SPRING 2014 Janet P

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VOLUME XXVII NO. I SOUTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION SPRING 2014 Janet P. Oakley confirmed as Secretary of Transportation By Pete Poore

he South Carolina Sen- ate voted to confirm the Tnomination of Janet P. Oakley as the third Secretary of Transportation on May 22. The vote was 37-0. Secretary Oakley was nominated by Governor Nikki Haley on April 7. Gov. Haley cited Oakley’s extensive experience with federal transportation programs that could benefit South Carolina. Oakley has over 30 years of federal transportation policy experience. She spent the past 15 years of her career as the Director of Policy and Govern- ment Relations for the American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials (AAS- HTO) in Washington, D.C. In that role, she worked closely with a number of state DOTs to develop policy, coordinate ini- tiatives to support and promote innovations in state transportation leadership, management and project delivery among a variety of many other talents and skills. At the time of her nomination, AASHTO Executive Director Bud Wright praised the selec- PHOTOGRAPHS BY ROB THOMPSON/THE CONNECTOR tion of Oakley for South Caro- Janet P. Oakley, right, listens to lina’s Transportation Secretary. comments from senators, left, after “I could not be more proud and her confirmation as S.C. Secretary of pleased for Janet. With her ex- Transportation on May 22. She was ceptional understanding of state confirmed by a vote of 37-0. and national transportation issues, she’ll be a great resource to the Governor and the citizens of Oakley issued a statement to SC- our customers – the citizens and nor, the Commission, General South Carolina,” said Wright. DOT’s employees: businesses of South Carolina. It Assembly and our regional and Shortly after the confirmation “It will be my honor and priv- is my vision that we will work local governments to demon- See OAKLEY vote was taken by the Senate, ilege to work with you to serve in partnership with the Gover- strate innovation and deliver be- on page 9 INSIDE THIS ISSUE Maintenance Foreman conference...... 6 SCDOT ensemble ...... 20 Longest serving employee retires...... 10 Extreme athletes at SCDOT...... 21 New Commissioners ...... 2 2014 Highway Engineers Conference...... 12-13 SCDOT Softball Tournament...... 22 Tree removals make I-385 safer...... 3 Promotions...... 14-15 District Pages...... 23-30 ACE Basin update...... 5 SCDOT responds to storms...... 16-19 Caught Doing Good...... 31 2 SCDOT l THE CONNECTOR l SPRING 2014

Tips for the Best Chance to Stay Alive on the Highway Dick Jenkins of Traffic Engineering has compiled a list Winner of awards from S.C. Division, Public Relations Society of of driving tips to remember. They are placed throughout this America; Carolinas Association of Business Communicators; S.C. issue for you to find and remember. Press Association and AASHTO. Editor: Stan Shealy

Three New Commissioners begin terms Photography / Layout Editor: Rob Thompson

hree new members have begun a member of the Editorial Board: Pete Poore, Bob Kudelka, Bonnie Cramer, terms on the South Carolina Depart- Spartanburg Asso- Tasha Crumpton, Kim Corley, Drew Stewart, Zoe Cook and Cody ment of Transportation Commis- ciation of Realtors Crouch. Tsion: Samuel B. Glover, of Orangeburg; since 1978. He is John N. Hardee, of Columbia; and Wood- a South Carolina The Connector is an employee article. For inquiries regarding news row W. Willard Jr., of Spartanburg. licensed real estate newspaper of the South Carolina copy, telephone (803) 737-1270. Glover, representing the 6th Congres- broker and certified Department of Transportation. All All materials submitted become the sional District, was director of the South general real estate news items may be reproduced property of SCDOT unless their Carolina Depart- appraiser. with credit to The Connector or the return is stipulated. The Connector ment of Probation, Willard has been source. News, photos and informa- is distributed free by mail to employ- Parole and Pardon a member of the tion to appear in The Connector ees and to Services from April Facilities Commit- should be submitted to Stan Shealy, others upon 2004 to January tee of the Board Willard Office of Communications, S.C. request. 2011. He previously of Trustees at Department of Transportation, P.O. Janet P. was director of the Wofford College since 1990. He is a past Box 191, Columbia, SC 29202, no Oakley is SC Army National president of the Spartanburg Area Cham- less than three weeks prior to date the South South Carolina of publication. Copy should include Carolina Secretary Press Association Guard Youth Chal- ber of Commerce and was the Spartanburg Associate Member lenge Academy Chamber of Commerce Representative on the name and phone number of the of Transportation. in Columbia from the Spartanburg Area Transportation Policy source or person submitting the 2000 to 2004. Committee from 1998 to 2014. Glover received a Bachelor of Sci- Glover ence degree and a Master of Science degree from S.C. State College (now University). He served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1970 to 1978 South Carolina and retired from the South Carolina Army National Guard as a Lieutenant Colonel in Department 1998. Hardee, representing the 2nd Congres- sional District, is Director of Public Affairs of for Lamar Outdoor Advertising. He Transportation previously served on the SCDOT Jim Rozier John N. Hardee Vacant Commission from Commission 1st Congressional 2nd Congressional 3rd Congressional 1998-2007 includ- District District District ing a term as Vice Chairman from 2002 to 2004. Hardee has been a member of the Board of Directors of the Central Mid- Hardee lands Council of Governments since 2004. He is chairman of the Midlands Au- thority for Conventions, Sports & Tourism and was a member of the Richland County Transportation Committee prior to becoming an SCDOT Commissioner again. Willard, representing the 4th Congres- Woodrow W. Willard W.B. Cook Samuel B. Glover Mike Wooten Clifton Parker sional District, is President of Willard In- 4th Congressional 5th Congressional 6th Congressional 7th Congressional Commissioner corporated, a real estate appraisal, consult- District District District District At-Large ing and brokerage firm. Willard has been SCDOT l THE CONNECTOR l SPRING 2014 3

I-385 safety improves after clear zone increased By Bob Kudelka

ewer motorists are crash- ing into trees and dying Falong a stretch of I-385 in Laurens County since several trees were removed during a widening project in 2010, according to data from SCDOT. As a part of the project, the clear zone was increased to meet the current national guidance. A clear zone is the unobstructed area be- yond the edge of the traveled way that allows a driver to stop safely or regain control of a vehicle that leaves the traveled way. Clear zone values are based on many factors including: vehicle ROB THOMPSON/THE CONNECTOR speeds, vehicle volume, and crash Matt Long is a reporter for the South Carolina Radio data. As a result, trees up to ap- Network and has been recognized for his accurate and fair proximately 50 feet from the edge coverage of transportation issues. of the pavement were removed. In a 5-year span before the I-385 improvement project, there S.C. reporter receives was an average of 12.4 crashes involving trees per year. In nearly national award for three years since the project’s completion, that number has re- duced to 3.1 crashes involving transportation reporting trees per year. This is a decrease att Long, a veteran of tional media award to recognize of 75 percent. the South Carolina Ra- a reporter or a news organization In addition, there were six fa- dio Network, was pre- that has been fair, balanced and talities during the 5-year period sentedM the prestigious American informative in reporting trans- before the improvement project, Traffic Safety Services (ATSSA) portation-related issues on radio, or an average of 1.2 per year, on National Media Award during the television, in a newspaper, or on this section of I-385 - and all of association’s 44th Annual Con- the web. Last year, the award was which involved trees. There were vention and Traffic Expo in San presented to Bryan Painter of the no fatalities in a nearly 3-year pe- Antonio, Texas. ATSSA’s Direc- Oklahoman newspaper. riod of study after the project’s tor of Communications James Through the American As- completion. Scott Baron presented the award sociation of State Highway and Injuries from tree crashes have ROB THOMPSON/THE CONNECTOR before an audience of more than Transportation Officials, state decreased 65 percent, from an av- Traffic deaths from hitting trees have declined along I-385 600 roadway safety profession- DOT public affairs offices were erage of four per year to 1.4 per since the removal of trees during a widening project in als and federal, state and local asked to submit their nominations year. 2010. public officials who traveled to to ATSSA to compete for the Overall, including all types of Texas from locations across the award. From those nominations, crashes, there have been 22 per- dramatic improvement.” removal and reconstruction of country. Long was nominated for the association’s Safety and Pub- cent fewer crashes per year since “The analysis of the crash data 15 miles of I-385 from the inter- the award by the South Carolina lic Awareness Committee select- the I-385 improvement project. demonstrates the positive impacts change at I-26 to just south of the Department of Transportation ed three finalists, and during their “The data clearly show a sig- of providing a forgiving roadway (Exit 16) S.C. 101 interchange. (SCDOT) for fair, balanced and November meeting, the ATSSA nificant increase in safety, which design and adequate clear zone Additional safety enhancements informative reporting on trans- Board of Directors selected Long is our main goal at SCDOT,” for motorists of errant vehicles to included a new 10-foot outside portation-related issues. as the winner. said Tony Sheppard, Director safely bring their vehicle under paved shoulder, a 4-foot paved “Over the years, Matt has con- “ATSSA is extremely proud of Traffic Engineering. “From six control,” Sheppard said. inside shoulder and 57,350 feet sistently, accurately and fairly to honor such a dedicated me- deaths in tree-related crashes to The major work of the I-385 of new guardrail were also added covered transportation-related is- dia professional who is commit- zero during the study period is a project consisted of pavement throughout the project. sues in South Carolina. Recently, ted to advancing roadway safety his coverage of a critical story on South Carolina’s roadways,” – the condition of South Caro- said ATSSA President and Chief lina’s bridges – stands out as an Executive Officer Roger Wentz. Do not make a fast maneuver at a high speed to avoid something in the example of his enterprise and his “Mr. Long sets the example for road. You will lose control. Run over the obstacle unless it presents more commitment to excellence,” said the nation as an exceptional trans- of a threat to your life than swerving to avoid it. Do not be concerned with SCDOT Director of Communica- portation reporter.” possible vehicle damage. Do not stop in an interstate lane for any reason tions Pete Poore. ATSSA, an international trade with high speed traffic behind you. In 2012, ATSSA’s Board of association, is located in Freder- Directors approved the new na- icksburg, Va. 4 SCDOT l THE CONNECTOR l SPRING 2014 State of the SCDOT: Hall updates Transportation Committee By Bob Kudelka load-restricted; 10 are closed; and 11 are under construction. Hall said the agency contin- n March 5, 2014, then- ues to maintain a solid financial Acting Secretary of management posture, giving ex- Transportation Christy amples such as how invoices are O paid within 30 calendar days; Hall delivered the annual “State of the SCDOT” presentation to monthly Project and Resources the State Senate Transportation Analysis Meetings continue to Committee. aid in program delivery; custom Just four weeks on the job that SCEIS management reports have included dealing with ice storms been developed; the cash flow and earthquakes, Hall fielded model has been expanded to re- questions and gave a comprehen- flect a three-year look-ahead; and sive look at the agency and the employees are enhancing their challenges ahead during a presen- skills through training and men- tation lasting nearly 90 minutes toring. and including more than 50 Pow- SCDOT has also been working erPoint slides. on several areas of realignment The State of the SCDOT was within the agency. attended by several Commission- Some examples include con- ers as well as members of Hall’s solidation of all procurement senior leadership team. activities; the Office of Planning Stressing “safety first,” Hall was combined with Intermodal, said: “We are constantly working Freight and Mass Transit to place to enhance safety by analyzing more focus on intermodal needs; high risk corridors and intersec- there has been an increased em- tions, and putting improvements phasis in Offices of Right-of-Way in place.” and Environmental Services - In 2013, traffic fatalities were both units conduct sensitive and lowest since 1982 and mileage critical activities where major de- death rate (fatalities per vehicle lays can increase the risk to proj- miles traveled) was the lowest ect delivery schedules. ever recorded in the state. Edge- Looking ahead, Hall said ar- field County did not have a traffic eas of concern include the costs fatality in 2013, but suffered its of hazardous weather response first in 445 days earlier that week, and recovery and the future of the Hall said. Federal Program. Hall also gave an update on the Senator J. Yancey McGill of pavement condition of the various Williamsburg County thanked parts of the highway system, from Hall for taking the position of interstate highways to secondary Acting Secretary, saying her aca- demic background and knowl- roads. More than 20,000 miles of ROB THOMPSON/THE CONNECTOR edge is “tremendous.” secondary routes are not eligible Acting Secretary of Transportation Christy Hall gives a report on the construction and for federal funding. “I feel like you were God-sent maintenance accomplishments in 2013 to the State Senate Transportation Committee. for that position,” McGill said. Since 2007, SCDOT has pro- Hall’s report on March 5 included a report on the conditions of highways across the state grammed an average of $34 “We wish you well…You’ve got and the agency’s response and costs of the recent winter storms. a good DOT Commission and we million per year for pavement serve 50 lane miles of a primary Richland Counties • 570,000 potholes patched want to thank them and we want improvements on the Non-Fed- route compared to rehabilitating • I-385 widening and recon- • 8,000 encroachment permits to thank the professional employ- eral-Aid Eligible system. ACT 98 only 8 miles or reconstructing 5 struction project – Greenville processed ees of DOT for the hard work that of 2013 increased this investment miles with the amount of funding. County • 345,000 roadside acres is done each and every day to level by an estimated $41 million. “From a value standpoint, • US 17 ACE Basin widening mowed help the citizens of this state. “Nearly two-thirds of the in- preservation is a key component project – Colleton County • 8,400 miles of shoulder/ “Where I come from, in five terstate system is in good condi- of our portfolio as far as asset • I-77 rehabilitation project – ditch re-graded counties it’s nothing but a good tion, from a pavement standpoint, management,” Hall said. Fairfield/Chester Counties • 42,000 fallen or hazardous response,” McGill said. “It’s not however it is starting to age,” Construction projects com- • US 278 widening project – trees removed just improved from years ago, Hall said. “It’s over 50 years old.” pleted during 2013 included: Beaufort County • 312,000 signs repaired or re- but our citizens say it’s a quick- Hall spoke of getting the • SC 602/Platt Springs Road • Thirteen intersection safety placed time response and they appreci- “most for your money” by stress- widening project – Lexington improvements – multiple coun- • 5,000,000 pounds of litter ate helping us get the problem ing preservation of the highway County ties and debris removed solved. DOT is alive and well and system. For every $1 million • US 601 bridge replacement Routine maintenance ac- Of SCDOT’s 8,416 bridges, doing a great job.” spent, the agency is able to pre- project (4 bridges) – Calhoun/ complishments in 2013: 1,624 are substandard; 413 are

Do not be annoyed by a rude driver. Just figure that they are not as skilled as you are. SCDOT l THE CONNECTOR l SPRING 2014 5

“good-looking roadway.” the road shoulder instead of driving on the “As much of the natural environment soil. These trucks were built specifically was preserved as possible while still pro- for the U.S. 17 project to prevent “mud Coming up Aces viding an adequate clear zone,” Ipock said. waves,” displacement of the soil by repeat- “I think we got an excellent project.” ed truck movement. The trucks simply pull In one section, engineers spent months up along the right of way and dump their A safer trip along U.S. 17 in the scenic ACE Basin working to save about two dozen “very load to the side. By Bob Kudelka project, which officially was completed in significant,” live oaks with a diameter of The project also included “critter cross- October. 30 inches or larger. ings,” culverts where animals could cross hey’re closing down the construc- “It’s been a great project, and a good From an environmental standpoint, the underneath U.S. 17 instead of risking tion trailer tucked behind the trees end result for both SCDOT and the high- project was a challenging one due to loca- crossing the traffic. off U.S. 17 in Green Pond in Beau- way users,” said Daniel Burton, SCDOT’s tion in the sensitive ACE Basin. The initial phase involved with the wid- T Created by the convergence of the ening and replacement of the bridge over fort County, an event unlikely to be noticed on-site project manager. “It’s a vast im- by the thousands of motorists passing by provement from what was in place prior to Ashepoo, Combahee and Edisto Rivers, the Combahee River. Once complete, the each day. the start of construction.” the ACE Basin is one of the largest unde- Beaufort County portion of U.S. 17 (Seg- But in the seven years since the trailer U.S. 17, west of Charleston, provides a veloped estuaries on the East Coast and is ment 1) was widened from two to four was set up as a local base of operations, convenient connection to I-95 and contin- renowned for its natural beauty. lanes with a new and much safer inter- SCDOT undertook one of the most impor- ues into Georgia and Florida. Because of While working on the project, Burton change at U.S. 17/US 21. tant highway safety improvement projects this connection, U.S. 17 attracts consider- said he has seen armadillos, bald eagles, Several bridges were replaced within in the agency’s history. able truck and tourist traffic. turkeys, deer, beavers and alligators. One this phase of the project. The portion of The widening of a 22-mile segment of Before the improvement project, the day, employees got a surprise when a U.S. 17 along the Combahee River cause- U.S. 17 between Jacksonboro and Gardens two lane highway with speed limits rang- 3-foot-long alligator wandered into the way (just North of the Combahee River Corner dramatically improved what had ing from 45 mph to 55 mph had designated parking area near the trailer. The baby ga- bridge replacement) was also included been one of the deadliest two-lane roads in passing zones where motorists sometimes tor was relocated to a nearby river. within the Segment 1 project and also in- South Carolina. made poor decisions in trying to overtake Early in the project, a bald eagle’s nest cluded widening the existing U.S. 17 from From 1997 to 2005, there were nearly traffic. Now, with four lanes throughout the size of a Volkswagen was discovered two to four lanes and extended to the begin- 1,000 crashes and 33 fatalities along this the corridor there is ample space for trucks high in the trees near the highway. Special ning of the project limits for the Colleton stretch. The fatality rate was more than and cars with a 60 mph speed limit. Other care was taken not to disturb the nest of County (Segment 2) project. Similarly to three times higher than the other segments safety features include rumble stripes and the federally protected species. Engineers the Segment 1 project, the Segment 2 proj- of U.S. 17 in South Carolina and 150 per- cable median guardrails. marked the area with “Quiet Zone” signs. ect consisted of widening the existing U.S. cent higher than that of other US primary Claude Ipock, SCDOT’s Design Build Less noise was another benefit of spe- 17 from two to four lanes. Three bridges routes in the state. Special Project Engineer, said the 22-mile cially designed side dump trucks used for were replaced on the project and the inter- In March, finishing touches were be- portion of U.S. 17 is not only safer and the widening project. The side dump trucks section of U.S. 17/S.C. 64 in Jacksonboro ing put on the last of three phases of the more efficient for travelers but also isa carry loads to the project and dump from was re-designed to improve safety. I-585 reopened quickly after truck damages California Avenue overpass he South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) reopened traffic on I-585 in Spartanburg Coun- Tty early Jan. 14 morning after its crews worked through the night to demolish the damaged bridge span on California Avenue (S-124). Traffic was forced to shut down on the morning of Jan. 13 after the California Av- enue bridge over I-585 was severely damaged when struck by a heavy truck. Several beams were damaged and the impact caused the span to shift five feet on the caps. SCDOT's crews from Spartanburg Main- tenance and the District Maintenance Opera- tions worked through the rain overnight to demolish the span and haul off all materials in time for the morning rush hour traffic. "This work was done in record time, working through terrible weather conditions and countless challenges to overcome," said SCDOT’s District 3 Engineering Adminis- trator Steven Gwinn. "I commend the SC- DOT employees involved in the emergency effort to restore connectivity for the motor- ing public as quickly as possible." The two-lane bridge, built in 1957, had PHOTO SUBMITTED BY DISTRICT 3/SCDOT been scheduled for replacement as part I-585 was closed for a day after a truck hit the California Avenue overpass and caused it to shift several feet. of the I-585 rehabilitation project with a SCDOT crews worked through the night to demolish the damaged span by rush hour the next day. See more planned September bid letting. photos on page 26. 6 SCDOT l THE CONNECTOR l SPRING 2014

Maintenance employees participate in first statewide conference since 2008 By Bob Kudelka

early 700 employees shared ideas and learned Nnew techniques during the 2013 Maintenance Confer- ence held in Columbia in Decem- ber. It was the first time a maintenance conference had been held since 2008, and it premiered a new structure. In the past, the agency held separate conferences for foremen and for Resident Maintenance Engineers (RMEs). The 2013 conference combined both audiences and included RMEs, assistant RMEs, foremen and crew leaders. “I think it’s a great idea,” said attendee Minnie Jones, a sign crew foreman from Union Main- tenance, during a break in the conference. “I think it’s informative to all the employees and the input that people are giving is really great.” State Highway Maintenance Maintenance Engineer David Cook said he re- employees ceived a lot of positive feedback were scheduled from employees. Billy Nowlen talks about to attend “I think the employees see the safety when spraying one of three investment in the training that pesticides on highway days to keep we’ve brought here,” Cook said. vegetation. maintenance “It’s been surprising to me how units fully staffed everybody takes something dif- way.” back home. The ferent away from the conference.” Fuller urged employees to be conferences Remarks kicking off the con- bold and to “try something dif- were held ference were made by Director ferent to make us better, faster Dec. 10-12. of Maintenance Jim Feda, then- and more efficient in how we do Deputy Secretary for Engineering things.” Van Fuller, Commissioner Harri- “Don’t just go back and do son Rearden; and then-Secretary the same old thing. Use what you Robert St. Onge. learn here to make things better Feda took a moment to re- in your shops,” Fuller said. “Take member employees lost on the care of your crew, take care of job, stressing the safety challeng- yourself - mentally, physically es of working with just a white and spiritually. Take care of your line separating employees from family because they are what’s traffic. going to bring you back every “Watch out for each other; day.” watch out for your employees,” Employees who gave presen- Feda said. “I really appreciate the tations during the conference work all of you do. We could not included Billy Nowlen, Lyle be successful as an agency with- Davis, Brandon Wilson, Jason out you...I know you’re short- Childers, David Cook, Kirk handed; I know you’re doing Richards, Michelle Benton, more with less. I appreciate it.” Chris McCurry, Bryan Jones, Rearden, representing the Alan Kozusko and Treasure 6th Congressional District, said: Scarborough. “You are where the rubber meets Topics included pesticide safe- the road. You ought to be very ty, bridge maintenance, HMMS, PHOTOGRAPHS BY ROB THOMPSON/THE CONNECTOR proud of what you do. There is right of way, ditching operations, The conference gave RMEs, assistant RMEs, foremen and crew leaders a chance to not an individual in South Caro- culvert repair and pipe replace- share the positive things going on in their areas, as well as a chance to brainstorm the lina that you don’t affect in some ments. problems they have in their different areas. SCDOT l THE CONNECTOR l SPRING 2014 7

Workforce: A Critical Management Area of the Strategic Management Plan By Pete Poore when an employee is untrained and are so much nicer than they were it was especially a concern when su- in New York, I can accept less pay he SCDOT Strategic Man- pervisors are not trained at a level to as long as people stay nice like they agement Plan (SMP) has be confident in leading their crews. are now, just means that I take my Tsix major sections known Some mentioned that some supervi- wife out to dinner next month in- as “Critical Management Areas sors intentionally hold back trained, stead of this month, but the people (CMAs). One of those CMAs is confident workers because the su- are nice” “Workforce.” This CMA is a public pervisor may feel threatened by the o Stability (as long as they do statement that SCDOT employees employee’s knowledge and skills. their job, they know they will con- are the foundation of this agency. Strong feelings for training for tinue to have a job) As the CMA title implies, employ- those who are foremen and training o Not viewed as a job, but as a ees perform the work of SCDOT, for the younger/newer employees. career and they see themselves as accomplish the broad mission, Also mentioned was a need for bet- career professionals achieve the vision and strive to sat- ter cross training. o Service (they know they are isfy the goals and objectives of all • Pay was as one might imag- contributing to something very im- CMAs. ine the primary concern of most portant) SCDOT’s ability to attract, hire, employees. Many have to have o Benefits (But, don’t give a train, develop and retain talented second jobs. Many were embar- pay raise and then raise the cost employees is key to its success. SC- rassed of their pay, but find ways of benefits by as much if not more DOT must establish and maintain to make ends meet. One employee otherwise, this is a double edged a work environment in which all is wishing against raising the mini- sword) employees are treated with dignity mum wage because then McDon- o Teamwork (if you are on a and respect and all adhere to ethical ald’s workers could be making as seasoned team) standards expected of public em- much if not more than a lot of SC- ployees. DOT workers. Another employee What would Staff from Strategic Management said overworked, underpaid means Planning and Communications have not being fully appreciated. Many employees liked to see begun making visits around the state would like to see a money for skills changed or fixed? to talk to, but primarily listen to em- program. ployees and gather their candid and o The Women’s Forum (sev- ROB THOMPSON/THE CONNECTOR anonymous thoughts about matters Why does an employee eral female employees talked at Mark Walker encouraged others to be organ and at SCDOT. length about how important that tissue donors during a news conference on April The first visit was made to Rich- come back year after program was to them and how it 15 inside the South Carolina Statehouse. Walker land Maintenance earlier this year. year even when they lifted their spirits and raised their received a kidney transplant in 1997. He has There was interaction with crews believe they should be morale and production both before worked at SCDOT for 27 years. before they departed the Mainte- and after the event) nance yard, mechanics in the shop, making more money? o Incentives, say more than administrative staff in the offices thank you (several mentioned this o The hours (gives them flex- and engineers. and echoed by many more) SCDOT employee chairs ibility to do other things) o Better tools for mechanics. o Family environment (they re- o Improve the surface of the organ donation group What comments ceive great emotional support and maintenance bays. understanding from leadership) By Rob Thompson DLSC board in 2004 by then did we hear? o Better equipment in general, o The people (as a whole they Governor Mark Sanford. from trucks to desks and all equip- • The need for training other than really enjoy working with the other The organization educates ment in-between (safety came up on the job (OJT) is very important to person they work beside). An em- pril is Donate Life South Carolinians on the im- more than once when discussing many employees. The general feel- ployee originally from New York Month and one SC- portance of becoming an or- this). Sand spreaders were men- ing is that much is lost in production said, “The people here in SCDOT DOT employee gan and tissue donor. tioned specifically. A knows exactly how important The group’s mission is to that is. increase the supply of organs Mark Walker, a rights- and tissues for transplanta- Fill your fuel tank when your gauge reads that a fourth of a tank remains. of-way administrator in tion and to provide assistance SCDOT’s Central District, for South Carolina transplant Always use your turn signals. serves as the board chairman recipients. of Donate Life South Caroli- DLSC was started by Lar- While driving, know where the vehicles near you are located. na (DLSC). Walker received ry McManus, an orthopedic a kidney transplant in 1997 surgeon whose life was saved and was appointed to the by a liver transplant. 8 SCDOT l THE CONNECTOR l SPRING 2014

U.S. 601 update By Pete Poore

he U.S. 601 bridge replacement project on the Richland-Calhoun County border is nearing completion. The four bridges that comprise Tthe project are complete and open to traffic, with the last bridge opening in November of 2013. The bridges plus a series of approaches and expanded causeways brought the length of the project to 4.2 miles. The previous bridges, which are now undergoing demolition, were built in the 1940s. All four were classified structurally deficient and functionally ob- solete. Those bridges had two lanes; each lane was 11-feet wide with two-foot shoulders. The new bridges have 12-foot lanes and 10-foot shoulders for increased safety. One of the challenges this project presented was keeping U.S. 601 open during construction. The replacement structures were built adjacent to the existing bridges. Traffic was diverted to the new bridges as each one was completed. The alternative was to create an impractical 70-mile detour. The Congaree River and the adjacent streams have slowed down the demolition of the old bridges due to high water. However, demolition is expected to be complete in four-to-six weeks once the waters recede.

ROB THOMPSON/THE CONNECTOR The U.S. 601 bridge replacement project nears completion as the old bridges, which were to the right of the new construction, were removed or are being removed. Edgefield County recognized for zero highway deaths

SCDPS Director Leroy Smith, left, and SCDOT Acting Secretary Christy Hall, second left, recognized law enforcement and county officials from Edgefield County on April 2 for having no traffic fatalities for more than a year. The recognition was done during the 9th Annual DUI Enforcement Recognition and 2013 Law Enforcement DUI Challenge Ceremony at Seawell's in Columbia. There were no traffic fatalities in Edgefield County in all of 2013. They went 445 days without a death. SCDOT l THE CONNECTOR l SPRING 2014 9

Affairs. Oakley has state agency transpor- OAKLEY tation experience in her home state of page 9 Kentucky. She was a transportation planner at the Kentucky Department of Transportation and she served as the Assistant to the Secretary for Federal Affairs in the Kentucky Transportation yond expectations! The staff of SCDOT Cabinet. demonstrate every day their commit- Oakley’s experience includes stops ment to delivering, maintaining and op- along her career at the American Truck- erating a safe and efficient transporta- ing Association; the Subcommittee on tion system for our customers. You are Transportation Appropriations, U.S. the Department’s most valuable asset. House of Representatives, where she I look forward to working with you on worked as a budget analyst; the Fed- the journey of continuous improvement eral Highway Administration (FHWA), and thank you in advance for your sup- where she was a transportation planner; port.” and at the City of Rockville, Md., where Prior to her tenure at AASHTO, she served as a transportation planner. Oakley served as the founder and first Oakley earned both an undergradu- Executive Director of the Association ate degree and a Master’s degree in the of Metropolitan Planning Organiza- field of Regional Planning at Eastern tions, and the National Association of Kentucky University. She is affiliated Regional Councils as Director of Trans- with a number of transportation-related portation and Director of Government committees, associations and forums. ROB THOMPSON/THE CONNECTOR Senate Transportation Committee Chairman Larry Grooms congratulates Secretary Oakley after her confirmation on May 22. New Secretary of Transportation names new Deputy Secretaries By Janet P. Oakley S.C. Secretary of Transportation

ffective May 27, 2014, I am appointing the following individuals as EDeputy Secretaries: • Mark Lester is appointed Deputy Secretary for Intermodal Planning. Lester has an outstanding and diverse 23-year career with the agency, beginning with SCDOT as a summer intern before starting full-time in Traffic Engineering in 1991. From 1993 until 2010, he worked in the Pre- construction Division where he served in a variety of capacities including Program Manager, Pro- gram Development Engineer and Janet P. Oakley Mark Lester Jim Warren Christy A. Hall Regional Production Engineer for S.C. Secretary of Deputy Secretary for Deputy Secretary for Finance Deputy Secretary for the Upstate region. He then served Transportation Intermodal Planning and Procurement Engineering as the Director of Planning for 3½ years before being appointed than 40 years of related experi- operations, financial planning and in Preconstruction before moving management techniques. Most as Acting Deputy Secretary for ence in financial management transparency within SCDOT’s Fi- to the field to serve as the District recently, she fulfilled the role of Intermodal Planning in February and accounting as well as pro- nance and Procurement Division. Construction Engineer for Dis- Acting Secretary of Transporta- of this year. Lester currently sits cess improvement. He has served He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in trict 3 and then as the District En- tion and served in an outstand- on the AASHTO Standing Com- previously as the Chief Financial Management from the State Uni- gineering Administrator for Dis- ing manner. She earned a B.S. in mittee on Planning and the Stand- Officer for two separate private versity of New York, Buffalo, and trict 2. She returned to SCDOT Civil Engineering from Clemson ing Committee on Performance firms with long tenures in each a MBA with a concentration in Headquarters in the fall of 2011 University in 1994, is a Certified Management. He is a 1991 gradu- firm prior to joining SCDOT in Finance from Canisius College. to serve as the Deputy Secretary Public Manager and a registered ate of Clemson University with a December 2011 as its Chief Fi- • Christy A. Hall is ap- for Finance and Procurement. In Professional Engineer. B.S. in Civil Engineering and is nancial Officer. He has been in- pointed Deputy Secretary for that role, she led the efforts to sta- Please join me in congratulat- a licensed Professional Engineer. strumental in leading the agency Engineering. Hall is a 20-year bilize the agency’s finances and ing these individuals and thank • Jim Warren is appointed to a sound financial posture over SCDOT veteran with a diverse instill fiscal discipline to SCDOT you for your cooperation and as- Deputy Secretary for Finance the past 3 years and has worked background of both HQ and field operations by deployment of re- sistance as transition occurs over and Procurement. He has more diligently to improve the financial experience. She began her career vised business practices and cash the next several weeks. 10 SCDOT l THE CONNECTOR l SPRING 2014 Albert Groves: Retires after 57 years of service By Kim Corley grader with the numbers “99.11.5” embla- Groves also lbert “Junior” Groves’ wife, chil- zoned on the side -- just like the piece of instilled the dren, and extended family joined equipment Groves considered his hobby. same work ethic Ahis SCDOT family on Wednesday, Deputy Secretary for Engineering Van in his crew as April 30, 2014 to honor the end of his 57 Fuller was on hand to present Groves with he did his chil- plus years of service to South Carolina. a plaque, pin and street sign to commemo- dren. Reese According to Groves, he began working rate his years of service. Fuller said, “The remembers at the Anderson Maintenance Office in thing that’s honored me the most since I’ve Groves instruct- 1950 at the age of sixteen, before records been with the Department is to come, and ing him that “if were kept. SCDOT records date Groves’ in some small way, recognize Mr. Groves you are going start to January 1953. Groves decided to and his service. Not only to this Depart- to do something officially retire just a few weeks shy of his ment, but your home state.” He concluded in someone’s eightieth birthday. He retired based on ser- by thanking Groves family for sharing him yard, you do ROB THOMPSON/THE CONNECTOR vice in June 1994 but returned July of the with the Department for all these years. it like you are Albert Groves’ work crew gave him a toy motor grader at same year. When asked why he decided to The crew plans to find a special place to doing it at your his retirement luncheon on April 30. Groves favorite job retire now, Groves joked, “my age for one hang the sign to honor their beloved co- mama’s house.” task is operating the motor grader. thing.” He continued working long after worker and mentor. Anderson Resi- the minimum 28 years to put his four chil- Anderson Maintenance said goodbye dent Maintenance Engineer Fritz Wewers hours. “They brought my breakfast, dinner dren through college. During that time he with a celebratory luncheon catered by describes Groves as a “loyal, very good and supper to the road.” “It got kind of said he, “just made a hobby out of running Groves’ wife. Family and former co-work- employee” who “likes to get his work rough,” he joked. Once, Groves asked his the motor grader.” ers attended the celebration to share well done.” But Groves wasn’t all business. former superintendent why he was called Groves recalls his first days on the job wishes, stories and laughter. Many com- Wewers also described Groves as “always on so frequently for tasks. He looked and the first pieces of equipment he was mented that they wouldn’t be half the men in a good mood, always laughing, and cut- at him, laughed, and said, “That’s what issued, a pick and a shovel. His job was they were if it wasn’t for Mrs. Groves as tin’ up.” Even though he was a supervisor, you get for knowing so much.” Groves’ to stay ahead of the equipment opera- they patted their stomachs. Groves still worked right alongside his willingness to tackle any task before him tors by removing mailboxes, signs, and In addition to their four children, Groves men. Groves just “picks up a shovel and has made him an inspiration to fellow co- debris. After the construction was com- and his wife ‘adopted’ countless crew goes at it!” says Wewers. When asked if workers and the Anderson community. plete, Groves would return the signs and members. Gary Reese, who was nine- he thought he would ever supervise anoth- For Groves, retirement doesn’t mean mailboxes to their location. All the while, teen when he began working for Groves, er employee like Groves, Wewers said slowing down. He plans on spending lots Groves had bigger plans in mind. When he described him as “more like a father figure Groves is a “rarity,” and there’s “not many of time with his wife of 57 years, his chil- saw an unattended motor grader, he would than a supervisor.” He said, “They treated left like him.” Groves recalled one particu- dren and grandchildren. “throw that shovel down and take off.” me like one of their kids, and I’ve always lar winter storm where he worked for 38 Eventually, he convinced his supervisor to been grateful for that.” His eldest daugh- Here’s a link to SCDOT Connector Online videos where you can find assign him his own motor grader. During ter, Julia, expressed the same affection an interview with Mr. Groves talking about his early days at SCDOT. the luncheon, Groves’ crew presented him when she addressed the maintenance crew. https://www.youtube.com/SCDOTConnectorOnline with a special parting gift, a replica motor “We love you all as family,” she said.

tor II in Call Center, retired Mar. 5. Charles Frantz, trades special- nance, retired Apr. 5. Henry Lee, supply manager I ist II at Colleton Maintenance, re- David Glenn, engineer/associ- retirements at Anderson Maintenance, retired tired Dec. 31. ate engineer IV at District 6 Office, Donald Hendrix, trades spe- Construction, retired Feb. 16. Apr. 16. Ernest Jones, building/grounds retired Jan. 31. cialist III at Pickens Maintenance, Richmond Ryles, trades spe- Tommy Anderson, trades spe- specialist III at Building Mainte- retired Apr. 21. cialist II at Hampton Maintenance, cialist II at York Maintenance, re- Herbert Barron, trades special- retired Mar. 31. tired Dec. 2. ist III at Charleston Maintenance, Richard McKnight, commu- Kathleen Gerrald, administra- retired Dec. 13. nications specialist III at District 4 tive specialist I at Anderson Main- Robert Holland, trades special- SHEP, retired Nov. 1. tenance, retired Dec. 1. deaths ist III at Richland Maintenance, re- Stephen Brown, trades special- Donald Clark, engineer/associ- tired Mar. 31. ist III at District 6 Bridge Inspec- ate engineer II at Pickens Construc- John Amaker, trades specialist tion, retired Jan. 16. tion, retired Jan. 2. IV at Lexington Maintenance, re- Matthew Lifsey, engineer/as- Alphonso Smith, engineering/ tired Dec. 31. sociate engineer IV in RPG 1 Low- geodetic technician III at Richland Leroy Robinson, trades spe- country, retired Mar. 31. Construction, retired Feb. 14. cialist II at Orangeburg Mainte- Johnny Hatchell, engineering/ Richard McLaren, OSHA of- nance, retired Dec. 31. geodetic technician III at Richland ficer III at District 6 Office, retired Allen Harrison, trades special- Construction, retired Jan. 2. Feb. 16. ist III at Florence Maintenance, re- Gerald Powell, right of way Kenneth Bradley, trades spe- tired Dec. 31. agent II at Right of Way Greenville, cialist III at Charleston Mainte- Brenda Smith, trades specialist retired Feb. 1. nance, retired Nov. 27. II at Oconee Maintenance, retired Brunell Rawlinson, admin- Robert Davis, trades specialist Jan. 31. istrative specialist II in Office of IV at Fairfield Maintenance, retired Ann Deas, trades specialist III Compliance, retired Dec. 16. Nov. 7. at Sumter Maintenance, retired Bobbie Shytle, administrative Joe Langley, engineering/geo- Feb. 18. assistant in Business Development, detic technician III at Greenville Marvin Clifton “Cliff” Kelly Williams, trades special- retired Apr. 1. Milton O. Fletcher, Construction, retired Mar. 17. former SCDOT Materials and Moore, former SCDOT ist III at Fairfield Maintenance, re- Judy Jones, supply specialist Herman Crooks, procurement tired Nov. 17. III at Georgetown Maintenance, re- Research Engineer, died Nov. Bridge Design employee, died manager I at Procurement, retired Nov. 24, 2013. Dale Williams, engineer/as- tired Feb. 5. Mar. 31. 21, 2013. sociate engineer II at Greenwood Lisa Vining, program coordina- SCDOT l THE CONNECTOR l SPRING 2014 11 Public transit drivers compete, train at conference By Cody Crouch Training classes and panels were held throughout the event. he 2014 Transportation Classes included: fire safety, ve- Association of South hicle evacuation, defensive driv- TCarolina (TASC) Annual ing, medicaid updates and han- Training Event, Bus Roadeo and dling passengers with intellectual Supplier Exhibition was held disabilities. March 1-5 in Myrtle Beach. Speakers during the confer- Public transportation employ- ence included Myrtle Beach ees from transit systems across Mayor John Rhodes, TASC Pres- the state competed in the bus ident Al Babinicz, 7th Congres- roadeo held in the parking lot sional District Representative of Waccamaw Mall. The com- Tim Rice and Executive Director petition categories included van, of the Community Transporta- cut-a-way, 35-foot bus, 40-foot tion Association of America Dale bus and maintenance teams. An Marsico. awards banquet was held after The annual conference also First place Cut-a-way First place 40-foot bus First place 35-foot bus the roadeo to congratulate all of gathers vendors and suppliers William Stinson Brian Adkins Phillip Patterson the participants as well as award from across the country to show- Chester County Connector Clemson Area Transit Veolia Transportation those who placed first, second or case their latest transportation- third in their categories. related products.

ROADEO WINNERS

Van Category 1st Place - Marvin Young, Georgetown County DSN Board 2nd Place - Joe Johnson, Lee County DSN Board 3rd Place - Gloria Brice, Chester County Connector

Cut-a-way Category 1st Place - William Stinson, Chester County Connector 2nd Place - Casper Allison, Coast RTA 3rd Place - Richard Scott, Williamsburg County Transit

35-foot Bus Category 1st Place - Phillip Patterson, Veolia Transportation 2nd Place - Willie McKnight, Williamsburg County Transit 3rd Place - Robert Hyson, Coast RTA

40-foot Bus Category 1st Place - Brian Adkins, Clemson Area Transit 2nd Place - Matthew Guest, Williamsburg County Transit First Place Maintenance Team 3rd Place - Charles Bryant, Pee Dee RTA From left: Stephon Willingham, Scott Yarborough, Antwone Douglas and Maintenance Foreman Rickie Mozie Maintenance Category Fairfield County Transit 1st Place - Stephon Willingham, Scott Yarborough, Antwone Douglas of Fairfield County Transit 2nd Place - Shannon Byrum, David Mungin, Andrew Stevanus of Veolia Transportation 3rd Place - Chris Smith, Hudson Smith, Lonnie Reaves of Coast RTA

PHOTOGRAPHS BY CODY CROUCH/THE CONNECTOR LEFT and ABOVE: Public Transportation employees from across the state competed and took safety classes at the annual TASC Conference and Roadeo March 1-5. 12 SCDOT l THE CONNECTOR l SPRING 2014 2014 Highway Engineers Conference Engineers share technical details, lessons learned with fellow employees, private sector By Bob Kudelka “Everybody seems to have enjoyed the topics that were presented. I think it was a good conference. We had rep- he annual Highway Engineers resentatives from county governments, Conference continues to be a several associations, contractors, con- Tpopular event, with more than sultants and the FHWA in addition to 600 attendees from SCDOT and the pri- SCDOT employees, ” she said. vate sector joining together this spring Highlights of the conference included for two days of learning and sharing best a panel discussion, moderated by Direc- practices. tor of Maintenance Jim Feda, on lessons The 14th annual conference was held learned from the snow and ice storms; March 25-26 at the Columbia Metropoli- and a look at the new Strategic Highway tan Convention Center. Safety Plan from Brett Harrelson. In Acting Secretary of Transportation addition to presentations, SCDOT per- Christy Hall and Deputy Secretary for sonnel had the opportunity to receive Engineering Van Fuller gave welcom- hands-on training in P2S and R/W Data ing remarks after introductions by Chief Management Systems. Engineer for Location and Design Ron Topics included ADA requirements; Patton. I-20 widening in Richland County; Platt Hall challenged the audience to take Springs Road project; DBE stakeholders full advantage of the two days of training discussion; A/E Professional Services; sessions. diverging diamond interchanges; use of “It’s so critical that we take the op- probe data; base course stabilization; portunity and realize the opportunities survey equipment update; lane width presented to us to network and to learn characteristics; inland ports; overview from areas outside of our normal silo of of CPM specifications; rumble strip pol- operations,” Hall said. icy updates; roundabouts; LPA changes; Just seven weeks on the job, Hall al- FHWA risk based stewardship; Bees ready had led the agency through events Ferry Road project; Horry County Back- including two winter storms, the biggest gate project and general rights of way debris cleanup since Hurricane Hugo, issues. two earthquakes, a bomb on I-95 and Presenters and panelists from SC- preparation for hurricane season. DOT included: Christy Hall, Van She praised the work of the agency Fuller, Robbie Isgett, Brett Harrel- employees from the field to her leader- son, Ashleigh Sandel, Sean Connolly, ship team. Dr. Arlene Prince, Ken Sersun, Eric “Twenty years at SCDOT have been Stuckey, Wendy Hollingsworth, Dale very good to me but the last seven weeks Wagoner, Jim Feda, Efrem Dantzler, have been extraordinary,” Hall said. “I Kirk Richards, Todd Cook, Mark can’t thank our team enough, as well as DeZurik, Mark Hunter, Dipak Patel, our partners, in helping the agency be Eric Carroll, Dr. Wei Johnson, Joey successful. Riddle, Adam Payne, Bryan Jones, Hall thanked organizers of the Engi- Machael Peterson, Mike Barbee and neers Conference including Conference Bruce Wells. Moderators included: Ron Chairman Patti Gambill and Special Patton, Leland Colvin, Kenny Eargle, Events Coordinator Tina Kennedy, as Todd Steagall, Tony Sheppard, Brian well as Shaun Gaines and the staff from Keys, Herb Cooper, Doug Frate and Clemson University’s Transportation Mitchell Metts. Technology Transfer Service. P2S and R/W Data Management Sys- Hall attended several sessions at the tems Demo room training: Lynsee Gib- conference and delivered a detailed look son, Sherm Young, Doug Timmons at the agency in her “State of the SC- and Evelyn Turner.

DOT” presentation. Despite facing chal- Demo Room Set-up: Doug Harper, ROB THOMPSON/THE CONNECTOR lenges on many fronts in the upcoming Shawn Tucker, Eric Blume and Scott Chief Engineer For Location and Design Ron Patton introduces speakers months, Hall detailed various strategies Meetze. during the opening general session of the 2014 Highway Engineers to keep the agency on solid footing. Registration: Terry Sharpe, Cathy Conference. Gambill said the conference was a Rice, Gwen Goodwin, Catherine success and that she received good feed- Brooks, Mary Stepro, Michelle Walk- back from attendees. er and Tesa Griffin. See PHOTOS FROM THE CONFERENCE on next page.

If your vehicle tire drops off the pavement, ride it out while slowing down. Then gently ease the vehicle back onto the roadway. SCDOT l THE CONNECTOR l SPRING 2014 13

PHOTOS FROM THE CONFERENCE

PHOTOGRAPHS BY ROB THOMPSON/THE CONNECTOR LEFT: One surprise of the 2014 State Highway Engineers Conference came when the fire alarm went off during a safety presentation. Chairman Patti Gambill and all other conference attendees waited outside the building until the fire department arrived to turn off the alarm. 14 SCDOT l THE CONNECTOR l SPRING 2014 PROMOTIONS William Ramey, promoted to trades specialist III at Oconee Maintenance. Lethaniel Gathers, promoted to trades specialist IV at Charles- ton Maintenance. Eric Anderson, promoted to trades specialist IV at Aiken Maintenance. Jason Sharpe, promoted to trades specialist III at Spartanburg Maintenance. Larry Terry, promoted to trades specialist III at Chester Maintenance. Chester Williams, promoted to trades specialist III at Orange- burg Maintenance. Eric Bannister, promoted to Thad Brunson named trades specialist IV at Clarendon Bryan Jones named Chief Engineer for Maintenance. Michael O’Cain, promoted to Merrill Zwanka named District 1 Engineering Field Operations trades specialist III at Orangeburg Materials and Research Administrator had Brunson, of Lit- Maintenance. Scott Bohner, promoted to Kevin Gantt named Engineer ryan L. Jones, of Irmo, tle Mountain, has been has been named District 1 named Chief Engineer trades specialist III at Oconee Planning-Asset Engineering Administra- T Maintenance. errill E. Zwanka, of for Field Operations, succeeding B Frank Lawhorn, promoted to Management Engineer Lexington, has been tor, succeeding Thad Brunson. J. Clem Watson. He will provide named Materials and He is responsible for the man- support and oversight of field op- trades specialist III at Georgetown evin Gantt, of Lexing- M agement and oversight of field Maintenance. Research Engineer, succeeding erations in SCDOT’s seven engi- ton, has been named Milt Fletcher. operations in District 1, including neering districts. Katherine Scott, promoted to Planning-Asset Manage- Zwanka oversees the daily op- maintenance, construction, traffic He is a 1981 graduate of Irmo engineer/associate engineer III at K Georgetown Construction. ment Engineer. He will develop erations of the Materials and Re- and safety. High School, and received a Bach- and monitor a Transportation search Office, including materials A native of Bamberg, Jones elor of Science in Civil Engineer- William Oliver, promoted Asset Management Plan for SC- engineering and oversight of the joined SCDOT in 1993 as an En- ing from the University of South to trades specialist III at Chester DOT as a provision of MAP 21. central and three district laborato- gineering Technician at Bamberg Carolina in 1986 and a Master of Maintenance. He joined SCDOT in 1993 ries. Construction. He graduated from Engineering in Civil Engineering. Peter McKnight, promoted to as a Civil Engineering Asso- He joined SCDOT in 1987 as Bamberg-Ehrhardt High School He joined SCDOT in 1983 as trades specialist III at Clarendon ciate in Construction. In Oc- Assistant Asphalt Materials En- in 1988 and received a BS degree an engineering technician at the Maintenance. tober 2001, he was promoted gineer. He was promoted to Geo- in Civil Engineering from Clem- Research and Materials Labora- Russell Steagall, promoted to to Assistant Resident Mainte- technical Materials Engineer in son University in 1992. He is a tory. He was promoted to Assis- director of engineering at Director nance Engineer in Greenville 1998, State Materials Engineer in Registered Professional Engineer tant Resident Maintenance En- of Construction. County and in November 2006, 2000 and Assistant Materials and in South Carolina. gineer in 1989 and to Resident Samantha Carr, promoted to to Resident Maintenance En- Research Engineer in 2009. He was promoted to Assistant Maintenance Engineer in 1992 engineer/associate engineer II in gineer in Greenville County. He grew up in West Columbia, Resident Maintenance Engineer and to Resident Construction En- RPG 4 Upstate. He was promoted to Program and is a 1982 graduate of Airport at Aiken Maintenance in 1994; to gineer in 1994. He was appointed Kenneth Williams, promoted Manager in Regional Production High School. He received a Bach- Resident Maintenance Engineer Assistant District 1 Construction to mechanic III at Chesterfield Group 3 in November 2008. elor’s degree in Civil Engineer- at Barnwell Mainenance in 1997; Engineer in 2001 and District Maintenance. A native of Prosperity, he is ing in 1987 from the University to District 7 Mechanical Engi- Construction Engineer in 2002, James Mattox, promoted to a 1988 graduate of Batesburg- of South Carolina, and a Master’s neer in 2001; to District 1 Main- and District Engineering Admin- engineer/associate engineer IV in Leesville High School, and a degree in Civil Engineering in tenance Engineer in 2003, and to istrator in 2004. RPG 1 Lowcountry. 1993 graduate of Clemson Uni- 1992. He is a Registered Profes- District 1 Construction Engineer He is married to the former Douglas Giovanetti, promot- versity. He has five children: sional Engineer in South Caro- in 2008. Liz Pender of Columbia. They ed to engineer/associate engineer Roxanne, Devin, Braydon, Mi- lina. He is married to the former have five children: Zachary, 25; III in Traffic Engineering. chael and Maya. He attends Saxe Gotha Pres- Becky Darnell, of Hilda in Barn- Nathan, 23; Mary Beth, 21; Ja- Robert Giddens, promoted to Gantt is a member of Alpha byterian Church in Lexington, well County, and they have three cob,18; and Patrick, 16. state appraiser II in Rights of Way. Phi Alpha Fraternity and attends and enjoys participating in triath- children: Lauren, 16; Ben 13; and Brunson attends Three Rivers Lindsey Schirra, promoted Mt. Zion Baptist Church in lons, playing guitar, and spending Luke, 3. They are members of Baptist Church in Irmo. He en- to senior geodetic technician at Batesburg, and Brookland Bap- time with his two teenage daugh- Riverland Hills Baptist Church in joys coaching baseball and hunt- Horry 1 Maintenance. tist Church in West Columbia. ters. Irmo. ing. Wendell Jones, promoted to associate geodetic technician at Clarendon Construction. If making a left turn while opposing heavy, slow moving traffic, do not proceed if a driver facing you ‘motions’ you through several lanes of opposing traffic. Continued on next page SCDOT l THE CONNECTOR l SPRING 2014 15 PROMOTIONS Kevin Kretz, promoted to in- trades specialist III at Laurens engineer/associate engineer II at associate geodetic technician at Continued from cident responder I at District 5 In- Maintenance. Florence Maintenance. Jasper Construction. page 14 cident Response. Stacy Freeman, promoted to Nicholas Depalma, promoted Thomas Steen, promoted to William Woodward, promot- administrative assistant at Sumter to engineer/associate engineer II trades specialist III at York Main- ed to chief geodetic technician at Maintenance. at Greenville Construction A. tenance. Jose Almeida, promoted to Spartanburg Construction. Jessica Crane, promoted to Robert Waller, promoted to Malachi Ford, promoted to trades specialist IV at Lexington Ronald Stokes, promoted to procurement specialist II at Dis- trades specialist IV at District 3 engineer/associate engineer I at Maintenance. trades specialist IV at District 3 trict 3 Office. Maintenance. District 3 Office. Chris Gaskins, promoted to Traffic Signals. Joseph Hamilton, promoted John Callahan, promoted to Jimmy Leonard, promoted engineer/associate engineer IV in Theron Bull, promoted to to trades specialist IV at Horry incident responder I at District 1 to mechanic III at Horry Mainte- RPG 1 Lowcountry. trades specialist IV at Williams- Maintenance. Incident Response. nance. Christopher Williams, pro- burg Maintenance. Travis Meinders, promoted to Tracy Smith, promoted to Phillip Wood, promoted to moted to engineer/associate engi- Jennifer Allen, promoted to trades specialist III at Holly Hill trades specialist III at Spartanburg trades specialist III at Greenwood neer II in Traffic Engineering. administrative assistant at District Maintenance. Maintenance. Maintenance. Teresa Sharpe, promoted to 4 Office. Dawn Weeks, promoted to Sunny Schweinsberg, pro- Delisha Oakley, promoted to administrative coordinator I in Susan McGraw, promoted to state appraiser II at Rights of Way moted to trades specialist IV at fiscal technician I in Finance and Deputy Secretary for Engineer- engineer/associate engineer I at - Central. Greenville Maintenance. Administration. ing. Anderson Construction. Wade Warr, promoted to en- John Barnes, promoted to Marc Shensky, promoted to Jessica Turner, promoted to Bryan Jones, promoted to di- gineer/associate engineer II at trades specialist III at Lancaster engineer/associate engineer I at engineer/associate engineer II in rector of engineering at District 1 Sumter Maintenance. Maintenance. Cherokee Construction. RPG 2 Pee Dee. Office. Ron Pressley, promoted to James Jones, promoted to Norman Meyer, promoted to Terrica Turner, promoted Mark Lorick, promoted to ad- trades specialist III at Williams- associate geodetic technician at trades specialist III at Charleston to senior geodetic technician in ministrative manager I in Precon- burg Maintenance. Chester Construction. Maintenance. Road Data Services. struction Support. Matthew Perry, promoted to George Hall, promoted to as- Charles Orsborne, promoted Lynsee Gibson, promoted to Jonathan Antley, promoted incident responder I at District 1 sociate geodetic technician at Ab- to trades specialist V at District 3 program manager II in Program to trades specialist V at District 6 Incident Response. beville Construction. Maintenance. Controls. Signal Shop. Gregory Fulton, promoted to Lisa Funderburk, promoted Wesley Smythers, promoted Jeffrey Foster, promoted to Patrick McKenzie, promoted trades specialist IV at Williams- to supply specialist III at Lancast- to trades specialist III at Green- trades specialist V at Laurens to engineer/associate engineer III burg Maintenance. er Maintenance. ville Maintenance. Maintenance. at Spartanburg Construction. Christopher Cannon, pro- Michael Biege, promoted to Trenton Thielbar, promoted Wilson Anderson, promoted Brice Parker, promoted to moted to associate geodetic tech- engineer/associate engineer I at to engineer/associate engineer II to trades specialist IV at Green- engineer/associate engineer II at nician at Marion Construction. Greenville Construction A. in RPG 4 Upstate. wood Maintenance. Williamsburg Maintenance. Jennifer Smith, promoted to Randall Edwards, promoted Kevin Rosendahl, promoted Kelly Stapleton, promoted to Wilson Overton, promoted right of way agent II at Rights of to trades specialist III at Spartan- to mechanic III at Richland Main- engineer/associate engineer II in to senior geodetic technician at Way - Central. burg Maintenance. tenance. RPG 4 Upstate. Greenville Construction A. Mark Walker, promoted to Morris Gregory, promoted George Griffin, promoted to Yvonne Clark, promoted to Janet Hendrix, promoted to program manager I at Rights of to trades specialist IV at Beaufort trades specialist IV at District 3 human resource manager I at Dis- administrative coordinator I at Way - Central. Maintenance. Maintenance. trict 4 Office. District 6 Office. Sheila James, promoted to James Carswell, promoted to Jerry Amos, promoted to Alexander Frazier, promoted Claudia Fowler, promoted to program coordinator II at District trades specialist IV at Berkeley trades specialist III at Georgetown to trades specialist III at Aiken program coordinator I in Traffic 6 Office. Maintenance. Maintenance. Maintenance. Engineering. Craig Wicker, promoted to Marion Demons, promoted to Keith Tate, promoted to trades Johnny Clark, promoted to Michelle Wagner, promoted trades specialist III at Newberry trades specialist III at Georgetown specialist III at Cherokee Mainte- senior geodetic technician at Ai- to executive assistant I in Inter- Maintenance. Maintenance. nance. ken Construction. modal and Freight Programs. Wallace Dobbs, promoted to James Wiley, promoted to Jesse Hendrix, promoted to Tyrone Jones, promoted to Mamie Spradley, promoted to trades specialist IV at Edgefield trades specialist IV at District 2 trades specialist III at Greenville trades specialist V at Aiken Main- engineer/associate engineer IV in Maintenance. Traffic Signals. Maintenance. tenance. RPG 1 Lowcountry. Christopher Richardson, Heath Garrett, promoted to Paul Grier, promoted to trades Jimmy Frost, promoted to Brian Rister, promoted to info promoted to trades specialist IV at trades specialist III at Spartanburg specialist III at District 3 Mainte- associate geodetic technician at resource consultant II in Human Richland Maintenance. Maintenance. nance. Richland Construction B. Resources. David Black, promoted to Joshua Meetze, promoted to Kristian Kieffer, promoted to Robert Scott, promoted to Karl Hoffman, promoted to trades specialist V at District 3 engineer/associate engineer II in trades specialist III at York Main- trades specialist III at Florence engineer/associate engineer II at Traffic Signals. RPG 2 Pee Dee. tenance. Maintenance. District 2 Office. Robert Bean, promoted to Robert Dunn, promoted to Dustin Meritt, promoted to Brian Clack, promoted to Bradley Reynolds, promoted program manager I at Marlboro mechanic III at Equipment Ser- trades specialist III at District 3 trades specialist V at District 4 to engineer/associate engineer IV Maintenance. vice Depot. Maintenance. Traffic Signals. in RPG 4 Upstate. Bobby Collins, promoted to Alexander Burton, promoted Miranda Caldwell, promoted Roger Bowers, promoted to Willie Anderson, promoted trades specialist III at Cherokee to associate geodetic technician at to accounting/fiscal manager I in engineer/associate engineer III at to trades specialist III at Laurens Maintenance. Richland Construction A. Accounting. Charleston Maintenance. Maintenance. Jeffery Taylor, promoted to James Bodie, promoted to Glenn Clark, promoted to Laurie Mazzell, promoted to Brian Christmas, promoted to senior geodetic technician at Ai- trades specialist III at Greenwood trades specialist III at Jasper right of way agent II at Rights of mechanic II at Lee Maintenance. ken Construction. Maintenance. Maintenance. Way - Central. Milton Davis, promoted to Alton Griggs, promoted to Todd Visokay, promoted to 16 SCDOT l THE CONNECTOR l SPRING 2014 17 Ready to Rumble: SCDOT responds to snow, ice, earthquake By Bob Kudelka cessful South Carolina was. “We were able to deliver.” now, ice, sleet, power out- In face-to-face meetings with ages, an earthquake and the Governor Nikki Haley, Hall said Sbiggest debris cleanup since the governor praised the work of Hurricane Hugo – the events of the SCDOT employees in keeping winter of 2014 put SCDOT to its roads open when other states were biggest test in years. severely challenged by the storm. By all accounts, the agency Chief of Staff Wendy Nicho- once again stepped up and showed las managed agency-wide devel- its biggest asset – dedicated, hard- opments and worked closely with working employees – was equal to the Governor’s staff, emergency whatever Mother Nature decided to officials and state leaders. “I was throw our way. proud of our employees and what “It’s been a challenge,” said a fantastic job they did,” Nicholas Acting Secretary of Transportation said. “The Governor’s Office and Christy Hall. “However, each and legislators continue to daily ac- every single time the team has ris- knowledge the great effort by our en to the challenge. I cannot thank agency.” our team enough, as well as our In addition, the SCDOT Com- partners, in helping the agency be mission passed a resolution hon- successful. It has been noticed by oring employees for their service many outside of the agency, even noting that SCDOT employees re- outside the state, on just how suc- mained focused on the tasks before them, and were unsung heroes to many citizens who needed their assistance. “The large geographic area South Carolinians were impacted impacted by ice by damage not seen in the state is very rare,” said since Hurricane Hugo. The wide Deputy Secretary area affected is uncommon, since for Engineer- most ice storms affect smaller ing Van Fuller. pockets, or just a handful of coun- “Nearly half of ties.”

Director of Mainte- critical that plans for debris clean- counties, 18 sustained “significant” nance Jim Feda attrib- up were in place years ago - thanks tree damage. uted to the successful to employees including Kelly Jo SCDOT has more than 18,000 response to the tireless Swygert, Tom Johnson and Da- miles of roadways in the affected efforts of employees as vid Cook. counties, and Fuller said that’s well as preparation and President Obama, acting on a rehearsing snow routes request from Governor Haley, de- long before winter be- clared 21 S.C. counties a major See WINTER on next page Winter storm photo coverage by Rob Thompson gins. Hall said it was disaster area. Fuller said of the 21 18 SCDOT l THE CONNECTOR l SPRING 2014

coast. That night, crews contin- “We used everything we got Mark Hunter in the Director Survey (USGS) alert notifica- of Maintenance Office scrambled WINTER ued working as freezing tempera- and we hung in there,” Woodrum tion service that the USGS had to find private haulers to help get from page 17 tures caused ice in some areas. said. “Because we’re short on just recorded a 4.2 magnitude On the afternoon of Jan. 30, people, like everybody else, our supplies to the Districts and gar- earthquake (later revised to a crews in all but two engineering construction employees pulled nered help from the S.C. National 4.1 magnitude quake), centered larger than the total state-main- Districts had returned to normal their share of the load just like the Guard. seven miles west-northwest of tained system of 40 other states. operations. maintenance employees. We all Beth Andrews, Wendy Hol- Edgefield. The S.C. Forestry Commis- In all, the first storm used pulled together. lingsworth, Tom Johnson and The earthquake was the sec- sion labeled a 170-mile-long, 70- 16,150 tons of salt, 5,495 tons of “I think events like this bring Todd Steagall, representing the ond strongest in South Carolina mile wide path of timber damage sand, 132,368 gallons of calcium the best out in our people.” team called ESF-1 (Emergency since 1950. from the Savannah River to the chloride; and 863,189 gallons of In Aiken County, widespread Support Functions 1 – Transpor- The Bridge Maintenance of- N.C. border. salt brine. power outages affected not only tation), worked at the S.C. Emer- fice’s threshold for formally By late March, employees It was a typical winter storm employees’ families but the gency Management Division responding to an earthquake is joined by more than 700 con- for South Carolina, lasting about Maintenance shop itself. “It was to relay information to the S.C. 4.0, so Floyd began coordinat- tract crews had cleared more than 48 hours, and things were back to warmer in a dump truck than Emergency Management Divi- ing initial emergency inspections 6,000 miles of roadway and 1.9 normal. in the office,” said Aiken RME sion about road conditions, the beginning that night and ramp- million cubic yards of debris. This time, “normal” did not Bobby Usry. Ravenel Bridge closing, debris ing up at daybreak. It was Floyd That is enough debris to cover last long. “Some of our employees removal, and coordinated efforts who helped set that threshold a football field – 1,000 feet high. Eleven days later, forecasters would leave their shifts and stay with law enforcement and utili- years ago when helping create The latest estimate for SC- called for a major winter storm to in motels with their families ties. the earthquake response bridge DOT’s costs relating to storm re- cut a path through the Southeast. because they had no power at The Customer Service Center, policy, so he knew it was a con- sponse and recovery was approx- The Weather Channel dispatched home,” Usry said. “Never once which was converted to an Emer- servative threshold for any dam- imately $164 million, according a reporter to Columbia, consid- did our people complain about gency Operation on Feb. 11 at 7 age possibility. to Chief Engineer of Operations ered ground zero. what they had to do - they just a.m. and was open during extend- “I wasn’t really worried and I Leland Colvin. Meanwhile, many Districts jumped up and got in there and ed hours through Feb. 14. The didn’t suspect we’d find anything, “This still is an estimate,” had been given little time to re- did it.” Call Center received 1,111 calls but you never know,” Floyd said. Fuller said, adding that the clean- stock supplies used up in the first With back-to-back storms, as employees provided critical “The best thing to do was to re- up would end around May 1. storm. Usry said it was challenging to information on road and bridge spond.” The first of the two winter “It was pretty intense in our put the work schedule together. conditions, according to Ryan Beginning at 7 a.m., bridge storms hit South Carolina on Jan. area,” said District 7 DEA Jo “We ended up using a lot more Cole. inspectors checked bridges from 28. Originally, forecast for earlier Ann Woodrum. Each of her construction personnel, and it was Director of Communications just south of North Augusta to in the day, the snow spared the eight counties ended up FEMA a new role for many of them,” Pete Poore led the effort to in- Beech Island to the Chatooga rush hour traffic and began later eligible. Usry said. “We also had several form the public of road condi- River on U.S. 76 Oconee County in the evening. Things were so bad that truck- people who ended up working tions, the critical work being to as far inland as east of Green- By the following afternoon, ers delivering salt couldn’t make longer than 12 hours shifts. You done by employees in the field wood. He also had his team check snowfall had accumulated from 1 it to parts of her District, Woo- appreciate those efforts when and advising people to stay off the I-20 bridge over the Savannah to 3 inches in most areas of the drum said, instead dumping off you’re in crunch time.” the roads. River, which is maintained by state with freezing rain near the near the interstate in Orangeburg. In District 4, Todd Cook said Poore was interviewed by out- Georgia DOT. they had 8,820 tons of salt on lets including Al Jazeera America Floyd mapped out the bridges hand before the storm. When it and The Weather Channel. Com- most likely to have an issue. In- was over, they had used 8,810 munications used social media spectors looked at expansion tons – only 10 tons to spare. platform Twitter to get informa- joints to see if there was anything Like many other places, Dis- tion quickly to the public around unusual warranting further in- trict 4 ran into trouble just feed- the clock. spection. ing their employees, with many During the second storm, the By 2:30 p.m. inspectors had local business shut down by the agency used 17,038 tons of salt; checked 60 bridges, and each one third day of icy conditions. 7,153 tons of sand; 73,651 gal- was given a clean bill of health. “By the end, there were no lons of calcium chloride; and “The plan worked perfectly grocery stores open,” said Woo- 1,444,597 gallons of salt brine. but it was a heck of a way to cel- drum. “And in places like Aiken, With weather and road con- ebrate my birthday,” said Floyd, they had issues with power out at dition significantly improved by who was born on the 15th. home. But it wasn’t just us. Ev- Friday afternoon, Feb. 14, the As storm debris cleanup wind- erybody in the state had it rough.” agency had for the most part re- ed down in the spring, SCDOT At Headquarters, Procurement turned to normal operations. was not quite ready to get back to Division’s Sherry Barton went Again, normal was short-lived. “normal.” on a nationwide hunt to find de- That evening, State Bridge “Now we’re getting ready for icing supplies. Engineer Lee Floyd heard a rum- hurricane season,” Hall said. Due to a national salt shortage, bling noise that he first thought Editor’s note: SCDOT em- Procurement had to find salt from sounded like low-flying military ployees have been honored for faraway places such as Knox- helicopters. The phone rang, and their exceptional response to ville, Tennessee, and even a town on the other line was Jim Feda the winter storms of 2014. While PHOTOGRAPHS BY ROB THOMPSON/THE CONNECTOR called Grand Saline in Texas. telling him he thought it was an space does not permit naming Mark Hunter and David Cook of the Director of In all, more than 17,000 tons of earthquake. every employee who contributed, Maintenance Office monitor weather conditions and salt salt was used on South Carolina Floyd immediately found this article represents a sampling spreading operations during the storm. roads. out through his U.S. Geological of the excellent work by all.

If making a left turn when exiting a shopping complex do so at a traffic signal, if one is present. SCDOT l THE CONNECTOR l SPRING 2014 19

Paige Hansen DOTMidlands pic.twitter.com/hKE5YonbXs @_PaigeHansen Good job! @jlax_13 You’re right! @NCDOT and @SCDOTPress Marybeth Jacoby both have crews working nonstop! #winterweather @MarybethJacoby SCDOT employees received many @SCDOTPress 1,463 Maintenance employees active- compliments on Twitter during the winter Jus Jai@JusBreakingNews ly involved in road operations keeping us safe storms. Here is a sampling: BRAVO @SCDOTPress!!!!! Shane Norris Judi Gatson The Rogue Report @Shane_WBTW @JudiGatson @thejournalist44 @SCDOTPress is out monitoring the roadways. A S/O to @SCDOTPress! Your crews did a GREAT job! Must give the SCDOT and SCHP in the Upstate ku- work truck even stopped by my liveshot to check one Thank you for making my late-night drive home easier dos tonight... roads mostly manageable and troopers’ me this morning. #Goodguy than I thought it’d be. response quick Greg Suskin Merry De Leon Andrew D Johnson @GSuskin @Cupids_Psyche @getmorejohnson SCDOT in Lancaster County is salting south of the city @SCDOTPress Excellent work, thank you for such a @CityCharleston thank you and @SCDOTPress for all where it’s colder, and doing some brine to the north of massive undertaking and for being proactive your hard work! town. #Cltsnow

Judi Gatson Rebecca Ryan Collett‏ Kate Valentine @JudiGatson @RebeccaRCollett @katevalentine Big thanks to @SCDOTPress crews for their hard @SCDOTPress great job with the info! Thanks for the @SCDOTPress thanks for clearing roads!! @wspa7on- work! Still some icy spots but hwys look good. Clear update! yourside #snowpocalypse #snowmageddon pic.twitter. roads + common sense = safe travels! com/Yq1RK8OPZ0 Cuthbert Langley Jenny Wirtzberger @CLangleyWCBD Paige Hansen @wirtzbergerwltx Good resources for info on roads #winterwatch @SC- @_PaigeHansen We’ve been hanging out with the wonderful people DOTPress: SCDOT prepares for winter storm. Hard to see, but that’s a @SCDOTPress truck spraying at @SCDOTPress all day. The next shift comes in at brine on HWY 9 North near Chester. @wsoctv #snow- 8pm. #wintermess Corey Davis storm2014 pic.twitter.com/qwhymuSjOV @CoreyLive5News Jarid Munsch SCDOT crews breaking up salt for roads and prepping @JaridMunsch for winter storm. #chsnews pic.twitter.com/C2VIjw- Hannah Moseley Is anybody seeing #blackice in @columbiasc? Roads 4GdM @HannahLive5 are looking good to me. Kudos to @SCDOTPress. It’s almost better than Christmas. #RavenelBridge is #drivesafe #WinterMess Jeffrey Collins reopened! @MountPleasantPD @SCDOTPress thanks @JSCollinsAP for all the hardwork! Allison Barnes (Don Blizzard is) just the man to help clear the roads @acb388 for SCDOT tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/rFFkqXs2Tk @WLTX I am in Lexington. The roads look good. Chris McKagen Teresa Noisette Lundy @chrismckagen Foster Senn shared WIS TV’s photo. SCDOT clearing a fallen tree on Lake City Highway @fostersenn (Mayor of Newberry) #thankyou #SCDOT!! near Johnsonville. They say they’ve been busy this Great job by city staff today keeping Newberry running Kudos to the hundreds of men and women who worked morning. smooth & kudos to @SCDOTPress. Just saw DOT 12-hour shifts to prepare for snow and ice, and clear trucks filled w/sand heading out at 9 pm South Carolina’s roads after this week’s winter storm. Maureen O’Boyle WBTV @MaureenOBoyle Country Fried ROCK Dawn Staley @ncdee1 how kind! Thank you! Real heroes @NC- @CountryFriedROK @dawnstaley DOT @SCDOTPress and all 1st responders /and @ @SCDOTPress They did a great job. I was really im- Head Women’s Basketball Coach University of South WBTV_News crews and reporters!!! pressed, esp b/c I live in the country, not the town & Carolina they were working hard. S/O (Shout out) to SCDOT for making it possible for Judi Gatson@JudiGatson all the experienced & inexperienced drivers to travel I spy #SCDOT crews working the roads on our drive Country Fried ROCK safely throughout the state. back from Sumter! @CountryFriedROK Did you know SCDOT is on Twitter? Tell your friends @SCDOTPress Thank you to SCDOTPeeDee for do- Johnny Deal and neighbors to get the latest news about SC roads ing such a great job pre-salting, salting, and scraping @Johnny_Deal and bridges by following us on Twitter. our roads in & around Florence County. A big THANK YOU to all Public Works and SCDOT employees! Y’all Rock! #scwx #snowpocalypse @SC- Follow SCDOT on Twitter: http://twitter.com/SCDOTPress -- Compiled by Bob Kudelka

When entering an interstate, attain the prevailing speed of the interstate as you merge into traffic. When in the right lane of the interstate and traffic is entering from a ramp, shift lanes if possible to allow them entry. For a complete list of Dick Jenkin’s Driving Safety Tips, go to: http://www.scdot-transfer.org/SCDOTPHOTOS/DrivingTips.pdf 20 SCDOT l THE CONNECTOR l SPRING 2014 SCDOT Ensemble lifts voices, spirits of employees By Robert Johnson

he SCDOT Ensemble is a volunteer group from the employees of Tthe SCDOT Headquarters building. While participation in this group is an additional duty for each of the volunteers, it is an honor to be given the opportunity to represent the agency and be a source of en- couragement to fellow employees.

Creation of the SCDOT Ensemble

On September 11, 2001, the World Trade Center attack was perpetrated, which put the nation on alert. Locally, the South Carolina governmental agencies including SCDOT observed times of prayer for our nation. At that time, SCDOT Executive Di- rector Elizabeth Mabry requested that God Bless America be sung at a memorial gathering. An impromptu request was made to gather singers from throughout the building to lead the singing of this song at the memorial gathering. Robert Johnson was contacted by Val McCall and tasked with making this request from the executive director a reality. In approximately thirty minutes, Johnson located a small group of CODY CROUCH/THE CONNECTOR singers and presented them at the gather- The SCDOT Ensemble is a volunteer group that performs during the holiday season and at other events when ing ready to lead the requested song. This requested. original group consisted of the following tor began to make regular requests for this ensemble to perform at various SCDOT Douglas, Chuck Blackwell, Robert E. participants: Audrey Davis, Aliza Bolton, same group to sing God Bless America and events and provide special performances Johnson, Delores Gilmore, Michelle Glynnis Davis, Lavern Glover, Myra other selections at commission meetings like caroling at various locations around L. Walker, Nancy Redmond, Michael Crawford, Renee Williams, Myron Sin- and various other SCDOT events, dubbing the headquarters building during the holi- D. Covington, Sandra W. Castor, Aliza gleton, Sherron Harmon and Lawton this group of singers the SCDOT Ensem- day season. As of today, the SCDOT En- Bolton, Tom Dodds, Marvin C. Carnell, Player. ble. Since then, subsequent executive di- semble is represented by the following Brunell Y. Rawlinson, Maceo G. Morris, From that point on, the executive direc- rectors have made similar requests for the employees: Audrey B. Davis, Susan H. Curtis Sims and Deborah S. Berry.

Many times, the hard work of from the community which re- for which we should all be proud. dedicated sate employees goes flect the transformation which the Jay, Julie and Benji, along with Letters unnoticed and thankless. I hope project has created in this area of other SCDOT staff, provided ex- this letter will at least let some of Assembly Street. We expect the cellent service from our perspec- To: Honorable Nikki R. Haley, better reaction time when meet- them know how much their ef- project will serve as a prototype tive as a client. In addition, their Governor ing oncoming traffic. Also,it helps forts are appreciated. for future improvements by the leadership, attention to detail and State of South Carolina drivers avoid collisions with wild Also, please convey to your hus- City of Columbia for other blocks budge-conscious decision-mak- The South Carolina Depart- animals such as the deer and wild band my thanks for his service to of Assembly Street and perhaps ing provided a completed project ment of Transportation (SCDOT) hogs that enjoy residing in my our country during his deploy- other roadways in the central of great quality while remaining recently completed mowing pine plantations. ment to Afghanistan. business district. within the project budget. rights-of-way along public roads As a tree farmer, particularly Sincerely, There are numerous staff at It has been a pleasure working that pass through young pine appreciate the improved fire pro- James C. Sanders Jr SCDOT who contributed to the with Julie, Jay, Benji and other plantations that I own in Abbev- tection this right-of-way mainte- success of this project. In particu- professional staff at SCDOT. We ille and Saluda counties. nance provides for my property. lar, we wish to recognize Julie look forward to future collabora- I wish to commend the SCDOT My young pine plantations are To: Randy Young: Barker, Jesse (Jay) Thompson tion when opportunities emerge Resident Maintenance Engineers extremely vulnerable to wild fire. I am writing to express our and Benjamin (Benji) Branham to enhance safety and beautify and their staff in the above coun- The seasonal mowing of pub- appreciation for the excellent ser- who represented SCDOT with our city along our roadway cor- ties for the high quality of this lic rights-of-way by the SCDOT vice provided by the South Caro- professionalism distinguished by ridors. work and to let you know how helps control dry, fire-prone veg- lina Department of Transporta- wisdom and tenacity. Their tech- With kind regard, much I appreciate their efforts. etation that could otherwise fuel a tion staff throughout the design nical knowledge, problem solv- Derek Gruner Obviously, this work makes potentially catastrophic wild fire. and construction of the Assembly ing capabilities and project over- University Architect our highways safer by improving Fire that could destroy not only Street Safety Improvement Proj- sight are significant factors which Director of Facilities Planning visibility for drivers. This im- my property but that of my neigh- ect. As the project nears comple- contributed to a successful pro- and Programming proved visibility affords drivers bors as well. tion, we are receiving accolades cess and an exemplary outcome SCDOT l THE CONNECTOR l SPRING 2014 21 SCDOT’s Extreme Athletes Three employees’ abilities redefine endurance By Pete Poore peted in the Harbison 50k Ultra-Marathon before my doctor’s appointment,” Brown said. any people participate in running, “He told me what I did not want to hear, my cycling and swimming as part of running days were over.” But swimming was Man overall fitness program. “Mod- still an option and Brown was no stranger to erate and regular exercise” is one of the stan- the sport as it’s one of the three legs of a tri- dard recommendations for a healthy lifestyle. athlon. Brown said, “I was training for the 12- However, SCDOT has at least three people mile Swim Around Key West when I discov- who have crashed through the word “mod- ered the 12-mile Swim Around Charleston, so erate” and have made the pursuit of fitness I decided to stay closer to home.” an extreme challenge. Their goals for fitness So how do these full-time SCDOT em- include running marathons, ultra marathons, ployees work in the training required to com- cycling from one city to another over 300 pete in endurance events? Barbee, who runs miles away and taking a 12-mile swim. 40-50 miles per week during “normal times” Meet Mark Pleasant, an employee in the and peaks at 70-80 miles per week when Charlie Brown, pictured above and below, swims 12 miles from Mount Planning Office,Mike Barbee an engineer in training for a specific race, says it’s like hav- Pleasant around Charleston and up the Ashley River. Preconstruction and Charlie Brown, a direc- ing a second job. “I personally have no com- tor in the Human Resources Office. Pleas- peting interests,” said Barbee. “I don’t play ant ran his third marathon at the 2013 New golf, fish, hunt or go to football games.” York City Marathon last fall. Earlier this year, All three athletes agree that flexibility is Barbee ran a 50k (31-mile) trail run in the the partner of commitment. “You sacrifice Harbison State Forest. Brown is training for sleep if necessary and you do it because the his second “Swim Around Charleston next worst feeling is the regret you’ll have the day September, a 12-mile, open water swim from after you miss a workout. That’s why you get Mount Pleasant, around the Peninsula and up yourself out on the road early before the sun the Ashley River. Before we reveal how these comes up or late at night,” Barbee said. Pleas- SCDOT employees find the time to compete ant agreed, “if you have to run at 4 a.m. or 5 at such high levels, the obvious answer is a.m. or 10 p.m., that’s what you do.” WHY? Brown said, “I’m usually standing out- For Pleasant, his first marathon at the Ma- side the YMCA waiting when the doors open rine Corps Marathon in Washington, D.C. at 5 a.m. for a 5,000-yard swim, three days was a milestone event. “I ran my first mara- per week and five days when the event gets thon at age 40. It was a ‘bucket list’ event,” closer.” Weekends are reserved for an 8,000- said Pleasant. But there’s more to running a 10,000 yard swim, including workouts in marathon than just the run. “Running a mara- open water at Lake Murray. This May, Brown thon is a really fantastic experience, a reward- is scheduled to take a few days out from ing and compelling experience. To set a goal swimming to participate in a 335-mile bicy- that might seem unrealistic at first tests how cle ride from Pittsburgh, PA to Washington, committed you can be to the (four months) of D.C. training,” he said. These SCDOT employees have reasons for Barbee said “normal running” was just training and competing as they do besides su- part of his overall fitness program for- de perior levels of fitness. “To complete a long- cades…until 2008. He decided to “go long” distance race and run it well is an incredible out of fear. Up until then, he was hesitant to sense of accomplishment,” said Barbee. run 26.2 miles. “I decided I wanted to run Pleasant said the best feeling comes before the Myrtle Beach Marathon and I used fear the actual marathon. He said, “Finishing that to motivate my training for that event,” said last 20-mile training run prior to a marathon Barbee. “When you sit behind a desk most is most exhilarating. It’s a cause for celebra- days, you want to challenge yourself to find tion because you know you’ve completed the out how tough you are. It’s my nature to see four months of training that have dictated if I can accomplish something that’s hard. It’s your life. Now you can enjoy the race,” Pleas- the opposite of instant gratification. I like to ant said. work toward something that’s not easy and Brown said, “Whether it’s running or requires hard work,” he said. swimming, going long distances is addictive. Brown had been a runner and a triathlete I have been looking for challenges all of my most of his life. He had run in countless short life and I will always do so.” and middle distance races such as 5k and 10k ABOVE: Mike Barbee events. Somewhere in his 30s, he noticed that If you participate in endurance events like runs between 40 to 80 his times were not getting any better. So in- marathons, ultra-marathons, triathlons, miles each week. stead of trying to run faster, he ran longer, swimming, powerlifting or any endurance putting marathons and ultra-marathons on his sport that requires substantial training time, RIGHT: Mark Pleasant schedule. we’d like to hear from you. Contact Pete runs in the New York Then arthritis in his ankles became enough Poore at [email protected] or call 803-737- Marathon. of a problem to see a doctor. “I had just com- 1270. 22 SCDOT l THE CONNECTOR l SPRING 2014 SCDOT Softball Tournament By Cody Crouch Patrol Supply came in first, Dillon came in second and he 31st Annual SCDOT Planning came in third. Softball Tournament took The MVP trophy was awarded Tplace at the Lexington to Brad Suggs of Patrol Supply. County Recreation and Aging The Sportsmanship trophy was Sports Complex in Pelion. awarded to Bobby Meekins of Six teams competed in a Dillon. A trophy was awarded to double-elimination tournament first and second place teams. First in front of family, friends and place team members received a co-workers. t-shirt.

PATROL SUPPLY - FIRST PLACE

CHARLESTON

DILLON - SECOND PLACE

RICHLAND

ROAD DESIGN Photographs by Cody Crouch/The Connector PLANNING - THIRD PLACE SCDOT l THE CONNECTOR l SPRING 2014 23

Engineering News Got news? Contact Dede Elmore at SCDOT Encroachment 803-737-7900 or email her at ElmoreDD@scdot. Permit Processing System org. By Tameki L. Watts, District 3 IRC to open an account to facilitate multiple applications or submit an application once via an application online. As s technology advances and the demand for service any other new program has been introduced there have increases, SCDOT has initiated a paperless been adjustments for applicants and SCDOT employees Dede Elmore Aprocess to keep up with technology and demand. that process the applications. Overall EPPS has earned Encroachment Permit Processing System (EPPS) is a space in the paperless initiative category as well as an online system developed by District 3 Engineering customer satisfaction category. staff and IT software development staff that manages Since its inception, it has been revised to accommodate benefits include not waiting for SCDOT internal courier encroachment permit applications submitted by private user needs and design changes that continue to make it mail to return plans so that the plans can be returned to citizens and engineering firms. It was designed to increase user friendly and effective. District 3 Traffic Engineer the applicant for revision. With its continued improvement efficiency, accountability, reliability and reduce the wait Eric Dillon said, “The greatest thing is the instant access and expansion, EPPS is destined to bring about customer time for application decisions. Applicants have the option to viewing all files pertaining to the permit.” He said satisfaction and efficacy.

District 3 Traffic Engineer Eric Dillon works in the Encroachment Permit Processing System. 24 SCDOT l THE CONNECTOR l SPRING 2014

District 1 News Got news? Contact Teresa Jackson at: Kershaw, Lee, Lexington, Richland and Sumter counties 803-737-6715 or email her at [email protected] District Engineer: Bryan Jones (803) 737-6660 FAX (803) 737-6401 Teresa Jackson Thad Brunson honored at D1 District 1 gives DEA a good-hearted send off istrict 1 Engineering had a “goodbye” He was presented items that will help him in lunch for District Engineering Admin- his new position at headquarters. One of these Distrator Thad Brunson on March 20 at items was an Indian headdress to let everyone one of his favorite places, Doc’s Barbeque. know he is the “Chief” engineer for field opera- Brunson started a tradition of sending em- tions. ployees off with “The Box” and, this time, it All District 1 employees wish him the best in was his turn. his future endeavors.

Brunson’s new position is “Chief” engineer for field operations.

ABOVE: Thad Brunson shows off his gift, a block “C,” with his wife, Liz Brunson.

RIGHT: Thad Brunson served as District 1 Engineering Administrator since 2004. His gift was wrapped in a state map with some of his favorite restaurants highlighted. SCDOT l THE CONNECTOR l SPRING 2014 25

District 2 News Got news? Contact Sarah Abbeville, Anderson, Edgefield, Greenwood, Laurens, McKinney at McCormick, Newberry and Saluda counties 864-227-6971 or email her at District Engineer : Kevin McLaughlin (864) 227-6971 McKinneySB@scdot. FAX (864) 227-6567 org. Flagger: Sarah McKinney Information Technology Train the e would like to recog- Dwayne Scott and Stephanie Ste- nize the hard work and vens. They are working to get all diligence of District 2 computers in District 2 updated to trainer WInformation Resource Consultants Windows 7. ilma Magyar, of Clem- son’s T3S, held a Flag- ger Train the Trainer Wcourse in District 2 on March 3. At left, Hugh Pitts and Magyar demonstrate flagging during the class. All District 2 Safety Represen- tatives and Resident Maintenance Foremen attended the class and have become certified instructors. The certified flagger instructors will soon begin training District 2 personnel. Magyar was joined by her assistant, Chris Tumbleston, who has been a great help in co- ordinating this class and all of the Clemson T3S Work Zone Classes within District 2.

State Safety Representative Meeting he SCDOT Safety Staff held its quarterly presented an agenda covering various aspects of meeting at the S.C. FireAcademy on March 4. effective Incident Investigation, including Pro- District 2 Safety Representatives hosted tocol Books for each district, an update from Tthe meeting for the SCDOT OSHA officers. They Amanda Taylor in Claims and a group exercise.

Hearing Tests 2014 t was time for Annual Hearing in Lindenwold, NJ, who helped Testing again. All eight mainte- make the process go smoothly. nance units in District 2 partici- Shown above is Thomas assisting Ipated in the testing. Shirley Wise of Newberry Mainte- Special thanks to Nurse Dale nance with paperwork for her hear- Thomas of SCDOT and Technician ing test. Tony Aquilino of Enviromed Corp 26 SCDOT l THE CONNECTOR l SPRING 2014

Got news? District 3 News Please contact Bonita Davenport 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 Bonita Davenport D3 handles the snow, ice Bridge and SHEP personnel did their jobs to ensure ours roads and highways were safe for the traveling public. Strategic equipment and Maintenance work force planning disbursed e would like Bravo!to thank damaged to the bridge. SCDOT de-icing material and snow plows to areas both Spartanburg employees were immediately deemed high priority. Maintenance and Dis- dispatched from the Spartanburg Resident Maintenance and Construction W trict Maintenance Operations Maintenance and District Main- Engineers in Greenville, Spartanburg, Pickens employees for their expeditious tenance Operations Offices to and Oconee counties each did their part dur- response in the clean-up efforts begin advancing the removal and ing the inclement weather. from an accident that caused cleanup of the bridge. The Bridge and Maintenance Operations’ major damage to the California These employees represent manpower provided additional support to Dis- Avenue Bridge in Spartanburg commitment and perseverance as trict 3 staff and maintenance units by operat- County. they worked around the clock to ing equipment, completing reports and pro- On Jan. 13 the California Ave- clear the travel lanes from bridge istrict 3 experienced two snow and ice viding critical information to aid making ice nue Bridge over I-585 was struck debris in rainy and below nor- events in January and February 2014. and snow clearing decisions. by a tractor trailer hauling equip- mal temperatures before morning District Engineering Administrator SHEP incident responders worked tireless- ment which caused structural rush hour traffic. D ly in assisting stranded motorist on our inter- Steven W. Gwinn and the District 3 Main- tenance, Construction and Traffic Engineers states. managed clearing the highways of snow and District 3 did its job by keeping South ice. Carolina citizens safe and moving during the District 3’s Maintenance, Construction, winter weather. Meet Abha Thakore

bha Thakore has only son, Harsh, who works been with SCDOT as an Assistant Manager at Asince March 2007 and Verizon in Raleigh, NC, and has worked in Construction, is a Marine in Reserves. Maintenance and the District 3 Thakore said, “Our family office. feels very fortunate to have Prior to working in District 3, come to the United States she had 18 years of experience – the country of endless working with a state agency in opportunities.” India. She just finished her She is currently an second year in a 3-year Master administrative assistant in Training program with BTB the Greenville Construction Fengshui School and travels to Office. New York to attend quarterly Thakore said, “I enjoy workshops. She also practices working here and have great as a Fengshui consultant. respect for my colleagues and I Fengshui is an ancient art that do hope to continue to advance helps create harmony in our my career within the company.” surrounding and in our lives by She is married to Chinmay balancing five elements (water, Thakore who is highly wood, fire, earth, and metal). regarded as an excellent chef To receive her Master’s by family and friends. He also Certification in 2015, she is geographical aspects of South works at SCDOT construction required to present a thesis Carolina from the Fengshui office. They are proud of their and plans to research the perspective. SCDOT l THE CONNECTOR l SPRING 2014 27

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

Let us plow, let us plow, let us plow Edward Moore District 4 experienced two winter weather events, one in January and one in February. Crews from across the district worked tirelessly to ensure that the roadways were cleared in a timely manner.

Ricky Boyd of Fairfield Maintenance applies salt to U.S. 321. Union Maintenance employees attach a snow plow to a truck. Service Awards

York Maintenance trucks are loaded and ready to begin the night shift of salting and sanding roads overnight. Melvin Lott Union Maintenance 30 Years of Service

Charles Wilson Bill Walls of Chester Maintenance makes room in Harry Williams of Chester Maintenance uses a motorgrader to Cherokee Maintenance the salt shed for another delivery of salt. remove snow from S.C. 9. 30 Years of Service 28 SCDOT l THE CONNECTOR l SPRING 2014

District 5 News Got news? Contact Michael Miller at 843-661-4710 or by emailing Darlington, Dillon, Florence, Georgetown, Horry, Marion, him at [email protected] Marlboro and Williamsburg counties

District Engineer: Dennis Townsend (843) 661-4710 Michael FAX (843) 661-4704 Miller It’s ‘snow’ fun Thank you, Conway! amie Milligan’s 5th grade class at River Oaks Elementary School inJ Conway sent Thank You letters to the DOT employees for all the work they do every day and keeping the roads safe during the ice and snow. Our employees greatly appreciated their kind words! Here are two of the letters the students sent.

PHOTOS BY Amy Cardwell, Phyllis Wilson and Ken Cogley Williamsburg Maintenance spreads salt on the roadway to keep it passable. istrict 5 employees successfully dealt snow, and when it does, the DOT keeps the with the two major winter storms this roadways safe and clear for the traveling pub- To see all the Thank You notes, check out the link below: Dwinter. South Carolina DOES get lic. Here are some scenes from the storms. http://www.scdot-transfer.org/SCDOTPHOTOS/ThankYouNotes

Darlington Maintenance prepares salt brine for spraying. Dillon Maintenance trucks were ready to deploy to pretreat the roadways. SCDOT l THE CONNECTOR l SPRING 2014 29

District 6 News Got Beaufort, Berkeley, Charleston, Colleton, Dorchester and Jasper counties news? Contact Michelle District Engineer: Robert Clark (843) 740-1665 Benton at : 843-538-8031 or FAX (843) 740-1663 by emailing her at BentonMP@scdot. Winter storms close org Michelle Benton Cooper River Bridge SCDOT military connection

Private First Class Jason Rajabi, with the United States Army’s 4th Squadron 2D Cavalry Regiment received his Combat Infantry Badge (CIB) in Afghanistan. Rajabi is the son of Resident Bridge Construction Engineer Jeff Rajabi of Charleston Bridge Construction.

We knew the Arthur Ravenel Jr. bridge was absolutely stunning when illuminated at night, but after 2 winter storms, the bridge proved to be just as beautiful when covered with ice. However, the prolonged snow and ice storms caused the bridge to be closed THANKS! during part of the storm. e would like to send a very special thanks to the employees in District 3 and District 4 who Ice storm brings came to assist Charleston Maintenance during “Leon’s”W visit at the end of January. down many trees THANK YOU to David Allen and Fred Calloway When the February ice storm Jr. from Spartanburg Maintenance; Larry Terry, hit Colleton, Dorchester and Randolph Sandifer, Dennis Moore, Benjamin Yost Berkeley counties, trees and and William H. Oliver from Chester Maintenance; Ricky limbs began falling from the Horne, Timothy Smith, Timothy Mullinax, Tracy weight of the ice. Hebert, Bobby Collins and Keith Tate from Cherokee Maintenance; Roger Pearson, Tommy Sawyer Jr., LEFT: Employees Brent John Cathcart, Matthew Collins, from Fairfield Nelson and Jimmy White from Maintenance. Colleton Maintenance take It takes TEAMWORK and all of these employees a moment to pose at a large stepped up to the plate and did whatever was asked of tree that fell across the road. them. We truly appreciate each of you. 30 SCDOT l THE CONNECTOR l SPRING 2014

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

District Engineer: Jo Ann Woodrum (803) 531-6850 Aleksandra FAX (803) 531-6854 Endsley D7 class promotes safety on the job Carter retires from Calhoun Maintenance harlton “Rick” Cart- er will be retiring June 30 from Calhoun CMaintenance after 14 years as a Shop Supervisor. Calhoun Maintenance shop is a prime example of how a well-maintained shop should look like. Under Carter’s guidance they have set up their Lock Out-Tag Out program which is one of the best in District 7. He is married and has two tains and riding his motorcy- children and four grandchil- cle. dren. He absolutely adores his Carter was a great as- grandkids _ three boys and a set to Calhoun Maintenance girl. He is an avid Gamecock and Shop and will be greatly fan and supporter, enjoys missed. We all hope he enjoys spending time in the moun- his retirement!

istrict 7 clerks participated in a safety train- 7 OSHA Officer,Aleksandra “Ana” Endsley, with ing held on Feb. 10 at the Orangeburg Main- assistance from Robert Wiggs and Deborah Berry Snake! tenance training room. of the Occupational Safety and Heath Office in Co- Lookout for D The training was facilitated by the new District lumbia. surprises when clearing debris oyle Hayes Hill of Clarendon Mainte- Kenny Harris nance was picking Dup debris in front of a slope of Aiken Maintenance mower on Nov. 18, 2013. was chosen As he picked up a tire on to attend a the side of the road, a rattle- luncheon snake came out. The snake at the came at him, so he hit it Governor’s three times in the head and Mansion killed it. He wasn’t expect- after the ing to see a snake during snow/ice cold weather. storm on The snake measured 4 Feb. 20. feet, 6 inches with seven Here, Harris rattles and one button. Hill poses with has also run into copper- Governor heads while on the job. Nikki Haley. This happens more often than people realize. SCDOT l THE CONNECTOR l SPRING 2014 31 CAUGHT DOING GOOD! Boy Scouts honor Robert Wiggs with Silver Beaver Award CDOT OSHA Officer Robert then earned the Bronze, Silver, and Gold Wiggs has given outstanding Palms. He became a member of the Sleadership to Scouting behind the Order of the Arrow in 1973 and became a scenes and without fanfare for nearly 40 Brotherhood Member a year later. years. His most significant contribution Wiggs was a member of the Camp has been overseeing the First Aid Barstow staff in 1973 and 1974; was a Responders of the Exploring programs member of the Explorer Leader Training at the University of South Carolina Committee, and was a Congaree Girl Gamecocks football home games, Scout Camp First-Aid instructor in the where he has shown enthusiasm and 1980’s. professionalism in dealing with literally In 2000, Wiggs was awarded the millions of fans over the years. highest honor in Exploring leadership, Typically at a home game, there the William H. Spurgeon Award. This was are between nine and 15 fans that are followed by the District Award of Merit in transported to the hospital. Irreverent 2002. behavior and lacerations, headaches Outside of Scouting, Wiggs has been and fights are not unusual, nor are lost deeply involved with USA Wrestling, children or messy scenes from minor having officiated more than 700 medical situations. On one occasion, 135 tournaments for more than 25 years. people had to be transported out of the He was recognized in 2001 by the stadium due to heat. International Olympic Committee for his Each time, Wiggs and his team of service and by the USA Wrestling Junior Explorers and adults are on the scene Division with the 2012 National Award promptly, usually quickly transporting the as Person of the Year. He has also been a fans to a first aid station to continue to volunteer assistant high school coach for administer aid before the paid EMT’s are Lower Richland and Brookland-Cayce called. Wiggs has been doing that and high schools for twenty-eight years. He leading others at every home game since is the head wrestling coach at Fudo Shin the 1970s. Jujitsu MMA and Fitness. Wiggs became a Cub Scout at Wiggs is currently Treasurer of the Columbia’s St. Joseph’s Church in 1963, Knights of Columbus, where he has been where he continued in Scouting into Boy active for seven years. He is a certified ROB THOMPSON/THE CONNECTOR Scouts. In 1972, he received his Eagle Red Cross Instructor, and has been SCDOT OSHA Officer Robert Wiggs was honored on March 20 with the Scout award with Troop 37 at Shandon employed by SCDOT for 25 years as the Silver Beaver Award given by the Indian Waters Council of the Boy Scouts United Methodist Church and in 1972 Industrial Safety Coordinator. of America for his contributions to scouting in South Carolina. SCDOT employees recognized for service through storm CDOT employees from across the state, representing their respective offices, were Srecognized during the Feb. 20 SCDOT Commission Meeting for service during South Carolina’s early 2014 winter storms. Front row, from left: Christy Hall, Acting Secretary of Transportation; Beth Andrews, representing the South Carolina Emergency Management Division; Lisa Vining, Customer Service Center; Linda McDonald, Legal Services; Sherry Barton, Procurement Division; Jo Ann Woodrum, District 7 Engineering Administrator (DEA) representing all SCDOT DEA’s. Back row, from left: Jack Craft, Lexington County Resident Maintenance Engineer (RME); Corey Watkins, representing Lexington Maintenance; Mark Hunter, Office of the Director of Maintenance; Tony Magwood, Richland County RME; Bob Kudelka, Office of Communications; Andrew Rowe, CODY CROUCH/THE CONNECTOR representing Richland Maintenance. 32 SCDOT l THE CONNECTOR l SPRING 2014

VOLUME XXVII NO. I SOUTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION SPRING 2014 VIEWPOINTS

By Christy A. Hall one of you made through your tire- Deputy Secretary for Engineering less efforts, commitment to service and dedication to our great state. Our relationships with our part- s we look forward to Sec- ners at the city and county level as retary Oakley’s tenure, I well as with our contractors enabled would like to take just a few us to call upon them for assistance in Amoments to reflect over this past order to get the job done. winter and spring. Your efforts have been widely The agency faced a myriad of recognized by many across the state, challenges: back to back winter including Gov. Haley and the SC- storms, earthquakes, bridges sud- DOT Commission. We have done a denly placed out of service, numer- great job at building confidence in ous traffic jams and threats of fed- our abilities and I am looking for- PERMIT NO 108 COLUMBIA, SC US POSTAGE

eral fund insolvency…just to name a ward to us continuing to make great PRSRT STD few. Each time, we have collectively strides under the leadership of Sec- PAID met these challenges head on and retary Oakley. have delivered results. I thank you for your support and I could not be more proud of the assistance over the past few months team and I appreciate the contribu- and it has truly been an honor to Christy A. Hall tions towards success each and every serve as your Acting Secretary. Deputy Secretary for Engineering

ROB THOMPSON/THE CONNECTOR ROB THOMPSON/THE CONNECTOR SCDOT Lexington Construction B employees manage and monitor the work of Then Acting Secretary of Transportation Christy Hall, left, contractors as they replace a bridge and realign the roadway of a portion of Hope looks on as other officials break ground on the U.S. 378 Ferry Road off U.S. 378 in Lexington County on April 11. Here, Derrick Goodman widening project in Florence County. Those with shovels, records asphalt depths, loads of asphalt delivered and asphalt temperatures during from left, are: Rep. Lester Branham, SCDOT Commissioner the project. Samuel B. Glover, Senator Hugh Leatherman, Senator Kent Williams, Senator Yancey McGill and Florence County Council Be sure to subscribe to our Youtube channel SCDOT Connector Online Chairman James Schofield. U.S. 378 will be widened from two by SCDOT video producer Drew Stewart: to five lanes along eight miles in Florence County between https://www.youtube.com/SCDOTConnectorOnline Lake City and Kingsburg.