VOLUME XXIII NO. I SOUTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION WINTER 2010 INSIDE THIS Interstate 385 rehabilitation off to fast start ISSUE By Bob Kudelka

Texting Ban...... 3 t was after midnight when Mass Transit...... 4 Laurens County Resident IConstruction Engineer Nick Flower Man...... 11 Waites drove his truck down the Snow hits SC ...... 12 wrong direction on northbound Ben Sawyer Bridge.... 14 Interstate 385. Although he was driving along I-385 a stretch of highway that nor- Rehabilitation ...... 16-17 mally gets 20,000 vehicles per Detour Suggestion...... 18 day at high speeds, Waites was District Pages...... 24-30 perfectly safe. The highway had just closed. Viewpoints...... 31 But Waites knew the eerie Waxhaws artifacts...... 32 calm would soon be broken as an extensive milling operation would begin after daybreak, the start of a fast-paced project des- tined to take its place in SC trans- portation history. On 12:01 a.m. on Jan. 4, SCDOT for the first time took the unusual step of closing down ROB THOMPSON/THE CONNECTOR Haulers from several states are used to transport concrete to the Global Positioning System (GPS) paver a portion of interstate highway from two concrete plants on the I-385 project. The paver uses GPS data, rather than traditional string lines, for rehabilitation. to guide it. After several meetings with design and construction staff, as 385 that will not require exten- approximately eight months and “We wanted to make sure the well as the public, SCDOT engi- sive maintenance for decades to reduce the overall construction contractor understood how seri- neers came up with a plan to “get come. duration by well over one year. ous we were that he had to be in and get out quickly,” and to The plan is to finish the 15 Using this construction plan finished by Aug. 15. Normally provide a rehabilitated Interstate mile-mainline construction in will also greatly reduce costs. incentives would be in the $5,000 The total savings attributed to range, but we felt the numbers this closure plan is $34.6 million should be increased since we’re ARRA Update when compared to a traditional detouring around 8,000 cars a staged construction plan over day.” three years. The $34.6 million In addition to saving time and in savings will go toward needed money, closing down northbound highway projects in the Upstate also provides safety for motorists including the widening of I-385 and workers as interstate work near Woodruff Road. zones increase possibilities of Realizing the importance of crashes and injuries. keeping the project on schedule, For Waites, who is overseeing SCDOT has included some of its the construction for SCDOT, the biggest incentives ever. For every project is an exciting challenge. day the contractor finishes ahead Three weeks after the inter- of the Aug. 15 deadline, there is a state closed, Waites was pleased PERMIT NO 108 NO PERMIT COLUMBIA, SC COLUMBIA,

US POSTAGE $25,000 incentive; for every day that the contractor had accom- PRSRTSTD past Aug. 15, there is a $50,000 plished some major tasks despite PAID disincentive. heavier than normal rainfall. “That’s a big motivator,” said “It was very important to get Rob Perry, SCDOT Program Manager for Project Upstate RPG See I-385 on page 16 GRAPHIC BY ROB THOMPSON/THE CONNECTOR who oversaw the preconstruction. 2 SCDOT l THE CONNECTOR l WINTER 2010

counties of the state. That deci- Secretary Limehouse said the sion was based on the desire to ARRA funds are helping to put Stimulus funds at one year provide work and improve roads a dent in the list of projects that all across South Carolina. How- have been waiting for funding. ever, the law only permits ARRA However the needs for South Car- funds to be used on highways and olina’s large 41,000 mile state- All ARRA funds have been put to work bridges that qualify for federal maintained highway system are By Pete Poore that didn’t receive ARRA funds enhancement projects. SCDOT aid. South Carolina has more than still great. “Our highway system will still move up on the priority chose to use those funds for the 20,000 miles of roads that could is the infrastructure for economic he American Recovery list and get done sooner because construction of sidewalks. not receive ARRA funding, and development in our state and it and Reinvestment Act the ARRA-funded projects will The SCDOT Commission most of those highways are in ru- needs to be safe and efficient. (ARRA) was signed into be completed and checked off the made a decision based on staff ral areas. We appreciate what ARRA has Tlaw on February 17, 2009. Just list,” Limehouse said. recommendations to fund re- South Carolina received $41 done for South Carolina by cre- one year later, SCDOT has obli- SCDOT’s ARRA-funded proj- surfacing projects in all 46 million in mass transit ARRA ating highway construction jobs gated the $463 million in ARRA ects were placed into funds. Of that figure, approxi- and improving our transportation highway funds, and $16.6 million four general catego- mately $25 million was system, but our current needs to in mass transit funds allocated to ries; highway resur- distributed directly by bring the system up to standards the agency on the anniversary of facing, bridge re- the Federal Transit is calculated in billions of dol- this legislation. placements, Authority to large and lars over a period of decades with In February of 2010, ARRA safety im- small urban transit our present funding levels,” said funds were designated to assist in provement providers. SCDOT’s Limehouse. the funding of the I-385 widening p r o j e c t s Mass Transit Divi- Limehouse is hopeful that project in Laurens County, which and inter- sion has used the legislation being considered by completed the obligating of all state main- remaining $16.6 Congress will create an “ARRA ARRA highway funds. t e n a n c e . million for the II” scenario that would provide Transportation Secretary H.B. The Act re- improvement more opportunities for job cre- Limehouse Jr. described the im- quired each of nine transit ation and further improvements pact of ARRA on South Carolina. state to also facilities and in the state’s highways and public “The ARRA funds have allowed set aside has taken de- transportation. us to nearly double the work we a small livery of 71 A complete look at SCDOT’s can do with our federally-funded p e r - replacement ARRA funding picture can be program for this fiscal year. The c e n t - vehicles for found on the SCDOT web site at: significance is that twice the work age of public transit use. www.scdot.org. will be done, but other projects funds for

South Carolina

Winner of awards from S.C. Division, Public Relations Society Department of of America; Carolinas Association of Business Communicators; S.C. Press Association and AASHTO. Transportation Editor: Stan Shealy Commission Photography / Layout Editor: Rob Thompson Editorial Board: Pete Poore, Bob Kudelka, Jane Mayberry, Bonnie Cramer, Tasha Crumpton, Peter Tarpley, Zoe Cook and Cody Daniel H. Isaac Jr. Henry H. Taylor Eddie Adams Crouch. 1st Congressional District 2nd Congressional District 3rd Congressional District The Connector, an employee newspaper of the South Carolina Department of Transportation, is published quarterly. All news items may be reproduced with credit to The Connector or the source. News, photos and information to appear in The Connector should be submitted to Stan Shealy, Office of Communications, S.C. Department of Transportation, P.O. Box 191, Columbia, SC 29202, no less than three weeks prior to date of publication. Copy should include the name and phone number of the source or person submitting the article. For inquiries regarding news copy, telephone 737-1270. All materials submit- ted become the property of SCDOT unless their return is stipulated. The Connector is distributed free by mail to employees and to others upon request. South Carolina H.B. “Buck” Limehouse Jr. is the South Press Association Carolina Secretary of Transportation. Associate Member F. Hugh Atkins Sarah B. Nuckles Marvin Stevenson Ken Willingham 4th Congressional District 5th Congressional District 6th Congressional District Commissioner At-Large SCDOT l THE CONNECTOR l WINTER 2010 3 Make yourself count in the 2010 census By Michael Sponhour S.C. Budget and Control Board

ou will be seeing a lot of Angela Morales and Co- rey Watkins around South YCarolina this spring. Morales, Trade Specialist II at Richland Maintenance, and Watkins, Trade Specialist III at Lexington Maintenance, are fea- tured on six billboards encourag- ing South Carolinians to respond to the 2010 U.S. Census. The boards are located in Oconee, Greenville, Berkeley, Charleston and Richland counties. In Rich- land County, they are featured on billboards located at 2203 Two Notch Road and another located on I-20 miles east of US 21. The billboards are part of the state’s effort to boost its census response because data from the PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF SC BUDGET AND CONTROL BOARD once-a-decade count of the na- Angela Morales, left, and Corey Watkins are seen on billboards across the state to promoting participation in the 2010 census. tion’s population helps our state Full_2.pdf lina loses out each year on at least simplified 10-question short form receive its share of federal fund- More information about the cen- Ten minutes is all it takes to an- $60 million in federal aid that is and your answers are entirely ing. And one of the biggest cat- sus can be found at the national swer the 10 questions on the cen- distributed using census popula- secure. U.S. Census Bureau em- egories of funding driven by cen- Census 2010 website http://2010. sus form that will arrive in your tion data. Aside from road con- ployees are sworn for life to pro- sus data is funding to the states census.gov. You can also find in- mailbox in mid-March. In 2000, struction, the money also goes tect the confidentiality of the data for road construction and repair. formation and data about South South Carolina had the nation’s for programs ranging from the and face a fine or prison for a vio- Morales and Watkins are also Carolina and the census at http:// second lowest initial response funding of traffic enforcement to lation. featured in a print ad that will be census.sc.gov rate to the census questionnaire, support for career education pro- Look for the census form in used for the state’s census out- You can also check out Face- trailing only Alaska. This should grams that help high school stu- your mailbox this March. Only reach campaign. A copy can be book at South Carolina Census be of special concern to the law dents prepare for good jobs. those who don’t return the form seen here: http://www.census. 2010 or on twitter @sccen- sc.gov/docs/Census_SCLiving- enforcement community. Completing the census is easy. will receive a visit from a census sus2010. It’s estimated that South Caro- Every residence will receive the taker. SCDOT, SCDPS ban texting in state vehicles By Pete Poore ducing the chances of driver SCDPS and SCDOT have highways safer in all aspects.” distractions. “Our top pri- an obligation to take the lead Both agencies have offic- mployees are pro- ority at SCDOT is making in cutting down on driver es and employees who work hibited from texting our highways safer through distractions and making our in all 46 counties of the state. while driving state engineering. However, our Evehicles. employees must contribute A joint statement released to their own safety and the by Transportation Secretary protection of other drivers by H.B. “Buck” Limehouse giving full attention to their Jr. and South Carolina De- driving while on the job,” Media were given the opportunity partment of Public Safety said Limehouse. to experience the dangers of (SCDPS) Director Mark Keel SCDPS Director Keel said texting by driving a golf cart on a on Jan. 28 announced that this policy is important be- course without texting and while employees of both agencies cause of the increasing num- texting and then comparing the were prohibited from send- bers of crashes, injuries and times. ing or reading text messages deaths related to texting. “Our LEFT: Emma Davidson, a 25-year while operating state vehicles Highway Patrol troopers have old South Carolina driver, tries effective Jan. 29, 2010. seen the tragic results of what her skills on the course with and The ban imposed by both can happen when a driver without texting. Riding with her is agencies is an effort to im- is texting. I support this ban SC Transport Police Colonel Nick prove highway safety by re- for our employees because Moore. PHOTOGRAPHS BY ROB THOMPSON/THE CONNECTOR 4 SCDOT l THE CONNECTOR l WINTER 2010 South Carolina Interagency Transportation Coordination Council

New council focuses on coordinating state agencies’ transportation of citizens

ABOVE: SCDOT Deputy Director for Mass Transit Glennith Johnson, right, and SCITCC Community Representative Bill McIlwain lead the discussion at the first meeting of the South Carolina Interagency Transportation Coordination Council. LEFT: The Council held its first meeting on Dec. 10 at SCDOT. The Council is scheduled to meet quarterly to discuss agency coordination of public transportation for South Carolina residents.

overnor Mark Sanford and safety for the public. signed Executive Order Gov. Sanford appointed 2009-13, on Sept. 25, Bill McIlwain of Lexington to G2009, establishing the South Car- SCITCC as the Community Rep- olina Interagency Transportation resentative. McIlwain served at Coordination Council (SCITCC), the South Carolina Department to promote interagency coopera- of Transportation for 42 years, tion and statewide coordination including posts as Statewide Rail to cut costs and eliminate waste in Program Manager, Director of current transportation programs. Administration, and Director of SCITCC conducted its ini- Finance. tial meeting on Dec. 10 at SCITCC is comprised of leg- SCDOT Headquarters. islators, executive directors, heads The objective of SCITCC is of state agencies, and/or their to promote and increase the use designees. The council will pub- of existing transportation options, licly offer its recommendations in and to increase access, mobility quarterly reports. 2010 TASC Awards SCDOT Awards Most Improved Transit Provider President’s Award Second - Gloria Parker Presented by Deputy Director Williamsburg County Transit System Santee Lynches COG - O.J. Papucci Central Midlands RTA /Veolia for Mass Transit Glennith Johnson Transit Driver of the Year TASC ROADEO AWARDS Third - Shondell Peace TriCounty Link Paratransit Provider of the Year Amy Ragin - Pee Dee RTA Dial-A-Ride Mechanics 35-Foot Bus Central Midlands RTA /Veolia Para Transit Driver of the Year Brant Nichols First - Charleston Transit / Veolia First - Phillip Patterson Second Central Midlands RTA /Veolia - Coast RTA Central Midlands RTA /Veolia Rural Public Transit Third - TriCounty Link Provider of the Year Second - Grover Curry TriCounty Link TASC Awards Presented by Van Pee Dee RTA TASC President Marc Keenan First - Betty Huell Urban Public Transit Williamsburg County Transit System Third - Lee McIntyre Provider of the Year Partnering Award Clemson Area Transit Pee Dee RTA Spartanburg Area Transportation Study Second - O’Dell Johnson Lisa Bollinger TriCounty Link 40-Foot Bus Director’s Award First - Curnie Hargrove Marc Keenan Partnering Award Third - Allandro Scott Central Midlands RTA /Veolia SPARTA Clemson Area Transit Coast RTA Second - Willie McKoy Pee Dee RTA Director’s Award President’s Award Cut-A-Way Joy Bell Aiken County Transit First - William Stinson Third - Oliver Bell McCormick County Senior Center Best Friends Express Chester County Connector McCormick County Senior Center Connie Shade SCDOT l THE CONNECTOR l WINTER 2010 5 Palmetto Parkway Phase II opens By Bob Kudelka of partnerships on many levels. The combined pricetag for Phase I and eteran highway engineers can Phase II was approximately $250 million, recall when it was almost a routine he said. event to open a new interstate in “SCDOT has a strong interest in help- VSouth Carolina. Things are much different ing those who help themselves,” Chapman these days. said. “Aiken County decided to help them- Aside from Interstate 73 along the selves - they put in some money and put coast, “I’m not sure there will be another in some effort and the State Infrastructure interstate in my lifetime,” Deputy Secre- Bank recognized their effort… tary for Engineering Tony Chapman told a “A lot of people in the rest of South crowd gathered for the opening ceremony Carolina are following suit,” he said. After the ceremony, police escorted the first vehicles along the new parkway. of the I-520 Phase II of the Palmetto Park- “And we’re working through some major way in Aiken County on Dec. 16. transportation projects in South Carolina Also attending from SCDOT were Lark W. Jones, Mayor of North Augus- The Palmetto Parkway Phase II, along because people are helping themselves. Commissioner Eddie Adams and District ta, said “The entire side here on South with Phase I, which opened to traffic in We support that. I’m very, very happy with Engineering Administrator Thad Brunson. Carolina has been funded and built within 2004, joins Georgia’s Bobby Jones Express- what I see.” “Congratulations to everyone who 10 years. That’s a pretty good record, in way to complete a circumferential route Chapman said, “DOT employees have played a role on this project,” said Aiken my opinion. A lot of that’s due to dedica- around the City of North Augusta and been engaged with the contract on a day- County Council Chairman Ronnie Young. tion and hard work of many of you who Augusta, Georgia. The Parkway now serves to-day basis, whether it’s pouring concrete, “On behalf of Aiken County, thank you.” are here today. the expanding North Augusta area, as well or placing asphalt or putting up guardrail. “This is a fantastic project to be “You took the bull by the horns and just as providing a direct connection to I-20. There are a lot of folks here who put forth involved in from the beginning,” said wouldn’t let go without the dream becom- The project consists of the completion a lot of effort to make this happen.” South Carolina State Senator Greg Ryberg. ing a reality. of I-520 from US Route 1 to I-20 along a SCDOT Project Manager Claude Ipock “I think it shows the cooperation of county SCDOT employees also having a major new location for approximately 6.5 miles, said despite heavy rains in the fall, the team government, city government…and all the role in the project included Machael Peter- providing a controlled-access route linking still finished the project a few weeks early. features of state government. Without all son, Local Public Agency Administrator Augusta and North Augusta. “It’s hard to believe three years has that cooperation, I don’t think we’d be at and Terry Koon of RPG 3 Midlands. Chapman said it is the first interstate gone by,” Ipock said. “It’s a massive this point today.” Contractors included United Contrac- highway in South Carolina in the state to project. It’s hard to believe we are where Deke Copenhaver, Mayor of Augusta- tors, Inc., of Great Falls; US Constructors, be built with a multi-use path for pedestri- we are today. It’s a good looking project. Richmond County in Georgia, said the Inc., of West Columbia; Triplett-King & ans and bicyclists. All of us have a sense of pride for being new interstate will have a big economic Associates, Inc., of Rock Hill; Coleman- “That is very unique here in South involved with it.” impact for the region. Snow Consultants, Inc., of Charleston; Carolina,” Chapman said. “This is going to be huge for efforts on Florence & Hutcheson, Inc., of Columbia; The request for the pedestrian/bicycle Palmetto Parkway by the numbers both sides of the river,” said Copenhaver. and F&ME Consultants, Inc., of Columbia. accommodations came from Aiken County 6 interstate miles and North Augusta, said Mark Lester, 3 interchanges Upstate Regional Production Engineer 2.5 million hours of labor who was involved early in the project 5 million cubic yards of excavation development. (400,000 truckloads) Leland Colvin, Assistant Construction 250,000 tons of crushed stone Engineer, said the multi-use path is 50 225,000 tons of asphalt to 200 feet away from the interstate. The 16 bridges path is only accessible from side roads and 200,000 square yards of pavement there is no access from the interstate. 6 miles of curb and gutter and sidewalk Chapman said the Palmetto Parkway 10 miles of underground storm drainage project, which finished two weeks early and $600,000 under budget, was the result

Some of the SCDOT employees involved with the project posed for a photo at the opening ceremony. Front row, from left: Jeff Terry, Bryan Jones, Commissioner Eddie PHOTOGRAPHS BY ROB THOMPSON/THE CONNECTOR Adams, Danny Shealy, Tony Chapman, Thad Brunson, Clem Watson. Back Row, from left: Dignitaries cut the ribbon on the new I-520 Palmetto Parkway on Dec. 16, 2009. Leland Colvin, Claude Ipock, Charles Matthews and Machael Peterson. 6 SCDOT l THE CONNECTOR l WINTER 2010 SCDOT closes four rest areas with low traffic volumes Motorists will have minimal inconvenience By Pete Poore

he South Carolina Depart- ment of Transportation (SCDOT) closed four Tinterstate rest areas on Jan. 27, 2010. The closings are designed to create cost savings with mini- mal impact on the public. The facilities were chosen due to their age and condition, traffic counts and the availability of other rest- rooms and truck parking nearby. The facilities selected are: I-95 Florence County. Two rest areas, located at mile marker 171. One is on the northbound lanes and another is on the south- bound side of the interstate. I-85 Cherokee County. Located at mile marker 89. I-26 Berkeley County. Mile marker 202. The two rest areas on I-95 in Florence were built in 1975. Both facilities would have required significant funds to make proper renovations. Water and plumb- ing problems alone would cost $50,000 to repair. Due to the growth of commercial facili- ties near these two rest areas, the annual average daily traffic “The cost of (AADT) had shrunk to approxi- mately 1,000 vehicles. The state- maintaining these wide average is 1,450 vehicles four facilities, per day. In addition, these two facilities only provide seven coupled with the low truck parking spaces. volume of drivers The I-85 rest area in Chero- who are using kee County was built in 1987. The facility is in good condition. them, has led to the However, the development that decision to use the has taken place on this section agency’s limited of I-85 has provided travelers with numerous choices of com- funds for higher mercial facilities. As growth has priorities.” occurred, the daily traffic count at this rest area dropped to 900 H.B. Limehouse Jr. vehicles. PHOTOGRAPHS BY ROB THOMPSON/THE CONNECTOR The rest area on I-26 in Berke- SC Secretary of Before the rest areas were permanently closed on I-95 in Florence, portable toilets were brought in to handle ley County is the oldest of the Transportation traffic until the facility closed. Costly water and plumbing repairs were avoided by closing these facilities facilities that were closed. This with lower than average traffic. rest area was built in 1970 and was in very poor condition, No renovations have ever occurred ily in the event of a hurricane would prefer not to reduce the pled with the low volume of driv- ties,” said Limehouse. The cost at this facility. Though the site evacuation. number of service facilities on ers who are using them, has led to of maintaining each of the four is closed, SCDOT will have the Transportation Secretary our highways. “The cost of main- the decision to use the agency’s rest areas had grown to $300,000 option of re-opening it temporar- H.B. Limehouse Jr. said SCDOT taining these four facilities, cou- limited funds for higher priori- per year, per rest area. SCDOT l THE CONNECTOR l WINTER 2010 7 Audit reveals SCDOT has fully complied with Act 114 By Pete Poore delays in the contract process. The re- justified. The ability to make cost ad- port noted that the time between iden- justments is a provision in most SC- SCDOT Financial Audit he agency-wide audit of the tifying the most qualified bidder for DOT construction contracts. By Pete Poore South Carolina Department a project and negotiating a finalized • Noted that SCDOT could make of Transportation (SCDOT) contract has actually increased. How- improvements related to change or- he overall audit of SCDOT commissioned by Tprepared by MGT of America for ever the auditors indicated that part of ders and the reporting of those orders the Legislative Audit Council is not the only the Legislative Audit (LAC) was re- the problem stems from excessive ap- to the SCDOT Commission. review the agency has undergone recently. leased on Feb. 2, 2010. This audit was proval and reporting requirements of • In that same sampling of the 1,009 TThe State Auditor’s Office also hires an independent a follow-up to the LAC’s own report Act 114, which are time-consuming contracts, auditors found that reduc- firm to perform a yearly audit of the agency’s finan- on SCDOT in 2006. The follow-up and costly. tions in contract price occurred in 315 cial statements. audit was mandated by Act 114, also “The audit shows that we still have of those contracts creating cost sav- The firm of Scott McElveen, LLP has been con- known as the DOT Reform Act signed more work to do, but improving the ings. ducting the audits of SCDOT since 2004. Don Mob- into law in 2007. efficiency of our agency is something • Acknowledged that SCDOT has ley CPA is the firm’s audit partner. He presented a re- The latest review shows that SC- that should never end. Our staff is al- good processes in place to ensure port at the Commission’s Audit Committee meeting DOT has been successful in imple- ways looking for ways to do things contractors are not manipulating final on Feb. 18, 2010. Mobley reported that there have menting the majority of the 44 recom- better because our revenues from the contract amounts by minimizing bids never been any disagreements between the audit mendations for improvement made state fuel taxes have been shrinking and then increasing contract amounts firm and SCDOT management. He added that both by the LAC in 2006. Moreover, the every month for the past two years. through change orders. parties have always been able to resolve issues and report reveals that the reforms of the We are doing more with less out of • Acknowledged that the Contractor come to an agreement. agency prescribed by Act 114 have necessity,” Limehouse said. Performance Evaluation System used The firm issued an “unqualified opinion” that been completely implemented. The by the agency has been implemented SCDOT’s financial statements “present fairly, in audit notes that SCDOT staff made Some of the highlights in line with Federal best practices cri- all material respects, the financial position of the “significant efforts” to comply with teria. agency.” the law. of the MGT of America • Noted that the methodology for This statement represents the best outcome pos- Transportation Secretary H.B. report include: ranking and estimating maintenance sible for a financial audit. Mobley added that- SC “Buck” Limehouse Jr. has thanked projects could be improved by factor- DOT’s Finance staff prepares statements, notes, MGT of America for a thorough and • Acknowledged that SCDOT gen- ing in the scale of the project and the disclosures and other information for each audit. He balanced report. erally performs well at reviewing bids geography. This means using tech- noted that very few government agencies take those “The Legislative Audit Council’s and awarding contracts in compliance niques such as combining a number steps and wished more agencies followed SCDOT’s review of SCDOT confirms that we with state and federal laws and regu- of small projects into one contract on lead. SCDOT also prepares a Comprehensive Annu- are reaching the goals that I set when I lations. a large segment of a highway. al Financial Report (CAFR) which includes financial began my administration in 2007. We • Acknowledged the use of life cycle • Noted that the agency’s financial statements with statistical and other information. have spent the past three years cutting analyses. This is a process used to de- system and processes still rely heavily SCDOT’s CAFR has received the Certificate of costs, eliminating waste, and putting termine when best to resurface a high- on paper documentation and manual Achievement of Excellence in Financial Reporting these savings and other resources into way and whether the use of concrete processes. for the past four years. The award is presented by our 41,000-mile state highway sys- or asphalt is most cost-effective. Secretary Limehouse said the the Government Finance Officers Association of tem. We have done this while com- • Reported that contract adjustments agency has made great strides in the the United States and Canada. The Certificate of plying with the requirements made in a sampling of 1,009 contracts to- past three years, but the recommenda- Achievement is the highest recognition attainable in by Act 114. The audit shows that we taled more than the contract amount. tions in the performance audit will be the field of governmental accounting and financial have put fair project selection and ap- However, the project budgets were a benefit. “We agree with the major- reporting. proval processes into place that keep not exceeded because the rising cost ity of the audit’s suggestions and they SCDOT’s CAFR was judged by an impartial pan- the politics out of those systems,” said of fuel and asphalt over the lives of will clearly help us refine procedures el to meet the high standards of the program includ- Limehouse. the contracts was anticipated. The au- and processes that will greatly im- ing the demonstration of a constructive “full spirit of The latest audit also shows that SC- ditors noted the adjustments were pri- prove the efficiency of SCDOT,” said disclosure” that clearly communicates the agency’s DOT needs to eliminate unnecessary marily for fuel and materials and were Limehouse. financial picture. Meet the Planning Office Standing, from left: Brian Fulmer, Chad Amick, Mike Sullivan, Ron Patton, Nick Rad, Mark Pleasant, Doug Frate, Jan Feaster, Kevin Sheppard, Kenny Larimore, John Henderson, Norman Jackson, Bill Jordan, Jim Frierson. Front Row, from left: David Burgess, Dianne Janicki, Louise Moore (retired), Marie Bracanovich. Not pictured: Michael Dennis, Vivian Patterson and Viola Covington. 8 SCDOT l THE CONNECTOR l WINTER 2010 I-26 widening / Remount Road bridge replacement THINK SAFETY Reporting Hazards Have you ever heard of an old saying “It’s the little things that will get you”? A little spot of water, oil, grease, etc. can cause majors falls or cause equipment to slide, spin, etc. It can be a little something sticking out in a walkway, or a drawer left open. Is it something that we should have seen on a pre-trip? Is it some- thing we spilled, or saw it and walked on by? Real life situations cannot be put on re-run, fix it, and go for- ward. When we see a co-worker injured it is too late to report it. Seeing and reporting hazards are very important in preventing accidents and injuries. It will only take a second but could equal a lifetime of a needless disability. Avoid Back Injuries Back injuries are still SCDOT’s number one type of injury. Most SCDOT employees lift, carry, push, pull, crawl, or walk on uneven ground. They get on and off equipment and operate PHOTOGRAPHS BY ROB THOMPSON/THE CONNECTOR heavy equipment or power tools. There are proper ways to do The widening project at Remount Road these tasks to help prevent injuries. Exercise, weight control, includes a new wider and taller bridge good nutrition and quality sleep time also help prevent injuries. over I-26 as well as the installation of collector and distributor lanes on Back Safety Tips to remember: I-26. The new lanes will provide exits • Get help when needed for both Remount Road and Aviation • Use material handling equipment Boulevard. The widening adds two • Lift properly lanes for the collector/distributor and • Maintain a 3-point contact when getting on or off equipment 1 additional lane for I-26. • Watch where you step • Don’t twist and carry, move your entire body At left, Rickie Green of Charleston Construction B and David Wertz of Courtesy of SCDOT Occupational Safety Newsletter HDR supervise the work on Nov. 16. Engineering Orientation Program offered to new SCDOT engineers n April 2010, the South Caro- provide opportunities to develop ing: To participate in the program, applications are received than lina Department of Transpor- working relationships with E/AE • Introduction to Highway Fed- applicants must meet the follow- slots are available, participants tation will begin offering an I and IIs from other functional eral-Aid ing criteria: will be selected through a random IEngineering Orientation Program areas of the Department, and • Ethics Awareness for the Trans- 1. Possess a four-year degree in process. All qualified applications (EOP) to newly-hired employees provide training in basic manage- portation Industry engineering or engineering tech- not chosen will be held and auto- in the Engineer/Associate Engi- ment and SCDOT-specific engi- • Introduction to NEPA and nology matically considered when se- neer (E/AE) I and II classifica- neering skills. Transportation Decision Making 2. Currently be classified as an E/ lecting the next quarterly group. tions. The program • AASHTO Roadside Design AE I or II Successful completion of the requires a com- Guide 3. Have been employed by the program qualifies towards the mitment of 24 Other courses will cover basic Department for less than two professional development com- days from an em- management skills and the De- years since receiving their engi- ponent in preparation for the next ployee’s normal partment’s funding and finance. neering degree. (Applicants who step in the employee’s career work schedule, A tour of district field operations have been employed with the path. w i t h and each of the engineering divi- Department for one year or less It should be noted that al- o n l y sion offices, including the Office since receiving their engineering though all engineering employees six of of Materials and Research, will degree will be given priority for are not allowed to participate in these be provided. acceptance into the program. Ap- the program, all are allowed to days This will allow participants plicants who have been with the take the NHI and management an opportunity to meet key staff Department more than one and courses as well as view the or- members and expand their un- less than two years since receiv- ganizational overview e-learning a w a y derstanding of the Department’s ing their engineering degree will modules. from one’s assigned work- overall function. (More than six be considered for participation if For more information and to station. The majority of the days away from the employee’s the 15 slots are not filled by first apply contact James Cassidy in The program will training provided will be via workstation may be required of year employees.) Room 115 of Headquarters by give engineering trainees e-learning. Several National participants during the first year Applications will be accepted March 15, 2010. Applications re- an understanding of the De- Highway Institute (NHI) of the program, until all training on a quarterly basis with a maxi- ceived after that date will be held partment’s overall operations courses will provide basic sessions are converted into an e- mum of 15 individuals selected for consideration during the next and organizational structure, engineering training includ- learning format.) for each quarterly group. If more quarterly selection. SCDOT l THE CONNECTOR l WINTER 2010 9 ARRA funding provides new buses in SC

TriCounty Link, headquartered in Moncks Corner, received funds from PHOTOGRAPHS BY CODY CROUCH/THE CONNECTOR the recent American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. With The Aiken Area Council on Aging, Inc. received three new public transportation buses on Dec. 8, 2009. The these funds, TriCounty Link purchased 14 new buses and will renovate new buses were funded, through SCDOT, by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009. their headquarters office building. Here, SCDOT Deputy Secretary for Here, Foster Bozard, left, of Palmetto Bus Sales hands over the keys to a new bus funded by ARRA through Mass Transit Glennith Johnson, left, presents the new bus keys to SCDOT Mass Transit to Aiken Area Council on Aging Executive Director Scott Murphy. TriCounty Link Executive Director William Hutto.

Bridge replacement under way in Laurens County Congratulations! Procurement recognizes employees

ROB THOMPSON/THE CONNECTOR Director of Procurement Mike Burk, left, congratulates employees with extended ROB THOMPSON/THE CONNECTOR The SC 49 bridge over the Enoree River is being replaced. The new bridge will be 444 feet SCDOT service. From right, Sateria West, 30 years; Sandra Suber, 20 years; and long, 44 feet wide and 4 feet higher than the current bridge. It will include two 12-foot travel Marie Sharpe, 31 years. lanes and two 10-foot shoulders. The project is scheduled to be completed by November. 10 SCDOT l THE CONNECTOR l WINTER 2010 Secretary addresses budgetary concerns Jim Cagney Golf TO: SCDOT Employees It may be something as simple as pooling and moni- Tourney raises FROM: H. B. Limehouse Jr. toring offices supplies (especially paper usage), con- RE: Budgetary Concerns/Cost Savings Initiatives solidating printers, recycling scrap paper as notepads money for I want to thank all SCDOT employees for their or for printing of draft documents, or reducing mail- dedicated service to SCDOT and its mission. I know ings by using e-mail. Small amounts of savings add scholarships times are difficult financially for many of you and the up. I encourage you to share cost savings ideas with security of your job is important to you. As with other me so that others can take advantage of them also. he Jim Cagney Memo- state agencies, SCDOT is experiencing a decline in In addition to the voluntary furlough and your rial Golf Tournament revenues. In order to ensure adequate future funding ideas, we are taking steps to further reduce spend- was held Nov. 9, 2009, for the essential services and programs of the agency, ing in many areas of the agency. Below is a list of Tat Lexington Country Club. The we are taking proactive cost savings measures. those initiatives. The effective date of many these tournament sponsor, RPM En- As you were notified a couple of weeks ago, a is January 1, 2010 so for example, the 5% reduction gineers, organized and worked voluntary furlough program was put into place. Since in operating budgets means 5% between January 1, with sponsors to ensure the tour- that time, many of you have taken advantage of this 2010 and June 30, 2010, resulting in an effective nament was successful. option resulting in savings to the agency and allow- 10% reduction in these budgets. Most of the items The tournament raises mon- Amanda Woodrum ing you to spend extra time with family or taking are self-explanatory, but additional information may ey for the Jim Cagney Scholar- care of other personal matters. I commend you for be provided on specific items. ship Fund, which, since 2006, your part in the agency’s cost savings efforts and ask Again I thank you for doing your part in service to has paid $15,000 to children each of you to continue to assess your responsibili- the agency and to the state. of SCDOT employees who are ties and consider ways to further save for the agency. in accredited engineering pro- grams. PRIORITY PROGRAM/ACTIVITY/ITEM CASH BALANCE This year’s tournament host- IMPROVEMENT ed 120 golfers including DOT employees, family members and engineering firms from around 1 Increase Frequency of Federal Billings...... $5,000,000 the state. 2 Secondary Resurfacing: Savings from Reduced Payouts this Fiscal Year....$5,000,000 Jim Cagney was a civil engi- 3 Reduce Maintenance of Commercial Truck Parking Areas neer with SCDOT for 18 years. Equal to Available Funding from General Appropriations...... $150,000 He graduated from Clemson 4 Close Welcome Centers / Rest Areas...... $390,000 University in 1987 and went to 5 Extend Hiring Delay from 7 to 9 Months...... $1,568,000 work at DOT after graduation. 6 Volunteer Furlough Program (Agency Wide)...... $14,000 Jim also had a passion for the 7 Reduce Administrative Operating Budget by 5 % (Agency Wide)...... $6,000,000 game of golf. 8 Precast Bridges (delay ordering materials) (3244)...... $900,000 Matthew Kelly He was diagnosed with 9 Piles (delay ordering materials) (3261)...... $48,000 esophageal cancer in 2004 and 10 Defer CRISOS & RPMs on Secondary Routes...... $6,000,000 died in February 2005. 11 Defer Career Path Raises 6 Months (Agency Wide)...... $600,000 two $2,500 scholarships. The Jim Cagney Memo- 12 Reduce Equipment Purchases (805)...... $3,500,000 Amanda Woodrum, recipi- rial Scholarship committee and 13 Reduce Extraordinary Maintenance (6220)...... $1,500,000 ent of the 2008 scholarship, sponsor, RPM Engineers, thank 14 Reduce Contract Maintenance, Part I (6211)...... $7,000,000 won again this year. She is the everyone who participated in 15 Suspend Select Capital Improvements: District Projects...... $688,500 daughter of Jo Ann Woodrum of the tournament. The 2010 tour- 16 Suspend Select Capital Improvements: HQ & Shop Road Projects...... $84,000 District 7 Engineering. Amanda nament will be held on Nov. 8, 17 Reduce Highway Maintenance Contracts, Part I (2171)...... $8,557,500 is a civil engineering student at at Lexington Country Club. Clemson University. PROPOSED REDUCTIONS...... $47,000,000 The Jim Cagney Memorial Matthew Kelly, also a winner Scholarship committee is com- of this year’s scholarship, is the prised of Berry Still of RPM En- 18* Reduce Contract Maintenance, Part II (6211)...... $9,497,331 son of Jan Feaster who works in gineers, John Price, close friend 19* Reduce Highway Maintenance Contracts, Part II (2171)...... $8,535,344 Planning and stepfather Wayne of Jim’s, and Jim’s widow, 20* Secondary Resurfacing: 25% reduction Feaster who works in Traffic Cathy Cagney. The committee (projects yet to be awarded)...... $12,137,657 Engineering in the DOT Head- had highly qualified applicants 21* Overtime Pay (492)...... $4,000,000 quarters. Matthew is a civil en- to choose from for this year’s gineering student at the Univer- *To be considered only if necessary scholarship, and decided to give sity of South Carolina.

256 SCDOT employees participate in voluntary furloughs

CDOT began offering a holiday leave, and several em- approval. A furlough day may be the voluntary furlough program Guidelines and Form may be voluntary furlough pro- ployees have taken furlough time taken in full or partial day incre- will be counted towards the man- accessed through the SCDOT gram for employees on when they have not had sufficient ments; however, a partial day in- datory furlough. Intranet, Human Resources De- SDec. 7, 2009, as a cost savings accrued leave to take. crement cannot be less than four As of Feb. 2, 2010, 256 em- partment, “What’s New.” Any initiative for the Department. The program allows an em- hours. ployees have furloughed a to- questions concerning this pro- Many employees took fur- ployee to furlough for up to five If SCDOT finds it necessary tal of 475 days for a savings of gram should be directed to the lough days during the holiday calendar days through June 30, to implement a mandatory fur- $53,855 in employee salaries. Human Resources Office at season as an extension of their 2010, subject to the supervisor’s lough, any time taken through The Voluntary Furlough (803) 737-1322. SCDOT l THE CONNECTOR l WINTER 2010 11 The Flower Man Letters we liked

Water plants in warm weather Comments from the SCDOT web page: By Ernest Jones ease caused by insect infestation. If drought is the problem, water the plants immediately. To: All SCDOT workers in the office and on s June ushers in warm weather, gardeners must be All plants need water during transplanting, and until they the road: ready to supply the garden with water when nature are well established in the soil. Trees and shrubs should be I want to say “thank you” for taking the does not. watered during dry periods for the first one to two years after time away from your own families to try and A All plants must have water in order to grow. Water fuels planting. Woody plants also need water when setting buds. make sure our families are safe out on the road. photosynthesis, and is the medium through which dissolved For spring bloomers, bud set occurs in late summer. Water Sometimes I think people don’t think about mineral nutrients are carried into plants through their roots. plants to water fertilizers also. what you are doing out there and you deserve But how much water is necessary, and how often it is Annuals and perennials need the most water during seed better than that. You have the ultimate #1 praise needed, varies tremendously among plants. Aquatic plants germination, and when setting buds. Vegetables, too, need from our home to yours. “Thank you” and may like water lilies, must have their roots continually moist. At watering from snowing until germination. After that point, God richly bless each and every one of you. the other extreme, cacti can survive for months without water leafy crops need water regularly throughout their growth; root Tonight, we had to attend a visitation at at all. Water needs for most plants fall somewhere in between. crops need water as the roots are enlarging; and fruiting crops Thompson’s Funeral Home. However, due to It is important to learn when our plants need to be watered. are most in need of water during flowering and fruit forma- the weather, at around 7 p.m., someone an- The rule of thumb is to make sure the garden gets one inch tion. nounced that we should all return to our own of water each week during the growing season. If rainfall is When you do water, water deeply so the moisture soaks homes for safety reasons. Tomorrow we will insufficient, the gardener must supply the difference. But this into the soil to a depth of at least two feet. return to the funeral home for the funeral of maxim is just an average: it is not an accurate guide for all Surface water evaporates quickly, and frequent light wa- Bobby L. Cook. soils and climates. tering encourages plants to concentrate many roots in the up- But the old saying about it never matters when A garden in a coastal location where the soil is sandy and per levels of the soil, where they will be more vulnerable to you die, the weather will always affect the out- the summer sun is hot will need more than one inch of water hot sun and dry weather. come of people who will attend. per week. Plants growing in a cool, foggy climate or in dense Deep watering coaxes deep-rooted trees, shrubs, and other Again, we praise you all, clay soil will need less than an inch. plants to send roots down into the soil, where they will be able Linda Thomas Instead of leaving the timer on the automatic watering to find more moisture during dry weather. system on the same setting all summer, or watering every This approach saves water, because you water less often, To: SCDOT Wednesday and Saturday without fail, try to water your plants and less water is lost to evaporation. Your plants will not be I just wanted to pass on my thanks for the when they need it. dependent on you to supply all the moisture they require. outstanding job the SCDOT snow removal For plants in beds and borders, the best way to tell when The most efficient way to get water to plants is to supply it teams did on Friday night. it is time to water is to poke a finger into the soil. Don’t just right at ground level, through soaker hoses or drip irrigation This was obviously something SC doesn’t lay your hand on the soil surface. It may be dry from the hot systems. Soaker hoses are made of porous rubber, canvas or have to deal with on a normal basis, yet these sun when there is still adequate moisture in the root zone. But fiber. The tiny pores in the hose can be snaked through the folks made it happen. I appreciate their efforts when the ground feels dry more than an inch or two under- garden, laid right on top of the soil. as I commute daily to Columbia Metro Airport ground, watering is in order. Drip irrigation systems are more expensive and require from Sumter. Thanks so much for getting those Do not put off watering until your plants wilt or appear more work to install, but once in place they are convenient roads cleared quickly! limp. Wilting is severe water stress that can damage plants and effective. They use lengths of narrow plastic tubing with Chris Tubbs and will also cause them to bloom and bear fruit later and less perforations along the sides. The tubing is connected by cou- lavishly than healthier specimens. plings and can be hooked up to a timer to operate automatical- To: SCDOT Some plants look a bit flaccid during the hottest part of the ly. Drip tubing is best installed below the soil surface, which I wanted to tell you thank you for the excel- day, especially when the sun is intense, but revive later on requires some digging. lent job you did clearing the interstate after Fri- toward dusk. The least efficient way to water is with overhead sprin- day’s snow. I drive from Rock Hill to Concord But if plants are klers. Hoses watering from above is wasteful, because the to go to work. What an awesome job everyone limp in the morn- water has to filter down through foliage to get to the soil, and did in getting I-77 in such good shape in such ing or evening, because water is lost to evaporation on hot days. If plants are a short time. I left early for work Saturday they are suffer- watered too late in the day, moisture that remains morning, but had no problem getting through. ing water stress or on leaf surfaces at night can invite the Thanks for your hard work. are beset by dis- growth of mildew and fungus. Jeanie Sampson However, overhead wa- Ernest Jones is in charge tering does offer the benefits To: SCDOT of the landscaping and of helping to cool plants in I would like to say thank you to those that vegetation at SCDOT hot weather, and rinsing dirt worked this past weekend in Chester County Headquarters in from foliage. clearing the roads. Because they did their job, Columbia. A strong spray of water I was able to get to mine. from a hose can wash away I work at a 24 call center in York County aphids and other small pests and, like you, must be at work when I am too. If you must water with a scheduled especially during bad weather. Many hose, the best time to do it is in people depend on me being there to answer the morning or late afternoon. the phone just like many depend on you being Avoid midday, when evaporation is there to make the roads passable. And, Chester greatest. If you water late in the afternoon, be sure a County roads were some of the safest roads I few hours of daylight remain so that leaves will dry traveled thanks to YOU. before dark. Thanks again, Vickie Laffredo 12 SCDOT l THE CONNECTOR l WINTER 2010 SCDOT manages weather challenge SCDOT crews are ready when forecast calls for snow, ice outh Carolina has experi- enced an unusually active winter, in terms of snow- Sfall. On Feb. 12, a winter storm covered every county in the state with a significant amount of snow. Overall, it was one of the state’s largest recorded snowfalls. The event really tested the lim- its of SCDOT’s ability to handle snow. Every county except Beau- fort had to plow snow to keep the roadways passable. This year, SCDOT has used over 28 tons of salt. This amount SCDOT was up to the chal- exeeds all the salt used in 2007, 2008 and 2009 combined. lenge, receiving positive com- LEFT: Richland Maintenance workers Cynthia Thomas, left, and ments from the public for a job Ada Gardner secure a salt spreader in the back of a dump truck. well done. It was a drain on re- sources, however. The total cost of this storm event to SCDOT was $2.1 million. On March 2, South Carolina experienced a second winter storm, and more snow to most counties from the midlands to the upstate. Fortunately, the snow was relatively light and temperatures remained moderate. SCDOT’s response to this winter storm event cost approximately $562,000. Unfortunately, this brutally wet and cold winter has resulted in an accelerated rate of pavement deterioration and potholes. These deteriorated pavements present a PHOTOGRAPHS BY ROB THOMPSON/THE CONNECTOR lasting challenge to the mainte- Richland Maintenance crews put salt spreaders in the nance division that is compound- back of dump trucks in preparation for wintry weather on ed by a lean budget and limited Jan. 7. resources. Overall, SCDOT has spent close to $5 million responding to winter weather conditions this fis- cal year, much more than is spent in a typical winter. In materials alone, the impact of the winter is apparent. In 2007, the department used approximate- Karen Rowe, left, and Toby Johnston of Fairfield Maintenance load ly 6,200 tons of salt and sand. The liquid calcium chloride into a spreader. Trucks across the state salt amount rose to 4,700 tons in 2008 and prepare roads and bridges when wintry weather is predicted. and 12,900 tons in 2009. This year, through March 5, SCDOT has used 28,600 tons of salt/sand. RIGHT: Fairfield Maintenance spreads calcium chloride on I-77 on Jan. 7 prior to a predicted snowfall. FAR RIGHT: Bill Taylor, Kelvin Meetze and Jim Johannemann monitor satellite weather across the state from headquarters throughout the night on Jan. 7. SCDOT l THE CONNECTOR l WINTER 2010 13 No snow days for those who make our roads safe Storm sends SCDOT workers to prep roads

By Andrew Dys The (Rock Hill) Herald

erell Mingo loads brine into a truck at the S.C. TDepartment of Transpor- tation operations center in Rock Hill on Friday. Barring bones sticking through skin — maybe — there is no calling in sick today at the S.C. Department of Transportation EDWARD MOORE/DISTRICT 4 operations center in York County. York County employees were recently featured by their local paper for doing a great job with the recent winter weather. They are, from left: Not a single person called in Brad Trout, James ‘Boogie’ Byers, Mickey Deal, Joe Patterson, Mac Mobley, David Kelly, James ‘Preacher’ Wilson, Russell Thomason and Kathy sick Friday, either. Partain. Not pictured: Chuck Petty and Todd McAbee. “We had two guys even drove rally from the constant droning with drivers, mechanics, heavy outdoors in the cold because he shifts days and nights to handle all the way back from the beach, of machines, generators, pumps, equipment operators, administra- is a self-described “man of God,” emergency calls, ordering sup- cutting short vacations, to get loaders, winches, shouts. tive people. is a lead man on the shift. Friday, plies, getting people fed, what- back to work,” said Brad Trout, “If me and the other mechan- Shifts run 7 to 7, morning and he loaded salt for the brine using ever. resident maintenance engineer ics don’t keep the trucks rolling, night, until the storm is gone. If a backhoe. Today, he will drive a “You do anything now because for the operations center. the drivers can’t keep the road the storm is severe, it will bring snow-plow and sander. it all has to get done,” said Kathy At the DOT’s field offices, clear and safe,” said Todd McA- the blue-collar workingman’s “I will do anything that needs Partain, an administrative assis- the people who spread the salt bee, 23 years a diesel mechanic blessing — overtime. to be done because we are the tant. and sand and brine — and plow in the shop that fixes plows and By early Friday afternoon, ones who have to get the roads Trout, the boss out here, is no the roads, and fix or maintain the sanders maimed by salt and cold 20 trucks had spread more than clear,” Hardin said. different than anybody else. He equipment — a snow day and and regular use. 40,000 gallons of saltwater brine The brine mixers and pump- works right alongside everybody. preparing for a snow day is the The last time his hands were on roads. By this morning, it will ers, David Kelly and Russell “We have a good bunch opposite of most of the rest of spotless was probably 23 years have been twice that. Thomason, normally have reg- of dedicated people,” he said. the world. ago. Friday, he fixed a sander All of the workers who nor- ular jobs in good weather but “Everything that is here now we The rest of us hunker down; motor, and he was all but inside mally work on road signs or handle the crucial brine-making have on the other shift. All those they plunge into the work. the motor itself with his 250 asphalt and paving have different during storms on day shift. people work through the dark This is no place for the meek pounds of muscle. He looked jobs when a storm hits. Truck A half-dozen mechanics, three hours.” when a storm approaches. Names like a professional wrestler who drivers drive brine trucks. on each shift, have to keep it all And if today the snow falls include Preacher, Mickey, Mac, needed a bath. “I can lay a thousand gallons running. Mac Mobley, 28 years deep and the ice won’t melt, guys Boogie, Chuck, and more. At “I never had a snow day with of brine for 30 minutes at 40 mile service, is a supervisor. On storm like Wyatt will drive brine trucks. least half sport moustaches, and my kids,” McAbee said. “They an hour on the road,” said driver days, that means nothing except Hardin will plow roads. not the cheesy kind. One guy are in the snow, I am at work. You Keith Wyatt. “You do whatever he’s older. All do whatever work Mobley and McAbee will fix with a beard rode his motorcycle know it when you come to work you have to do. You keep running is there — and all is an emer- and yank and cajole and weld and to work — it was 42 degrees. here. This is important work in and refilling.” gency. tighten. Not a Mortimer or Poindexter bad weather.” Heavy equipment operators “If it’s gotta get done, I do it Partain will make sure the to be found within miles of this There are almost 100 people load salt for the brine-making or my guys do it, and there ain’t paperwork, the calls, the emer- place, that’s for sure. out there at the center, Trout said, and drive plows and sanders on no ‘can’t’ heard about it,” said gencies, get routed right. Orders are barked, work is split into two 12-hour shifts to the highways. Mobley. “People depend on us.” “And if we have to do it Sun- done without moaning. The cover work around the clock. James Hardin, called “Preach- Even the office and adminis- day,” Trout said, “we’ll do it sound can be like a motorcycle Each shift is a mirror of the other; er” by all these men who work trative people work the 12-hour again.”

A special thanks to all SCDOT employees for their hard work during this busy winter season! 14 SCDOT l THE CONNECTOR l WINTER 2010 Modern day Ben Sawyer Bridge opens as engineers marvel

By Bob Kudelka

ast-track engineering was on display when the Ben Sawyer Bridge’s World FWar II-era swing span was re- placed with a new one while the bridge closed to motorists for just 11 days in February. The Erector set style maneu- vers impressed veteran engineers, who noted that the Charleston County project marked the first time in South Carolina that a swing span bridge’s entire super- structure was replaced with such minimal delay to motorists. “It was awesome,” said Le- land Colvin, SCDOT Assistant Construction Engineer, who was on site to watch the jacking and PHOTOGRAPHS BY ROB THOMPSON/THE CONNECTOR lifting of the new span onto the Tugboats maneuver barges carrying the new Ben Sawyer swing span down the Intracoastal Waterway on Feb. 4. foundation. Sullivan’s Island Mayor Carl Instead of closing the bridge Smith was first to ride across the and detouring traffic for up to bridge. 18 months, the contractor used a “It’s amazing how much wid- window of just 11 days. er the bridge looks. I think it’s As it turned out, those 11 days great,” Smith told local media. “I included a rare, 3-inch snowfall, want to thank the South Carolina sleet, high winds and cold tem- Department of Transportation and peratures that challenged various Secretary (Buck) Limehouse.” aspects of the job. The rehabilitated bridge has “They picked the worst weath- the same look as the old bridge, er week we’ve had in Charleston something locals desired, but County in probably 10 years,” with new components and much Colvin said. improved features. To accomplish the job, the The new bridge has two trav- contractor first built two tempo- el lanes that are wider than the rary trestles parallel to the exiting old bridge, 14 feet instead of 12 foundations. They built new ap- feet; a new control house; and a proach spans, to include the side- 5.5-foot-wide sidewalk to con- walk and barrier walls adjacent to nect with the existing bicycle/pe- existing approach spans. destrian path along SC 703. During the 11-day closure, PCL Constructors, a Tampa- they used a jack and roller system The barge carrying the new swing span lifted and removed the old bridge, then rotated in the channel to based firm with experience in this to jack the old spans off the exit- place the new bridge in its place. On Feb. 11, during the low tide, crews prepared for the new bridge to be put type of work, was the main con- ing foundations onto the tempo- into place. The placement was done at high tide which lifted the bridge 5 feet higher. tractor. rary trestles west of the current Colvin described the design- alignment and, in turn, jacked the and lowering of swing spans. they were working 24 hours a tation link, but its function as a build project as “very unusual.” new approach spans off the tem- Once all was in place, crews day, with two 12-hour shifts. swing bridge is also part of the “Putting together the contract, porary trestles onto the existing had fairly major ‘touch-up’ work They had a lot of folks and a lot tradition and charm of the Low- we knew that we were forcing foundations and alignment, Col- including reconnecting mechani- of equipment on the job site at country landscape,” said Lime- firms to use fast-tract construc- vin said. cal and electrical systems, grind- one time and seemed to be work- house. tion methods and techniques,” Also during that short-turn ing and grooving the surface on ing well.” “This project is of particular Colvin said. “If you look at nor- around time, PCL floated in the the approach spans and swing The old approach spans will interest to me since I worked for mal construction methods and new swing span by barge from the span to meet for ridability and be demolished and the old swing what was then known as the SC techniques, you’re looking at a old Navy base, where it was con- friction, new striping, new as- span will be recycled by Nucor Highway Department during my 14- to 18-month process. By put- structed. They used barges and phalt on the approaches and func- Steel. summer vacations while a cadet ting that short-term window in water tides to lift the old swing tional testing of the new bridge. The old bridge tender’s house at The Citadel. One of my jobs the contract for the total closure, span off the foundation, allowing “It’s basically what a normal was once a familiar place for was to serve as a relief bridge it basically forced the design- for some repairs to be done to the track would take 18 months they Transportation Secretary H.B. operator. The Ben Sawyer Bridge build team to go in and use ad- foundation. Then, the new span completed in basically 11 days Limehouse Jr. has survived time and major hur- vanced, fast-track construction was set on the existing pivot pier of closure,” Colvin said. “It was “The Ben Sawyer Bridge is ricanes, and it’s important that we techniques.” again using water tides for lifting a small, compact work site and certainly an important transpor- preserve it as a swing bridge.” SCDOT l THE CONNECTOR l WINTER 2010 15

completed by the end of May 2010- just over a year from the project start Ben Sawyer date in February 2009. Just the facts... Bridge History • The Ben Sawyer Bridge is a By Julie Hussey swing span bridge constructed Civic Communications between 1943 and 1945. It connects the towns of Sullivan’s Island and Mount Pleasant over the Intracoastal Bridge Closure Waterway. and Re-Opening • Benjamin Mack Sawyer (1890 • The new Ben Sawyer Bridge was -1940) was the Chief Highway opened for traffic at 1:50 am on Commissioner/ Executive Director Friday, Feb. 19 – approximately 11 of the South Carolina Highway days after it was closed. Department between the years 1926 • In total, PCL Civil Constructors and 1940. Nicknamed “Builder – the design/build contractor for the Ben,” Sawyer oversaw a period in bridge replacement and old bridge South Carolina during which the demolition – worked 24/7 for 17 Highway Department (now known days to bring in the new swing span as the South Carolina Department and replace the old bridge with the of Transportation – SCDOT) paved new bridge opened last night. more than 6,200 roads, doubled the • Sullivan’s Island Mayor Carl roads in the system, and transformed ABOVE: PCL Constructors employees Smith not only was the last person into a fully functioning state agency put the finishing touches on the center to drive over the old bridge, he rode with thousands of employees. support where the new swing bridge in the first car over the new bridge. will rotate to open for boat traffic. He was joined by driver, Chauncey Comparing the New Bridge Clark and Tim Holbrook and was and the Existing Bridge RIGHT: After sliding the new followed by Sullivan’s Island When completed, the rehabilitated approach span into place, Town Administrator Andy Benke. bridge will have a new steel swing workers pour concrete between Sullivan’s Island resident Phillip span, two new steel superstructure the new approach span and Hammond coming from Mount approach spans, as well as new the existing roadway. Pleasant met them in the middle. electrical and mechanical systems. • The first vehicle was Chauncey • Wider Lanes and Sidewalk - In BELOW: The new approach span has Clark’s Model A response to public input, the new new traffic lights, wider travel lanes • The first runner across the new swing span truss and approach ramps and a wider pedestrian sidewalk on the swing span was Sullivan’s Island are similar to the existing bridge in harbour side. council member, Dr. Pat O’Neil. design and height with slightly wider • There were incentives and traffic lanes (14 feet wide) and a new disincentives associated with the 5.5 foot sidewalk on the harbor side. bridge closure time. PCL worked • Elevation and Clearance - The 24 hours/day throughout the closure new swing span’s elevation will period through some difficult stay the same to maintain the bridge conditions. The disincentives is a appearance and navigational channel contractual matter between SCDOT clearances. The interior bracing and PCL, we will follow the contract is being reconfigured to provide in regards to this issue. additional vertical clearance for large vehicles crossing the bridge. Funding • Control House - The new control • This $32.5 million project is house is located above the roadway entirely funded by federal dollars. just like it is on the old bridge. While These federal dollars were allocated the octagonal design is the same, the prior to any stimulus funding. new space is larger to maximize the controller’s view corridors, enable Next Steps the addition of a new bathroom, and LEFT: • The construction crew will take a allow for new electrical equipment SCDOT few days to rest and regroup. space requirements. and PCL • Now the new bridge is in place and • Approach Roadway - 400 linear Constructors open to boats and vehicles, crews feet of roadway on each side of employees will complete a few punch list items the bridge is being improved to pose in front and then begin the demolition of the accommodate the new bridge’s wider of the old old bridges. The old approach spans lanes and sidewalk. Transitions from and new will be demolished in place and the the existing multi-use path are being swing span old swing span will be recycled by constructed to allow bicyclists and bridges. Nucor Steel. pedestrians easy access to the new • The entire project is on target to be bridge sidewalk. 16 SCDOT l THE CONNECTOR l WINTER 2010 17 I-385 rehab under way

This interstate rehabilitation project extends from mile post 0 at the I-385/I-26 interchange north up I-385 approximately 15 miles. It will consist of removing some of the existing asphalt pavement and replace it with approximately 10 inches of concrete. The interstate will also be widened toward the median to add shoulders where needed to provide a finished typical section that has a 4-foot inside paved shoulder, two 12-foot travel lanes, and a 10-foot outside paved shoulder. This will raise the finished grade of the interstate and cause SCDOT to raise six overpass bridges approximately 2 feet to Grubbing and shoulder work is being done on the southbound lanes. Once the provide a minimum vertical clearance of 16 feet. The flyover northbound work is completed, southbound traffic will be re-routed south down the bridge that connects I-26 westbound to I-385 northbound will finished northbound lanes. Rehabilitation work and paving will then be done on the Detour routes are well marked with signs. The detour adds about 15 minutes to a trip to Greenville. also be replaced. southbound lanes.

PHOTOGRAPHS BY ROB THOMPSON/THE CONNECTOR Interstate 385 was originally US Route 276. It was converted Laurens Resident Maintenance Engineer Nick Waites, left, talks with McCarthy to an interstate facility in 1984 to better accommodate the Improvement Company Project Manager Nick Wolf at the two concrete plants for increasing traffic demand throughout the region. In 2007, the the I-385 rehabilitation project. average daily traffic within the project corridor was 21,900 and is expected to grow to 38,325 by 2027. On Feb. 26, an open house was held for the media. See photos on page 25.

Entrance ramps to the closed interstate are blocked off and well marked.

Local businesses have benefited from the detoured traffic. Here, Ernie Whiteford, owner of Whiteford’s restaurant, poses by his landmark sign in Laurens. Whiteford has noticed an Workers smooth out the 10-inch concrete surface after the GPS paver forms the increase in A 15-mile stretch of I-385 North has been closed for a rehabilitation project. The closed portion has been roadway. After the concrete dries, a pattern is cut into the surface to improve tire The I-385 flyover bridge over I-26 East has been removed. A pump truck is filling the drill business due to milled and readied for concrete paving. Concrete paving has started on a portion of the closed roadway. grip. shafts of one of the new bridge’s pilings. the detour.

Company, the primary contractor. “It’s a Crews are using GPS (Global Positioning • In picking subcontractors, McCarthy other project, you’re just doing it a whole lot he was confident the project would be fin- Brochures were handed out at rest areas; that,” said Ernie Whiteford, owner of Whit- I-385 from page 1 fast-track project and you have to approach System) technology to plot the paving area “didn’t necessarily choose the lowest price, faster with a whole lot more people,” Wolf ished on time. a web site was created to show maps and eford’s Restaurant in Laurens. “I’ve noticed it with intensity. You have a lot of people instead of string lines, making it more effi- we took the people who we thought could do said. “It just means you have to have a lot “We excel under pressure,” Wolf said. detailed information; public information the gas stations are really packed.” off to a good start,” Waites said. “We’ve got working in a real small area and you do a lot cient, Waites said. the work in the time that was needed,” Wolf of operations working concurrently instead “There’s nothing better than making some- meetings were held; signs were set up; and Whiteford, whose father opened the res- 8 ½ months to construct 15 miles of inter- of things you normally wouldn’t do if you “It’s fairly new technology,” Wolf said. said. of finishing one and going on to the next. thing that should take two or three years to press releases were distributed to the media. taurant in 1969, said owners of a nearby car state. It doesn’t give you a long time.” had 3 or 4 years to build the project.” “You don’t have set string lines up and don’t • McCarthy set up two concrete plants on We’ve opened up a lot more roadway and come in at six or seven months.” “The interstate detour is working great,” sales lot and an oil-change service both told The milling that began on day one of the Concrete paving began Jan. 19 with have to worry about people stepping over it site. “Normally we have one concrete plant,” it requires a lot more effort and a lot more Even before the Jan. 4 closure, pre- Perry said. “The speeds have remained him they’re seeing an increase in business. shutdown was finished in four days. The crews paving up to ¾-mile per day despite or trucks driving over it, and you don’t use a Wolf said. “We’ve set up two - one to pro- people. liminary work was being done on the proj- steady on all three routes without any big As for his restaurant, Whiteford has bridge over I-26 was removed in just under challenging weather and limits due to drop- 10-man crew to set up lines.” duce more concrete faster and as a fail-safe “It takes a lot of committed people. We ect. Workers started clearing and grubbing disruption.” bought space on two billboards hoping to six days. Asphalt paving of the northbound ping temperatures. Some other differences in the fast-paced if one plant breaks down or we have prob- have a lot of people who work a lot of hours. in November, finishing 80 percent of the The two alternative detours take motor- attract new people taking the detours. inside shoulder was completed in eight days. To make sure the 10-inch thick layer of construction are: lems, we have another plant to pull out of.” It’s got to be a real good team effort. There’s northbound and southbound lanes by mid- ists off the beaten path, which can be appeal- “We’ve seen some different people come “It set a good tone for the project, to concrete has time to cure, work must be • McCarthy has employed double the num- A big challenge so far has been schedul- not any room for time wasted. When the January. ing to both the curious motorist and busi- in and we’re glad to see them,” he said. “If get out there and get started and have done at least 4 hours before the temperature ber of workers that it normally would use if ing the many crews involved in the project, sun’s shining we get to work.” Meanwhile, an intensive public notifica- nesses looking for new customers. they come in once, usually they come back. everybody work together,” said Nick Wolf, drops to 35 degrees and within 4 hours of it was a traditional project, Wolf said. Peak Wolf said. There are 12 subcontractors. Wolf said despite the intense rains, which tion project was under way to let people “The traffic has definitely picked up and “More traffic for business is good. We’re project manager for McCarthy Improvement any expected showers. workforce will be 250. “It’s the same procedures as building any he said is “the only thing we can’t control,” know of the upcoming northbound closure. I know all the townspeople are happy about glad you did it.” 18 SCDOT l THE CONNECTOR l WINTER 2010

Since you’re taking the detour... GRAY COURT Gray Court, Owings have bits of history well worth the stop

By Pete Poore

he detours in place for the I-385 project in Laurens Coun- ty are projected to be in use for Ta total of only eight months. That’s a short period of time in the universe of The Culbertson Back Country Settlement is located one block away interstate widening projects. from downtown Gray Court. Some drivers might see these and any detours as an inconvenience. However some might see them as an opportunity to get off the interstate and do a little exploring. You might be surprised at what you can find. You can even go back in time, all the way back to the early 18th century. Anyone traveling northbound on I-26 in Laurens County can take exit 52 near Clinton shortly before reach- ing the closed off I-385 northbound PHOTOGRAPHS BY ROB THOMPSON/THE CONNECTOR lanes. You’ll travel through the towns The Atwood Cabin was built in 1797 about a quarter mile from the of Clinton and Laurens. In Laurens settlement. A two-story addition was built over the existing cabin during Dianne Culbertson shows Julia Motes how settlers used a loom to you’ll bear right onto SC 14, which the Civil War era. The original log cabin was discovered when the make rugs and clothing. quickly becomes the main thorough- addition began to deteriorate. Volunteers moved and rebuilt the original fare through the town of Gray Court. cabin to its current location in the settlement. One block from downtown Gray Court you can step back into 18th which is still standing just west of Old school, a church, a chicken coop, a century South Carolina just by turning Laurens Road, the driver would blow corn crib, a blacksmith’s shop and onto Owings Street until it intersects a horn to signal the number of passen- other structures that were brought to with Georgia Road. The road itself is gers who would have a meal or stay at there to be preserved. Many of the a part of history. It was the primary the inn. buildings were originally located not route between Augusta, Ga., and At the head of Georgia Road, just far away from the site. Salisbury, NC. It was used by many a stone’s throw from SC 14, you’ll One of the more interesting struc- travelers who rode stage coaches. find a two-acre site called the Culb- ertson Back Country Settlement. The When the stage drivers approached See DETOUR next page the Dorroh Inn, a stage coach stop Settlement is a collection of histori- cal cabins, a blockhouse, a one-room At the time of the settlement, women used one door and men used another door to enter the church.

From left, Richard Taylor, Sarah Jane Armstrong and Dianne Culbertson dress in period The Piney Grove School is a one-room African-American school where classes were held costumes while giving a tour of the Culbertson Back Country Settlement in Gray Court. until 1954. SCDOT l THE CONNECTOR l WINTER 2010 19

a farmer and merchant followed his LEFT: Further up DETOUR from page 18 ancestor to the area, moving there highway 14, the from Maryland after the Civil War. OWINGS town of Owings also The Owings family is credited with features a lot of tures is the Ora Old Fields Presbyte- constructing many of the buildings history. rian Church. The congregation dates in the town. back to 1770 in the Laurens County The Historical Society has pur- BELOW: A visit to town of Ora. The third structure was chased and preserved many struc- the old doctor’s built in 1882 and used until 1952 tures on Laurens Road including the office in Owings when the congregation joined anoth- Owings House built in 1810, a mu- will show you how er church. The building was disman- seum, a millinery shop, a doctor’s far medicine has tled and stored along with the pews office, the Vance House which is advanced over the and pulpit furniture. The church was home to an antique shop and where past century. rebuilt in the Settlement in 2005. It’s you can get a great bowl of soup, the still used for Thanksgiving Day ser- train depot, general store and a mu- vices and weddings. sic hall which is the place to be in Another significant historical Laurens County on Friday and Sat- building is the Piney Grove School, urday nights when the weather per- a one room African-American mits. school where classes were once held Musicians and music lovers gath- about five miles from the Settle- er there to play long into the night. ment. The school was in use until And the outdoor dance floor just out- 1954. A picture of the last teacher to side the hall is a favorite for those hold classes in the building can be who like to Shag. found on the wall of the classroom. Dianne Culbertson believes that The Settlement is on land that Owings was by-passed by progress was once occupied by the Dorroh in the 1940s when SC 14 provided Presbyterian Church. The land was a good road into Greenville and that purchased by Charles and Dianne was a good thing from her point of Culbertson in 2002 and given to the view. “When everyone started going Gray Court-Owings Historical Soci- to Greenville, the shops and stores in ety to create the Settlement. Owings closed down, but remained The Historical Society has about undeveloped, so the history of the 20 members dedicated to preserving 19th and early 20th centuries is still the history of the area. Two of the here. We’re just trying to preserve primary movers-and-shakers who it,” she said. PHOTOGRAPHS BY ROB THOMPSON/THE CONNECTOR formed the group are Dianne Cul- The highlight of the year for ABOVE: Jonathan, Heather, Julia and Michael Walker bertson and Sarah Jane Armstrong. the Historical Society is the annual perform at the Owings Music Hall. Local musicians Both ladies have always been inter- Pioneer Day held in September. sign up to perform there every Saturday night. ested in genealogy and history. Each The Society puts on a show in both RIGHT: Antiques are on display in several buildings had traveled and seen how small Gray Court and Owings to celebrate as well as the town’s museum. towns have preserved their history. American Heritage. All of the pre- In 2001, their conversations evolved served buildings in both towns are into preserving the history of their open for tours. The day features mu- own home town, and the Gray sic, blacksmith demonstrations, quilt Court-Owings Historical Society shows, pottery, churning, story-tell- was formed. ing and woodcarving among other “Our part of the state is rich in 18th and 19th century Americana. history and early American culture. You don’t have to wait for Pio- It’s a little different than the large neer Day to tour the history of Gray mansions you see in Charleston be- Court and Owings. Anyone who cause these were back country peo- would like to take the I-385 detour ple living on the border of the Indian with stops in these two historical territories. They made their living by towns can call either Dianne Cul- farming and they made the things bertson at 864-876-2667, or Sarah they needed themselves,” said Arm- Jane Armstrong at 864-876-3712. strong. Either of these ladies will be happy The Culbertson Back Country to set up a tour of any of the build- Settlement is just one piece in a larg- ings. The Gray Court-Owings His- er history mosaic that is preserved by torical Society also has a web site: the Historical Society. The Society’s gcohistoricalsociety.org. labor of love extends northward a If you don’t have the time for few miles to the town Owings. a formal tour, you can still walk Running parallel to SC 14 just around the grounds of the Settlement one block over is Laurens Road. This in Gray Court or up and down Lau- narrow road is the location for what rens Road in Owings and truly step was once downtown Rapley, later back in time just a few miles from The old train depot features a mural painted by a local artist. Plans are to restore the depot to be used changed to Owings. Francis Owings, I-385. for community events. 20 SCDOT l THE CONNECTOR l WINTER 2010 Promotions Leah B. Quattlebaum, of Irmo, from Michelle P. Benton, of Walterboro, Joey D. Holmes, of Travelers Rest, Jason A. Childers, of Union, from Engineer/Associate Engineer III to Engi- from Assistant Geodetic Technician to Se- from Trades Specialist III to Trades Spe- Trades Specialist IV to Trades Specialist V, neer/Associate Engineer IV, RPG 2, Pee nior Geodetic Technician, District 6 Office. cialist IV, Greenville Maintenance. Union Maintenance. Dee. Aaron R. Arant, of St. Matthews, from John E. Bost, of Greenville, from Phillip C. Hinson, of Rock Hill, from Peggy M. Paxton, of Pelzer, from As- Trades Specialist II to Information Re- Trades Specialist II to Trades Specialist III, Engineer/Associate Engineer II to Engi- sistant Geodetic Technician to Associate source Coordinator, District 7 Office. Greenville Maintenance. neer/Associate Engineer III, Union Main- Geodetic Technician, Office of Materials Douglas A. Gable, of Abbeville, from Christopher W. Madden, of Pickens, tenance. and Research. Trades Specialist II to Trades Specialist III, from Associate Geodetic Technician to Kenneth D. Cogley, of McBee, from John E. Wessinger, of Lexington, from Abbeville Maintenance. Engineer/Associate Engineer I, Pickens Assistant Geodetic Technician to Envi- Right Of Way Agent II to Right Of Way Thomas O. Longshore, of Greenwood, Maintenance. ronmental/Health Manager I, Darlington Agent III, Rights Of Way. from Trades Specialist II to Trades Special- Joseph E. Cannon, of Pickens, from Maintenance. Nicholas S. Rebovich, of Greenwood, ist IV, Abbeville Maintenance. Trades Specialist II to Trades Specialist III, Steven Floyd, of Mullins, from Trades from Engineer/Associate Engineer II to John A. Holley, of Iva, from Trades Pickens Maintenance. Specialist IV to Engineer/Associate Engi- Engineer/Associate Engineer III, District Specialist II to Trades Specialist III, Ab- Chad J. Smith, of Spartanburg, from neer II, Marion Maintenance. 2 Office. beville Maintenance. Trades Specialist II to Trades Specialist III, Bruce T. Alford, of Clio, from Trades Juanita H. Abercrombie, of Chester, Marcus G. Addis II, of Anderson, from Spartanburg Maintenance. Specialist III to Trades Specialist IV, Marl- from Administrative Assistant to Adminis- Supply Specialist II to Assistant Geodetic Christopher H. Copeland, of Spartan- boro Maintenance. trative Coordinator I, District 4 Office. Technician, Anderson Maintenance. burg, from Trades Specialist II to Trades Jonathan E. Mishoe, of Conway, from Susan P. Morris, of Chester, from Ad- Thomas E. Dorn Jr., of Saluda, from Specialist III, Spartanburg Maintenance. Senior Geodetic Technician to Chief Geo- ministrative Specialist II to Administrative Engineer/Associate Engineer I to Engi- Jonathan A. Lucas, of Chester, from detic Technician, Horry Construction. Assistant, District 4 Office. neer/Associate Engineer II, Saluda Con- Trades Specialist III to Trades Specialist David B. Pollard, of Walterboro, from Richard A. Livingston Jr., of King- struction. IV, Chesterfield Maintenance. Trades Specialist III to Trades Specialist stree, from Associate Geodetic Technician Sammy L. Kiser Jr., of Greer, from Richard H. Teigue, of McConnells, IV, Colleton Maintenance. to Engineer/Associate Engineer I, District Trades Specialist III to Trades Specialist from Trades Specialist II to Trades Special- 5 Office. IV, Greenville Maintenance. ist IV, Chesterfield Maintenance.

Roberta Mack named Email Tips Professional Services Manager By Janet Jendron SC Assistive Technology Program Composing a Subject Line oberta B. Mack, of St. Administrator. USC School of Medicine · Write brief concise subjects Matthews, has been pro- A native of Orangeburg, she is for your e-mail moted to Director of Con- a graduate of St. Matthews High · When reusing old e-mails Rstruction/Professional Service School. She attended South Caro- Things to Avoid (forwarding or responding) – Manager. lina State University, the Univer- • Backgrounds commonly Rename your subject based on She is responsible for select- sity of South Carolina, and gradu- known as stationary the new content ing and adminisatering profes- ated from Wesleyan University • Special characters like the © · If you are part of a team using sional service contracts and han- with a BA in Business Adminis- (Copyright symbol) or a (smi- e-mail, consider using a brief dling consultant evaluations. tration. ley face) acronym in front of the subject. She joined SCDOT in 1982 She is a 2004 STTAR gradu- • Graphics or clip art, unless This acronym can be used for as a Clerical Specialist, and was ate and a Certified Public -Man you know how to add alt tags sorting the e-mail messages. promoted through the ranks to ager. She has two sons, Jay and • ALL CAPS her most recent position, Contract Jerome. Roberta Mack • Fancy fonts such as cursive or Always make sure that you: graphic signature blocks. Stick · Provide a concise, clear sub- with san-serif fonts such as Ari- ject line al or Verdana. · Use plain language in the body of your message Tim Hunter named Header · Remove unnecessary infor- One of the most important mation before forwarding or re- Environmental Liaison in Legal elements in an e-mail Header plying to an email and rename is the subject field. The subject the subject as needed im Hunter has been named also provide technical support for field is the first field your reader · Provide a summary for at- the Legal Office’s “Envi- legal issues involving mitigation sees – or in many cases does not tachments and make sure that ronmental Liaison.” banks, the Clean Air Act and oth- see because it is empty. Many attachments are readable by ev- T As Legal’s Environmental Li- er environmental matters. people sort their mail according eryone aison Tim will provide technical He has a BS in Marine Sci- to subject. Leaving the subject By following these prac- support in litigation and threat- ence (Physical Oceanography w/ field empty, or providing a vague tices, your e-mail will be much ened litigation, assist in identi- an Engineering Emphasis) from or meaningless subject can con- more efficient and accessible to fying environmental issues and the University of South Carolina. fuse your readers. A subject field all your recipients. Remember, improving processes, and keep He began his career with SCDOT that just says RE, which means your goal is to get the mes- us up to date with environmental in 1995 with the Environmental regarding, with no further expla- sage across to everyone the first Tim Hunter regulatory requirements. He will Management Office. nation – is meaningless. time. SCDOT l THE CONNECTOR l WINTER 2010 21 Retirements Retirements News Willie L. Manning, of 22, after 11 years of service. Louie E. Ellenburg, of Inman, Blackburg, trades specialist II at Everett W. Phipps, of trades specialist III at Spartanburg W.V. Billy Bowers Jr. Beth Abercrombie Cherokee Maintenance, retired Summerville, engineer/associate Maintenance, retired Jan. 18, after Retired 1980 Retired 2003 Nov. 9, after 19 years of state engineer, Office of Materials and 28 years of state service. Resident Maintenance Nurse service. Research, retired Dec. 31, after Herbert M. Coleman, of Engineer Headquarters Don S. Turner, of Irmo, 31 years of service. Hodges, trades specialist II at Hampton County I enjoy visiting my children engineer/associate engineer in Harry Mixon Jr., of Greenwood Maintenance, retired After my first wife died in in Summerville, Sumter, and Director of Traffic Engineering Bishopville, trades specialist II at Jan. 20, after 22 years of service. 1984, I married Joyce Newman Sherwood, Ore. Grandchildren office, retired Nov. 16, after 38 Lee Maintenance, retired Dec. 31, Richea G. House, of on Nov. 23, 1986, and moved are my blessings, four girls and years of state service. after 13 years of service. Columbia, engineer/associate to Manning. Joyce and I both one boy. I volunteer at Lex- Sandra K. McNair, of Clarence W. Evans, of Lake engineer, Pavement Management- enjoy fishing, dancing and trav- ington Hospital delivering the Mountville, administrative City, trades specialist III at Secondary Roads, retired Jan. 22, eling. Joyce also enjoys work- flowers and mail to patients. specialist at Laurens Construction, Florence Maintenance, retired after 12 years of service. ing in the yard with flowers. This year my husband Char- retired Nov. 30, after 15 years of Dec. 31, after 19 years of service. Larry D. Prescott, of Sumter, We are still living in Manning. lie and I had great fun with state service. Robert B. Gaddy, of Rembert, engineer/associate engineer in I have served on the Varn- grandchildren at the Great Wolf Dennis C. Robinson, of trades specialist V at Kershaw Florence Surveys, retired Jan. 28, ville City Council, the Hamp- Lodge in North Carolina. We Jonesville, trades specialist V at Maintenance, retired Dec. 31, after 31 years of state service. ton County Council, President also traveled to Alaska, cruise Union Maintenance, retired Nov. after 17 year of service. Samuel Shine, of Moncks of the Rotary Club, the Hamp- and land tour. I enjoy phone 30 after 10 years of service. Earline G. Gatewood, Corner, trades specialist II at ton General Hospital Board, calls and lunches with SCDOT Clyde L. Shealy, of Chapin, of Greenville, administrative Berkeley Maintenance, retired Vice-President of the Varnville friends. Hello to you all. engineer/associate engineer, specialist in Rights of Way, Jan. 29, after 22 years of service. Area Housing Corporation, Office of Materials and Research, Greenville District, retired Dec. Eddie G. Bryan Jr., of Secretary and Treasurer of the retired Nov 30, after 32 years of 31, after 30 years of service. Edgefield, trades specialist IV at Varnville Cemetery Associa- If you have retiree news service. James A. Givens, of Ruffin, Edgefield Maintenance, retired tion, the Ambassador for Omar to share, send it to Cody Essie M. Gause, of Lugoff, trades specialist II at Colleton Feb. 1, after 32 years of service. Shrine Temple in Mt. Pleasant senior geodetic technician in Maintenance, retired Jan. 1, after James R. Boykin, of which required a lot of time Crouch at CrouchWC@ Road Data Services, retired Dec. 32 years of service. Winnsboro, trades specialist III traveling to obtain funds for the SCDOT.org or call him at 1, after 29 years of service. Patrick M. Kerr, of at Fairfield Maintenance, retired Shriner’s Hospital. 803-737-1317. Winford N. Pearson Jr., of Jonesville, mechanic III at Union Feb. 1, after 28 years of service. West Columbia, trades specialist Maintenance, retired Jan. 1, after III at Lexington Maintenance, 15 years of state service. retired Dec. 1, after 33 years of Harold D. Jennings, of service. Buffalo, trades specialist II at John D. Burnette, of Joanna, Union Maintenance, retired Jan. Deaths engineer/associate engineer, D2- 1, after 19 years of service. Bridge Inspection, retired Dec. 1, Lynn M. Fulmer, of Little Nancy Martin Brown, 62, after 31 years of service. Mountain, fiscal technician II in of Columbia, who retired as an Bobby R. Patterson, Accounting, retired Jan. 1, after administrative assistant in the engineer/associate engineer, 16 years of service. Communications office, died Anderson Maintenance, retired Ronnie D. Duckett, of Dec. 4. Dec. 2, after 36 years of service. Gaffney, incident responder I in Lawrence M. Booker, of District 4, retired Jan. 3, after Roy Alfred Edwards Jr., Union, trades specialist III at seven years of service. 74, of Greenwood, SCDOT re- Union Maintenance, retired Dec. Franklin J. Williamson, of tiree, died Dec. 15. 7, after 14 years of service. Dillon, trades specialist III at Willie L. Kirkland Sr., of Dillon Maintenance, retired Jan. Reuben C. Guy, 55, of Ridgeway, trades specialist III 4, after 25 years of service. Chester, engineer/associate en- Nancy Brown Reuben Guy at Fairfield Maintenance, retired Thomas G. Crook, of gineer at Chester Maintenance, Dec. 14, after 11 years of service. Orangeburg, trades specialist II at died Dec. 2. John E. Winfield, of Kershaw, Orangeburg Maintenance, retired trades specialist II at Lancaster Jan. 5, after nine years of service. Harold B. “Brad” Perry, Maintenance, retired Dec. 15, Louise S. Moore, of West 52, of Walterboro, an associate after six years of service. Columbia, engineer/associate geodetic technician in Pavement Leroy S. Davidson, of engineer, Planning, retired Jan. 8, Management-Secondary Roads, Chester, administrative assistant after 10 years of service. died March 7. at District 4 Office, retired Dec. Timothy K. Cobb, of 16 after 19 years of state service. Landrum, trades specialist III at William G. “Stoney” Derrell S. Rice Jr., of Greenville Maintenance, retired Stoneburner, 66, of West Columbia, engineer/associate Jan. 12, after 16 years of state Columbia, who retired Jan. 25, engineer in Planning, retired Dec. service. as associate geodetic technician 17, after 10 years of service. Evelyn S. Turner, of in Road Data Services, died Geneva S. Rufus, of Sumter, Leesville, program manager I in Feb. 18. assistant geodetic technician at Rights of Way, retired Jan. 15, Brad Perry Stoney Stoneburner Sumter Construction, retired Dec. after 33 years of state service. 22 SCDOT l THE CONNECTOR l WINTER 2010 Traffic engineer publishes two children’s books SCDOT employees get discount tickets to Riverbank Zoo raffic Signal and Systems Engineer Carol Jones of Traf- Tfic Engineering has recently published two children’s books. Jones, a civil engineer for 25 years, has worked for SCDOT for 15 years. For the past two years writing has allowed her to express her artistic side. Married with three children and one grandchild, she enjoys reading and working with children. She recently published two books – “Catch the Reading Bug” and “Mixed Up Me.” These books can be found on a number of websites including www.amazon.com, www. barnesandnoble.com, www.author- ROB THOMPSON/THE CONNECTOR house.com. Carol Jones’ children’s books can be purchased through Amazon.com. The target audience for these books are children ages 4 to 10, but books. He knows there are secrets, “Mixed Up Me” is a book concern- can be enjoyed by adults as well. because human children come out ing biracial children and the questions every day and stare at the books they ask about who they are. Having There are enough challenging words PHOTO BY RICHARD W. ROKES/RIVERBANKS ZOO that children will ask their meanings, and turn the pages. Josh is a young children is a joyful experience. When so it is a teaching book. In “Catch the boy more interested in baseball and they ask or are asked questions about Purchase discount tickets to Riverbanks Zoo Reading Bug” there is enough humor recess, than in reading. Their acciden- who they are, it should only be to cel- and during your visit, make sure you stop that even adults will enjoy the story. tal meeting is facilitated by fate in the ebrate their heritage, not to categorize by Koala Knockabout—you might catch a In “Mixed Up Me,” Jones uses poetry form of a dusting janitor who sends them. The book focuses on the beauty glimpse of Oliver, the Zoo’s newest koala joey. or rhyming to make the book very Itchy to Josh’s hat and therefore his of diversity in both the world and in home. Josh and Itchy meet and dis- the people who inhabit the earth. The Born last April to parents Lottie and Jimmy, readable. the baby koala spent nearly seven months “Catch the Reading Bug” is a story cover they can be friends and learn book will appeal to all ages and will from each other. make one think about why we focus developing in his mother’s pouch before the of a very unusual friendship between keepers even caught a peek at him. Now, too a boy named Josh and a bug, Itchy the The book will appeal to a child’s so much on how people look rather Inchworm. Itchy lives in the research sense of fun. Children can relate to than who they are and what they’ve large for Lottie’s pouch, Oliver spends most room of the local library, and he and Josh and his desire for fun. The book done. of his day perched on mom’s back or tucked his family love books. Well, they shows that reading can be fun, espe- Jones writes under the name V.C. around her belly. Don’t miss seeing this love to eat them, but Itchy is differ- cially with the right book and espe- Jones and has teamed up with Jan adorable addition! ent. He spends most of his time in the cially if you are helping someone else Feaster to do the illustrations on the children’s section, hoping to unlock to learn. Children love to teach others next five books. Feaster works in the To purchase and print your discount the secret captured in the pages of the what they know. Planning Department at SCDOT. tickets visit tickets.riverbanks.org and enter the exclusive password: scdot

PLAY BALL! NEW SCDOT Learning SCDOT Softball Tournament Management E-Learning When: April 24, 2010 Website courses: Where: Pelion Sports Complex TCCC Surveying: the basics of construction survey- Who: SCDOT Employees and Retirees ing. Estimated completion time is approximately 3 Contact: Michael Dennis hours. (803) 737-1445 TCCC: Construction of PCC Pavements: Portland [email protected] cement concrete (PCC) paving and restoration pro- Cost: To be determined cess: Approximately 10 hours to complete. (usually around $85 per team) Pre-Trip Inspection: This course will provide you with a detailed description of the necessary steps for For a copy of the rules and other performing a pre-trip inspection on a vehicle in a CDL information, please contact Michael examination setting. Approximately 30 minutes. Dennis. http://lms.scdot.org/ Any questions? Contact Daniel Graham at (803) 737-6037. SCDOT l THE CONNECTOR l WINTER 2010 23

Engineering News Got news? Contact Andy Leaphart at: 803-737-1994 or email him at National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Permitting [email protected]

By Ray Vaughan owned, operated, and maintained a Roadway Runoff Management and Jackie Williams roads and facilities. Plan (RRMP). The purpose of Preconstruction Support the plan was to document pro- Andy Program Highlights grams that had been developed Leaphart Storm Water Permitting SCDOT’s NPDES MS4 per- to prevent and reduce pollutants Background mit has ten main program el- in storm water from SCDOT’s In 1972 the Clean Water Act ements or minimum control drainage system. (CWA) was established to im- measures. (Structural Controls, In addition a Rest Area Man- Education and outreach are key The Future of the Storm Water prove the water quality of the Areas of New Development and agement Plan (RAMP) was de- components to any successful Management Program nations streams and rivers. The Significant Redevelopment, - Ex veloped for the 24 rest areas and storm water program. Prior to the The last year of the permit CWA prohibited the discharge of isting SCDOT Roadways, Flood nine welcome centers across the development of the Storm Water cycle (Nov. 1, 2010, to Oct. 31, pollutants to waters of the United Control Projects, Industrial Fa- state. Management Plan (SWMP), SC- 2011), in general, will be a time States from a point source unless cilities, Application of Pesticides, DOT had several public aware- of review, evaluation, and plan- the discharge was authorized by Herbicides, and Fertilizers, Illicit Construction Site Runoff ness programs in place includ- ning for the second permit cycle. a National Pollutant Discharge Discharges and Improper Dis- The NPDES permit requires ing anti-litter programs. SCDOT SCDOT will have to continue to Elimination System (NPDES) posal, Construction Site Runoff, that SCDOT develop and imple- has also developed a storm water be flexible as the program- ma permit. Monitoring Program and Public ment a program to reduce erosion website link to assist with public tures over the course of future Congress amended the CWA in Education). Each main program and sedimentation at construc- awareness. In addition as part of a permit cycles and water quality 1987 to require the Environmen- element has several requirements tion sites. SCDOT maintains an pet waste education plan, 67 pet requirements become more strin- tal Protection Agency (EPA) to associated with it as defined in the inspection staff to weekly inspect waste receptacles with signage gent. establish phased NPDES require- permit. construction activities as they were installed at rest areas. ments for point and non-point pertain to the approved sediment storm water discharges. The EPA 1. Structural Controls and erosion control plans for the published the requirements for Operation respective projects. Inspections certain categories of storm water Post Construction Structural are conducted every seven cal- discharges associated with indus- Controls are any devices used for endar days and problems noted trial activity and for discharges the treatment of post construction during these inspections must be from Municipal Separate Storm storm water. The Department has corrected within seven calendar Sewer Systems (MS4s) located contracted the maintenance of days. Compliance with the ap- in municipalities with a popula- these structural controls, which proved Sediment and Erosion tion of 100,000 or more (Phase I included removal of sediment Control Plan is enforced. This sources). Storm water discharge and muck, oil and grease, trash may include a written notice to permits provide a mechanism for and litter, and other debris. comply or a suspension of work monitoring the discharge of pol- onsite if needed. lutants from Phase I sources to 2. Existing SCDOT Roadways waters of the United States. Public Education The South Carolina Depart- Roadway and Rest Area Because storm water pollu- ment of Transportation (SCDOT) Runoff Management Plans tion is caused by so many differ- was designated as a large MS4 by During the first year of the ent activities, traditional regula- the South Carolina Department of permit cycle, SCDOT completed tory controls will only go so far. Health and Environmental Con- trol (SCDHEC) and issued a MS4 permit effective Nov. 1, 2006. SCDOT’s MS4 permit covers all SCDOT facilities and rights-of- way. With a jurisdictional area covering the entire State of South Carolina, SCDOT currently maintains approximately 42,000 miles of roadways.

Storm Water Management Program It is the goal of the SCDOT storm water management pro- gram to comply with the NPDES South Carolina permit requirements and to im- Watershed Map prove the quality of storm water runoff associated with SCDOT 24 SCDOT l THE CONNECTOR l WINTER 2010

District 1 News Got news? Contact Teresa Rast at: 803- Kershaw, Lee, Lexington, Richland and Sumter counties 737-6715 or email her at [email protected] District Engineer: Thad Brunson (803) 737-6660 FAX (803) 737-6401 Teresa Rast Snow falls across the Midlands

ROB THOMPSON/THE CONNECTOR

ROB THOMPSON/THE CONNECTOR Richland Maintenance crews fill a salt spreader on Jan. 7 in preparation for predicted evening snow.

Snow blankets Lexington Maintenance’s office on Feb. 12. The Friday snow melted away by the next day.

ROB THOMPSON/THE CONNECTOR Molly Alston, left, and Jackie McClinton of Richland Maintenance have District 1 employees salted the interstates and main routes during the evening of Jan. 7. a snowball fight during their break on Feb. 12. SCDOT l THE CONNECTOR l WINTER 2010 25

District 2 News Got news? Contact Dwayne Abbeville, Anderson, Edgefield, Greenwood, Laurens, Scott at McCormick, Newberry and Saluda counties 864-227-6222 or email him at District Engineer: Phillip M. Brooks (864) 227-6971 [email protected]. FAX (864) 227-6567

Media tour I-385 rehabilitation project Dwayne Scott

PHOTOGRAPHS BY ROB THOMPSON/THE CONNECTOR Local media toured the rehabilitation work on the I-385 project on Feb. 26.

Clemson engineering students also toured the project and were able to see highway construction first hand. Legislators joined print, radio and television media on the tour. The contractor provided a shuttle bus to the project. District 2 DEA Phillip Brooks can now add ‘author’ to his accomplishments hillip Brooks has nursed an interest research, I’ll be able to extend this even descendants and photos of the earliest in genealogy for at least 30 years. further after my retirement from SCDOT,” generations was quite an adventure. He It was sparked when he discovered Brooks said. developed contacts via letter and email Pthat none of the older surviving members The purpose of this book was to reunite, with family from Florida to Idaho. Brooks of the Brooks family had any knowledge at least in spirit and memory, members of and his wife traveled as far as central of the family’s ancestors prior to his great- the Brooks family which once met yearly Florida and Alabama to make personal great grandfather, Whitfield Brooks, who at his great aunt’s house in Lexington visits. He never met most of these indi- was born in the mid-nineteenth century. County. These were the progeny of his viduals and they “didn’t know him from This was a puzzle to both his father and great-grand parents Benjamin A. and Em- Adam’s house cat.” Therefore he was himself. As a result, he began the search ily S. Nicholson Brooks of Saluda County. truly amazed at how receptive they were for his predecessors, with little success, by Its development took approximately one in assisting him with the book’s develop- interviewing elderly members of the fam- and one half years from research to publi- ment. ily and elderly members of the community cation. This may seem like a very short pe- Brooks said it’s a worthy endeavor for where the family originated. Through lo- riod of time for such an accomplishment, anyone to discover roots and establish their cal county and federal records he was fi- but not so when you consider today’s inter- family tree . . . for themselves and poster- nally able to find out about two additional net resources and publishing software. ity. “But don’t be surprised in your search generations. “Hopefully, with continued Collecting the information on the 335 if you turn up the occasional horse thief!” 26 SCDOT l THE CONNECTOR l WINTER 2010

Got news? District 3 News Please contact Joyce Gardner at 864-241-1010 Greenville, Oconee, Pickens and Spartanburg counties or by emailing her at [email protected] District Engineer: Steve Gwinn (864) 241-1010 FAX (864) 241-1115 Joyce Gardner Snow hits upstate multiple times

Let it snow, let it snow, let it... STOP!

PHOTOGRAPHS BY JOYCE GARDNER/DISTRICT 3 he winter of 2010 has areas with three to six inches of brought snowfall to the snow. Upstate on two weekends Two weekends later on Feb. Twithin a two-week period. Em- 12, the Upstate braced for “Round ployees worked a regular work Two” of snowfall. Starting on Fri- week then continued throughout day, the snow began falling and the weekend to keep the road- did not stop until lunchtime on ways clear and safe for travelers. Saturday. SCDOT crews cleared Jan. 29-30 was the first snow from four to six inches of snow of 2010 that began in the after- during this weekend. noon and kept coming through- These photos were taken in out the night. Crews worked Spartanburg County near I-26 non-stop until Sunday to clear and US 176 during the first snow- the ice and snow that covered fall. SCDOT l THE CONNECTOR l WINTER 2010 27

District 4 News Got news? Contact Edward Cherokee, Chester, Chesterfield, District Engineer: Stan Bland Moore with your ideas at 803-377- Fairfield, Lancaster, Union and (803) 377-4155 4155 or by emailing York counties FAX (803) 581-2088 him at MooreEO@ scdot.org

District 4 RCEs Edward Moore Guy, Connor Fund Raiser

District 4 Resident Construction Engineers are, from left, Jeremiah Bradley, John Huskins, Shane Parris, Greg Williams and Ken Wilson. Combined they are currently responsible for the management and oversight of 55 projects valued at $120 million. Rollover Simulator

Chester RME Freddie Jackson, left, and York RME Brad Trout show the signed Get Well cards and cash donations that were collected for Reuben Guy and Ervin Connor.

lunch fund raiser was held on Nov. 5 for Reuben Guy and Ervin Connor, two employees battling cancer. Maintenance employees from York and AChester participating in a chainsaw and slope mowing safety training seminar signed get well cards and col- lected donations. Employees from Chesterfield and Union Maintenance also sent cards and donations. The effort collected a total South Carolina Highway Patrol Trooper Corporal Bryan McDougald demonstrates a crash of $2,022 for the families of Guy and Connor. rollover simulator to students participating in an 8-hour Driver Improvement Program at Connor, of Chester, is a Trades Specialist II at York Maintenance. Guy, of Chester, was an engineer/associate District 4 Office in Chester. Trooper McDougald stresses the importance of wearing seatbelts engineer at Chester Maintenance. while driving. He stated that occupants of vehicles are seven times more likely to die if not Guy passed away on Dec. 2. wearing seatbelt. Reuben Guy 28 SCDOT l THE CONNECTOR l WINTER 2010

District 5 News Got news? Contact Michael Miller at Darlington, Dillon, Florence, Georgetown, Horry, Marion, 843-661-4710 or by emailing Marlboro and Williamsburg counties him at [email protected] District Engineer: Dennis Townsend (843) 661-4710 FAX (843) 661-4704 Michael Miller Snow hits District 5

A local TV station interviews Marlboro Resident Maintenance Engineer Dale Stewart about the steps SCDOT takes to ensure safe highways during predicted snowfalls.

US 15 in Marlboro County was safe to travel after the snowfall thanks to the work of SCDOT Maintenance crews.

An employee from Florence Maintenance does a final equipment check before he goes out on the road.

Darlington Maintenance upgraded the platform around their brine tank system recently to make it safer for employees to operate and inspect the process. The mezzanine system is nearly complete, awaiting finishing touches, and it will be ready for the next snow or ice storm. Wayne Locklair, Alphonso Solomon, and Danny Here is a sight we do not see very often – the District 5 Office Coleman built the brine system in Darlington. covered in snow! SCDOT l THE CONNECTOR l WINTER 2010 29

District 6 News Got news? Contact Janet Beaufort, Berkeley, Charleston, Colleton, Dorchester and Jasper counties Hendrix at : 843-740-1667 ext. District Engineer: Robert Clark (843) 740-1665 128 or by emailing FAX (843) 740-1663 her at HendrixJL@ scdot.org

Meet the Charleston Construction units Janet Hendrix CDOT is widening US 17A begin- of the project is just less than 9 miles. ning at Cypress Gardens Road to the Although we are currently waiting for the CHARLESTON CONSTRUCTION B Moncks Corner town limits. The work NOI to be issued, this project began in No- Swill transform the road from its current two vember with the utility companies working lane section to a five-lane section with paint- on their relocations. US Group, the prime ed median, curb and gutter and sidewalk. contractor, has been completing various Also, included in the project are drainage moving items due to the additional right-of- improvements and a culvert extension and way that was purchased along the length of four culvert replacements. The total length the project.

CHARLESTON CONSTRUCTION A

From left: Michael Lindsey, Doug Buckheister, Kevin Colvin, Leon Tria, Shannon Callahan, Kevin Mitchell, Danny Mikell

From left: Denise Landhan, Sarah Hamrick, RCE Rickie Green, Moshtaba Vedad

From left: William Dennison, Steven Canaday, Kean Scott and Jimmy Dais

Back Row, top to bottom: Robert Ruddy, Stuart Glasgow, Joseph Winfield Jr., Richard Davis, Jeffery Morgan, Jr., Ryan Ross, Michael Cole, Darlene Broughton. Front Row, top to bottom: Wendy Plunkett, Kevin Washington, James Hull, Katherine Onspaugh, John Willis, Wayne Clark, Clara John Willis Stuart Glasgow Bailey, Joenald Petero. Not Pictured: John Paulus From left: Anthony Noriega, Randy K. Phillips, Lenora Mood, Clay Bodiford, Emelito Pineda, Daniel Burton, Aaron Beaudrot, RCE Jeff Rajabi, Donovan Vedad 30 SCDOT l THE CONNECTOR l WINTER 2010

District 7 News Got news? Contact Deborah Berry at: Aiken, Allendale, Bamberg, Barnwell, Calhoun, Clarendon, 803-531-6850 or by emailing her at Hampton and Orangeburg counties [email protected]

District Engineer: Jo Ann Woodrum (803) 531-6850 Deborah FAX (803) 531-6854 Berry SCDOT to the rescue Employee douses man on fire n Jan. 6, Ronnie Fail was picking up lit- ter on US 601 approximately four miles outside of Bamberg when he spotted a man Orolling around in a field with his leg on fire. Isaac “Sonny” Stevenson Sr., 70, was burning debris in his front yard near his home when his right pants leg caught on fire. Fail stopped and tried to pat the fire out with his hands then started throw- ing dirt on the flames. “He was wearing coveralls like I have on right now” Fail said. “The whole pants leg was burned off and his crutches were burned.” Once the fire was out, Fail called 911 but Steven- son chose to drive himself to the emergency room. A family member stated Stevenson was admit- ted to the Augusta Burn “I hope someone will Center for treatment. Fail has been with do the same for me Bamberg Maintenance one day.” since July 2, 2009 as a Ronnie Fail Trades Specialist on the Bamberg Maintenance Mowing crew. He was in the right place at the Ronnie Fail was working right time, recognized a near Bamberg when he potentially deadly situation, acted immediately and spotted a man with his pants went beyond the call of duty to help a fellow man. on fire. He stopped and If he is ever in the same circumstances, “I hope helped put out the fire. someone will do the same for me one day” Fail said.

2009 Adopt-A-Family Meet Dottie Hutto Name: Dottie Hutto Title: Trades Specialist II everal offices in District Seven joined together to adopt Location: Aiken Maintenance a family for Christmas this year and the needs were met Wagener Section Shed with generous giving. Service: 6 years S Employees enjoyed shopping and wrapping the presents for our family and the gifts were delivered in time for the holiday. ottie Hutto works as a clerk in the The mother/grandmother responded with an overwhelming Wagener Office. Hutto and her appreciation for gifts given to her family in these economically husband, Ronnie, have two children, trying times. DSamantha, 20, and Shane, 16. “Please tell everyone thank you from the bottom of my heart She and her family attend Clinton United and have a very Merry Christmas,” she said. Methodist Church. Hutto enjoys playing softball, and she is a USC Gamecocks fan. SCDOT l THE CONNECTOR l WINTER 2010 31 VIEWPOINTS ARRA won’t cure rural road funding shortfall Electric, natural gas vehicles will decrease DOT funding

By H.B. ‘Buck’ Limehouse Jr. Secretary of Transportation

CDOT has been fortu- nate in the past year to benefit from the high- Sway stimulus funds that were provided by the American

Recovery and Reinvestment ZOE COOK/SCDOT COMMUNICATIONS Act (ARRA). We were able to nearly double our federal aid program for one year. But the years, which translates into a are soon approaching the time but will pay no user fees. ARRA funds and other factors loss of $50 million in revenue when they will move these ve- In order to make this point have created some misconcep- in 2010. Since my administra- hicles out of the research and in a more dramatic fashion, I tions about SCDOT’s financial tion began, we have been cut- development garages to the commissioned a natural gas picture that need to be cleared ting administrative costs and sales lots at dealerships. vehicle which has been travel- up. eliminating wasteful spending, The movement has reached ing South Carolina’s highways The ARRA funds gave us begun an intense recycling South Carolina with the early using only natural gas as fuel. an additional $463 million, but program, and delayed filling February announcement that This vehicle has traveled thou- with some strings attached. H.B. ‘Buck’ Limehouse Jr. vacancies. We have benefitted the Proterra Corp. will locate sands of miles and has not paid The 120-day “shovel ready” from many project bids com- a plant in Greenville. Proterra one cent in taxes that would requirement on a portion of ways are for the most part ing in under budget, which has will manufacture electric-pow- contribute to the state’s high- this money had our staff work- rural roads. The revenue for allowed us to stretch our dol- ered transit buses and electric way fund. ing rapidly to make sure that the maintenance and improve- lars to cover more projects. power systems for other heavy We have been doing more none of this money would go ment of these highways comes Despite our best efforts, vehicles. The creation of 1300 with less at SCDOT for some unused and forfeited back to primarily from the state gas which are on-going, SCDOT jobs in the Upstate is undeni- time now, but we’ll continue the Federal Highway Admin- tax. is not exempt from the belt- ably good news and a shot in to maximize whatever reve- istration. In healthy economic times, tightening all other state agen- the arm for the state’s econo- nues we have available to us to Much of it was used to re- we expect to see modest cies have been forced to do. my. But keep in mind that the provide the best transportation surface highways in all 46 growth in state revenues that We have reached the point at vehicles produced by Proterra infrastructure system we can counties. This was a perfect fit are barely enough to keep us SCDOT where we have in- will be using the highways, for the state of South Carolina. with our “Fix it First” strategy, ahead of inflation. Since the stituted a voluntary furlough but only roads that were eli- summer of 2007 when the program to reduce the pay- gible for federal aid could re- price at the pump peaked at roll. As of late February, 256 ceive ARRA dollars. We have four dollars per gallon, people employees have stepped up to over 20,000 miles of highways reacted decisively. They drove take unpaid days off, including in South Carolina that are not fewer miles and they pur- myself. eligible for federal funding. chased more fuel-efficient ve- We have cut costs and still The ARRA funds have helped, hicles even before the federal can’t do all the work we need but they only go so far and government provided cash in- to do even with the ARRA SAFETY we are millions of dollars and centives to do so. The public funds. And there is a slow but years behind getting our roads has not changed these habits sure movement that has the back into the condition they since 2007. potential to reduce our rev- FIRST need to be for maximum safe- The impact on SCDOT enues even more. Electric cars ty and efficiency. adds up to a 7% decrease and other alternative fuels are ON THE ROAD ON THE JOB The non-federal aid high- in revenue over the last two on the horizon. Automakers • 32 SCDOT l THE CONNECTOR l WINTER 2010 SCDOT uncovers pieces of history

By Bob Kudelka

n SCDOT-sponsored study of a Revolution- ary War battlefield in ALancaster County has uncovered artifacts that may shed light on what is known as “Buford’s Mas- sacre.” James Page uses a metal detector “It’s definitely one of the top to search through a cow pasture four or five finds since I’ve been that was the site of the 1780 here,” said archaeologist Wayne Battle of Waxhaws. The location Roberts, a 24-year veteran of SC- is near the intersection of SC 9 DOT. PHOTOGRAPHS BY ROB THOMPSON/THE CONNECTOR and SC 522 in Lancaster County. Scott Butler and his crew from Brockington and Associates, Inc. spent a week searching the battleground for SCDOT is planning an inter- artifacts. Above, Butler shows some of the musket balls found during their search. section improvement project at SC Highway 522 (Rocky River Road) and SC 9. A new traffic SCDOT minimized the footprint logical study of the battlefield. triot.” signal has been installed, and new of the project and mitigated its The study has identified where “This got people upset and it left turn lanes are planned. impact by sponsoring an archeo- the fight took place through re- revitalized the American war ef- covery of 154 items, including fort,” Roberts said. “Whole new bullets and other military items regiments were recruited in the such a pocketknife and part of a Upstate.” British musket. According to Tarleton’s after “It’s new information on a battle report, the American rebel very significant event in South casualties were 113 men killed, Carolina history,” Roberts said, 147 wounded. The British losses “and something that historians were 5 killed, 12 wounded. should be looking at and talk- For two weeks in February, a ing about for years to come. It’s three-man crew from the consult- one thing to speculate on what ing firm, Brockington and Asso- is known, but here we’re able to ciates, Inc., used high-powered confirm a lot of what happened.” metal detectors to hunt for arti- The Battle of the Waxhaws facts in a cow pasture. took place during the American “We’re using GPS technol- Revolution on May 29, 1780, ogy to map all these things in,” near Lancaster between a Conti- said Scott Butler, archaeologist in nental Army force led by Abra- charge. “We’re going to be able ham Buford and a mainly Loyal- to do some real detailed analy- A monument marks the mass ist force led by Banastre Tarleton. ses of musket balls of different grave for 113 Continental Army After reports of Tarleton re- diameters, figure out the differ- soldiers. The soldiers died during jecting the surrender of Buford’s ent weapons used, map all this in the battle which is also called troops, the American colonists and figure out which troops were ‘Buford’s Massacre.’ began to call the battle “The where. Waxhaws Massacre.” “Nobody knew exactly where on the American side,” Butler Roberts said the battle is sig- the battlefield was…Historians said. “Really, the British had the nificant because it helped galva- have been debating about it for backcountry of South Carolina nize Americans who were ambiv- years.” won. These Scotch-Irish came alent about the Revolution. Word Butler agreed that the Battle of out in droves on the American spread that Patriot soldiers were Waxhaws was a significant part side and really turned the tide on Patrick Severts, left, holds a musket ball that he dug slaughtered even after they tried of US history. the Revolution.” up after finding it with a metal detector. James Page, to surrender. “When this happened, people Items found will be archived right, records the GPS data where the ball was found Roberts said the viciousness in this area saw how brutal the at the SC Institute of Archaeol- and marked the location with a yellow flag. of Tarleton was dramatized in British were and it made a lot of ogy and Anthropology in Colum- the Mel Gibson movie, “The Pa- people upset and they came over bia.