on November 03, 2023, 01:18:45 AM
Quote from: 74/171FAN on October 18, 2023, 05:55:03 PM
A Facebook friend of mine visited the Bucee's in Florence (https://www.google.com/maps/@34.27034,-79.7011753,3a,15y,314.57h,90.13t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sdalZBzlsoV4r4hv-MGpSGQ!2e0!7i16384!8i8192?entry=ttu), and I noticed a new cantilever structure being put up on the I-95 SB ramp to SC 327, but I was unable to see what the new signage there stated.

When I was there in August (the month after that GSV) apparently that sign structure has been completed. It simply indicates the lane assignments for the lanes on the off-ramp. Left lane: "North Williston Road - SOUTH / To S.C.327 [in text, not a shield]" Center lane: "North Williston Road - NORTH / To E. Pocket Rd" Right lane: "Drs. Bruce and Lee Foundation Boulevard" with a black on yellow "ONLY" arrow . (The right lane is separated and leads directly toward the Bucee's driveway. The left and center lanes turn left and right respectively, at the end of the off-ramp)

It irritates me somewhat that a more concise street name wasn't used, "Drs. Bruce and Lee Foundation Blvd" is a lot of text to put on a sign.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: ccurley100 on December 18, 2023, 07:50:02 AM
Is there any reason why I-85 is still only 60 or 65mph between Greenville and the Georgia state line other than a revenue generator from speeding tickets?
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: sprjus4 on December 18, 2023, 09:49:12 AM
Quote from: ccurley100 on December 18, 2023, 07:50:02 AM
Is there any reason why I-85 is still only 60 or 65mph between Greenville and the Georgia state line other than a revenue generator from speeding tickets?
The 65 mph isn't as irritating, IMO, compared to the long and tedious 60 mph segment between Greenville and Spartanburg.

But I do agree that the entire corridor in South Carolina should be posted at 70 mph.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: US 89 on December 18, 2023, 09:54:03 AM
How harshly are those limits enforced? Every time I've been on those sections of 85 (which is to say maybe 3-4), general traffic speed has been something in the neighborhood of 70-75 with no sign of any sort of police enforcement.

Georgia's 70 mph speed limit may be higher, but some of those smaller towns between Atlanta and the SC line will jump at the chance to make a buck off an unsuspecting traveler. Braselton in particular has an aggressive speed trap I've seen in action multiple times.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: fillup420 on December 18, 2023, 07:14:27 PM
Quote from: ccurley100 on December 18, 2023, 07:50:02 AM
Is there any reason why I-85 is still only 60 or 65mph between Greenville and the Georgia state line other than a revenue generator from speeding tickets?

I lived in Charleston for a year (2018). I frequently drove I-26, 85 and 385 between Greenville/Spartanburg and Charleston. I don't think i ever saw a cop running radar anywhere. Traffic routinely moved at ~80mph.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: ccurley100 on December 19, 2023, 06:47:49 AM
I don't know how harshly they are enforced although I saw a few cops.  That wasn't the question. I just wanted to know if there was a specific reason why they were so low.  I'm hoping that it will be 70 between Spartanburg and the NC line once all the construction is done.  I-77 in York County is annoying too.  60 mph when it's 8 lanes wide and then goes to 70 when its only 4. 
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: US 89 on December 19, 2023, 08:24:00 AM
The construction on 85 north of Spartanburg is still there? I suppose I shouldn't be surprised, but I last drove that segment over two years ago and spent probably an hour getting through that construction.

There is also a big construction project on I-26 north of Columbia. Lost probably 45 minutes of my life in the traffic associated with it on Saturday. I don't want to get my hopes up, but it looks like they'll be extending the Columbia 6-lane a bit further north when all is said and done there.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: wriddle082 on December 19, 2023, 10:40:17 AM
Quote from: US 89 on December 19, 2023, 08:24:00 AM
The construction on 85 north of Spartanburg is still there? I suppose I shouldn't be surprised, but I last drove that segment over two years ago and spent probably an hour getting through that construction.

There is also a big construction project on I-26 north of Columbia. Lost probably 45 minutes of my life in the traffic associated with it on Saturday. I don't want to get my hopes up, but it looks like they'll be extending the Columbia 6-lane a bit further north when all is said and done there.

The next I-26 widening project to start will be southeast of Columbia, from Old Sandy Run Rd to SC 6.  This will widen the most "treacherous" stretch, if you will, of I-26 between Columbia and Charleston.  It has a couple of longish uphill sections in the vicinity of the US 21 exit that seem to slow down the heavy truck traffic on a regular basis.  Hopefully the longer uphill sections get four lanes in the uphill direction to help with this.  They will also be converting the US 21 interchange from a rather unnecessary folded diamond to a regular diamond.

They are also currently widening I-26 NW of Charleston between SC 27 and the current end of the six-lane at Jedburg Rd, which takes it past the Volvo exit.  Hopefully they focus more on the Columbia-Orangeburg end soon.  I'd say the more critical need is between I-77 and I-95 (and the I-95 interchange) rather than southeast of I-95.  But this flat stretch NW of Charleston is probably cheaper to work on right now, and it does contain a set of bridges over a tributary of the Ashley River that don't have shoulders and are probably structurally deficient.

Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: The Ghostbuster on December 19, 2023, 02:00:46 PM
When will future Exit 81 (Paragon Way) on Interstate 77 open? And will the new football stadium that will be served by that new interchange open anytime soon? What will become of Bank of America Stadium if/when the Carolina Panthers vacate the stadium?
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: wriddle082 on December 19, 2023, 02:48:11 PM
Quote from: The Ghostbuster on December 19, 2023, 02:00:46 PM
When will future Exit 81 (Paragon Way) on Interstate 77 open? And will the new football stadium that will be served by that new interchange open anytime soon? What will become of Bank of America Stadium if/when the Carolina Panthers vacate the stadium?

The new roadway is now called Palmetto Pkwy, and it was a Panthers practice facility that WAS being built, until Panthers owner David Tepper pulled out due to lack of matching funds from the City of Rock Hill, which he was promised.  He has recently demo'ed everything that he had built so far, and I assume he's going to put the property up for sale.  Otherwise the new exit will amply serve the existing industrial park, and I assume it will relieve Exit 82 A-B-C a little bit.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: D-Dey65 on December 25, 2023, 05:52:38 PM
Quote from: US 89 on December 19, 2023, 08:24:00 AM
The construction on 85 north of Spartanburg is still there? I suppose I shouldn't be surprised, but I last drove that segment over two years ago and spent probably an hour getting through that construction.
I started looking at the GSV coverage of that construction after reading about some exits that were closed in the Wikipedia article. I found out that the old Clinchfield Railroad bridge and the rickety railroad bridge near Blacksburg were replaced. The one near Blacksburg had a lower clearance than the replacement, but it's not that big of a deal.

Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: cowboy_wilhelm on December 27, 2023, 04:32:22 PM
I'd hate to know what was spent to replace that bridge for an abandoned railroad line. Seems like they could have just nixed the replacement altogether and built the bridge if/when the line was reactivated (it won't be).
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: D-Dey65 on December 28, 2023, 07:41:46 PM
Quote from: cowboy_wilhelm on December 27, 2023, 04:32:22 PM
I'd hate to know what was spent to replace that bridge for an abandoned railroad line. Seems like they could have just nixed the replacement altogether and built the bridge if/when the line was reactivated (it won't be).
You're talking about the one in Blacksburg, right?

UPDATE; January 2, 2024: I'm starting to think this might be for a future rail-trail project.

Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: PColumbus73 on January 23, 2024, 08:41:28 PM
See here for information for potential RIDE 4 projects in Horry County:

https://www.horrycountysc.gov/ride-4/

The RIDE program is an Horry County sales tax that is used to fund road constructions projects within the county. Previous iterations of RIDE funded roads like SC 22 and 31. RIDE 4 would be on the ballot this year and would go into effect in 2025.

The big ticket items for RIDE 4 are:

Project N: SC 22 extension from US 501 to the Surfside Beach / Murrells Inlet area of Horry County. This has been talked about for several years, originally proposed as a toll road (the Southern Evacuation Lifeline... SELL).

Project T: Local matching funds for I-73

Other projects include a new interchange along SC 31, a new bridge across the Waccamaw River near Conway, widening SC 90 and parts of US 701
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: PColumbus73 on January 23, 2024, 08:50:39 PM
Construction is ongoing at the US 17 Waccamaw Bridge in Georgetown, SC

Portable VMS are up advising no wide loads between Feb 4 and Mar 31. There will be lane shifts as they work on the bridge.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Strider on January 23, 2024, 09:28:02 PM
Quote from: PColumbus73 on January 23, 2024, 08:41:28 PM
See here for information for potential RIDE 4 projects in Horry County:

https://www.horrycountysc.gov/ride-4/

The RIDE program is an Horry County sales tax that is used to fund road constructions projects within the county. Previous iterations of RIDE funded roads like SC 22 and 31. RIDE 4 would be on the ballot this year and would go into effect in 2025.

The big ticket items for RIDE 4 are:

Project N: SC 22 extension from US 501 to the Surfside Beach / Murrells Inlet area of Horry County. This has been talked about for several years, originally proposed as a toll road (the Southern Evacuation Lifeline... SELL).

Project T: Local matching funds for I-73

Other projects include a new interchange along SC 31, a new bridge across the Waccamaw River near Conway, widening SC 90 and parts of US 701


Seems like Columbia has other priorities, so the best bet for Horry County to build I-73 from SC 22 to the county line is to build it as a four-lane freeway and then upgrade it to Interstate standards later. Just like how SC 22 was built.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: sprjus4 on January 24, 2024, 01:39:24 AM
Quote from: Strider on January 23, 2024, 09:28:02 PM
Seems like Columbia has other priorities, so the best bet for Horry County to build I-73 from SC 22 to the county line is to build it as a four-lane freeway and then upgrade it to Interstate standards later. Just like how SC 22 was built.
What would be a major difference between building it to freeway standards vs. building to interstate standards? What features would you leave out, and how much money would it truly save?
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: ARMOURERERIC on January 24, 2024, 04:07:19 AM
And then what do you do at the county line?
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: wriddle082 on January 24, 2024, 05:59:27 AM
If they intend on building an interstate, it needs to be built to interstate standards.  That being said, the existing portion of SC 22 that is slated to become I-73 will need upgraded paved shoulders (the bridges are fine).  And I'm thinking that SCDOT has already performed EIS's for the unbuilt portions of the route east of I-95 years ago, but they may need follow-ups.

As for the Horry/Marion County Line, it is the Little Pee Dee River, which will require multiple bridges over overflow channels mainly on the Marion County side (which will probably be near where SC 917 crosses the river).  I'm sure Marion County has no money to contribute to this, so it'll be up to SCDOT.  And considering their timelines, there will likely be a ghost stub leading right up to the east bank of the Little Pee Dee.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: US 89 on January 24, 2024, 08:39:47 AM
Quote from: PColumbus73 on January 23, 2024, 08:41:28 PM
Project N: SC 22 extension from US 501 to the Surfside Beach / Murrells Inlet area of Horry County. This has been talked about for several years, originally proposed as a toll road (the Southern Evacuation Lifeline... SELL).

I have a hard time seeing this ever actually happening. Besides the large price tag, it would have to pass directly through the Waccamaw National Wildlife Refuge.

I-73 was supposed to go to Charleston or Georgetown at one point, but even now those plans have been scuttled for financial and environmental reasons. I see no reason those same issues won't pop back up again for this.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: PColumbus73 on January 24, 2024, 08:51:24 AM
Quote from: wriddle082 on January 24, 2024, 05:59:27 AM
If they intend on building an interstate, it needs to be built to interstate standards.  That being said, the existing portion of SC 22 that is slated to become I-73 will need upgraded paved shoulders (the bridges are fine).  And I'm thinking that SCDOT has already performed EIS's for the unbuilt portions of the route east of I-95 years ago, but they may need follow-ups.

As for the Horry/Marion County Line, it is the Little Pee Dee River, which will require multiple bridges over overflow channels mainly on the Marion County side (which will probably be near where SC 917 crosses the river).  I'm sure Marion County has no money to contribute to this, so it'll be up to SCDOT.  And considering their timelines, there will likely be a ghost stub leading right up to the east bank of the Little Pee Dee.


It looks like the proposed / preferred route would parallel SC 917 over the Little Pee Dee River. Horry County going it alone would mean a freeway, Interstate-grade or not, dumping traffic onto a two-lane section of SC 917 into Mullins, SC, so for the tourist traffic staying on US 501 would probably remain the favored route. Inside Horry County, there isn't much between SC 22 and 917. Unless there would be an agreement with Marion County to have a stub end at US 76 outside Mullins, I don't think there would be much benefit for Horry County to build just their portion.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: PColumbus73 on January 24, 2024, 09:02:39 AM
Quote from: US 89 on January 24, 2024, 08:39:47 AM
Quote from: PColumbus73 on January 23, 2024, 08:41:28 PM
Project N: SC 22 extension from US 501 to the Surfside Beach / Murrells Inlet area of Horry County. This has been talked about for several years, originally proposed as a toll road (the Southern Evacuation Lifeline... SELL).

I have a hard time seeing this ever actually happening. Besides the large price tag, it would have to pass directly through the Waccamaw National Wildlife Refuge.

I-73 was supposed to go to Charleston or Georgetown at one point, but even now those plans have been scuttled for financial and environmental reasons. I see no reason those same issues won't pop back up again for this.

The International Drive extension apart of RIDE 3 was delayed for a couple years because of environmental lawsuits, the extension passed through the Lewis Ocean Bay Heritage Preserve.

As for the SC 22 / SELL highway, if the County is setting aside funding for it, I'm pretty confident it will eventually get built, although I would expect similar delays and cost overruns to International Drive. I can't recall a RIDE project that hasn't been built.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: ran4sh on February 04, 2024, 07:28:18 PM
The I-95/I-26 interchange is getting an upgrade

https://www.wistv.com/2024/01/30/i-26-i-95-interchange-improvement-project-breaks-ground/#ls3ytetq1qyhxx5swux
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: Strider on February 04, 2024, 11:18:43 PM
Quote from: sprjus4 on January 24, 2024, 01:39:24 AM
Quote from: Strider on January 23, 2024, 09:28:02 PM
Seems like Columbia has other priorities, so the best bet for Horry County to build I-73 from SC 22 to the county line is to build it as a four-lane freeway and then upgrade it to Interstate standards later. Just like how SC 22 was built.
What would be a major difference between building it to freeway standards vs. building to interstate standards? What features would you leave out, and how much money would it truly save?

I don't know. That is a good question. It probably won't make much difference, however you have to start from somewhere.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: rlb2024 on February 05, 2024, 11:35:51 AM
How close is the construction on I-85 between Spartanburg and the NC state line to being finished?  I've traveled that route a couple of times a year for the past 5 years and it's always been a mess.  I have another trip coming up in a couple of weeks and am wondering the status . . .
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: ARMOURERERIC on February 05, 2024, 04:26:28 PM
Quote from: rlb2024 on February 05, 2024, 11:35:51 AM
How close is the construction on I-85 between Spartanburg and the NC state line to being finished?  I've traveled that route a couple of times a year for the past 5 years and it's always been a mess.  I have another trip coming up in a couple of weeks and am wondering the status . . .

I had opportunity to drive this stretch Friday and Saturday...I'll drop a report in about 2 hours.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: ARMOURERERIC on February 05, 2024, 06:28:33 PM
So, I was headed from Morganton to Clemson for Carolina Carnage 2024 (check it out, way cool).  I entered 85 SB at exit 96 around 6 AM Friday.  For the first 2 miles or so,, I was still on old pavement and very bumpy..  For most of that trip through the end of the construction zone, the outer lane was half into what will be the new shoulder, the median lane, though still a bit of a cattle chute, was not as tight as it was in mid October.   I also encountered a lot of old pavement SB near the replaced railroad Bridge.  Going NB Saturday  around 7 pm, the 2 outer NB lanes appear to be on their final permanent location, the white dashed line separating the middle lane and the median lane is even in place.  However their were sporadic k rails along the median appears to be wrapping up the median barrier where ramps cut through to exit back during my October trip.  Now, milepost 94 to 96 is still a cluster going north where I exited.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: rlb2024 on February 05, 2024, 10:52:59 PM
Quote from: ARMOURERERIC on February 05, 2024, 06:28:33 PM
So, I was headed from Morganton to Clemson for Carolina Carnage 2024 (check it out, way cool).  I entered 85 SB at exit 96 around 6 AM Friday.  For the first 2 miles or so,, I was still on old pavement and very bumpy..  For most of that trip through the end of the construction zone, the outer lane was half into what will be the new shoulder, the median lane, though still a bit of a cattle chute, was not as tight as it was in mid October.   I also encountered a lot of old pavement SB near the replaced railroad Bridge.  Going NB Saturday  around 7 pm, the 2 outer NB lanes appear to be on their final permanent location, the white dashed line separating the middle lane and the median lane is even in place.  However their were sporadic k rails along the median appears to be wrapping up the median barrier where ramps cut through to exit back during my October trip.  Now, milepost 94 to 96 is still a cluster going north where I exited.
Thanks for the update.  I was last through that area in late summer, and if I remember right the last 8 or so miles to the NC state line were finished — mileposts 98 to 106 or thereabouts.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: ARMOURERERIC on February 06, 2024, 12:15:38 AM
Quote from: rlb2024 on February 05, 2024, 10:52:59 PM
Quote from: ARMOURERERIC on February 05, 2024, 06:28:33 PM
So, I was headed from Morganton to Clemson for Carolina Carnage 2024 (check it out, way cool).  I entered 85 SB at exit 96 around 6 AM Friday.  For the first 2 miles or so,, I was still on old pavement and very bumpy..  For most of that trip through the end of the construction zone, the outer lane was half into what will be the new shoulder, the median lane, though still a bit of a cattle chute, was not as tight as it was in mid October.   I also encountered a lot of old pavement SB near the replaced railroad Bridge.  Going NB Saturday  around 7 pm, the 2 outer NB lanes appear to be on their final permanent location, the white dashed line separating the middle lane and the median lane is even in place.  However their were sporadic k rails along the median appears to be wrapping up the median barrier where ramps cut through to exit back during my October trip.  Now, milepost 94 to 96 is still a cluster going north where I exited.
Thanks for the update.  I was last through that area in late summer, and if I remember right the last 8 or so miles to the NC state line were finished — mileposts 98 to 106 or thereabouts.

I never get to drive that part since I live 30 miles due north of Shelby
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: wriddle082 on February 06, 2024, 12:56:55 AM
I feel like it could all finally be wrapped up later this year.

It's also nice that the Business 85 construction to rebuild the bridge over Norfolk Southern and Hearon Circle is finally complete.  That had the road completely shut down for about two years, but it reopened a couple of weeks ago.

Next for that area will eventually be a widening of I-26 from (I believe) US 176 Asheville Hwy down to at least SC 296 Reidville Rd.
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: cowboy_wilhelm on February 06, 2024, 12:51:01 PM
The I-85 project website (https://www.85widening.com/faq.html) claims by the end of 2024.

SCDOT has lots of live streaming traffic cameras where you can see current conditions. This link should zoom to I-85 around Spartanburg and Cherokee counties.

https://www.511sc.org/#zoom=10.340673765841723&lon=-81.91274709486737&lat=35.112141518689455&dmsg&rest&cams&other&cong&wthr&acon&incd&trfc

For the future I-26 widening in Spartanburg County, the future projects map (https://scdot.maps.arcgis.com/apps/MapSeries/index.html?appid=ca1cd69fc88945f4bb465e16765d761c) shows construction in 2027, but who knows if it will happen then. I think it was previously scheduled for around 2023-2024.

Since I-26 in Spartanburg County came up, does anyone know why the Lake Bowen bridges were replaced in 1982, barely 20 years after construction?
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: PColumbus73 on March 28, 2024, 07:13:43 PM
Overshadowed by the Key Bridge collapse, but SCDOT announced that the Don Holt Bridge will be replaced when they widen I-526. The new bridge will be taller than the existing bridge, I would assume similar in height to the Ravenel.

https://abcnews4.com/news/local/south-carolinas-dot-announces-replacement-don-holt-bridge-interstate-526-cargo-shipments-news-abc-news-4-wciv-maryland-baltimore-2024
Title: Re: South Carolina
Post by: The Ghostbuster on March 28, 2024, 10:00:50 PM
They might start constructing the Interstate 526-to-SC 30 connection next year: https://www.scdotmarkclark.com/the-latest; https://www.live5news.com/2023/12/05/sc-committee-approves-75-million-toward-i-526-extension-includes-stipulation/. Although the new roadway will have interchanges connecting with River Rd. in two locations, it will have an at-grade intersection with Riverland Dr. In addition, the roadway itself will be a four-lane parkway that will not meet Interstate Standards. Therefore, the new roadway, if constructed, will have to be an extension of SC 30 instead of an extension of Interstate 526.