VOLUME XXIV NO. II SOUTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION SPRING/SUMMER 2011 SCDOT crews respond after fiery crash shuts down I-85 By Bob Kudelka

ladden Smoke knew it was bad when he could see the black column of Gsmoke rising from the interstate from his driveway eight miles from Gaffney. It was 2:39 a.m. on Sun- day, May 22, and Smoke, the fire chief of Grassy Pond Fire Department, was heading to his truck after getting the call of a fiery wreck on I-85, where two people had died when a tractor trailer crashed into the S.C. 150 bridge. Also arriving on the scene was Smoke’s assistant chief, Ste- phen Ellis. When they saw how severely the bridge had been hit, both men knew they were in for Gladden Smoke, right, and RME Stephen Ellis of Cherokee a long day. Maintenance are volunteer firefighters with the Grassy Pond fire While they have been volun- department. teering for the fire department for years, Ellis is also SCDOT’s Bridge Maintenance Engi- Half the pier was destroyed, Resident Maintenance Engineer neer Lee Floyd with the words, causing two adjacent spans to in Cherokee County and Smoke “We’ve got a bridge about to sag. is Assistant RME. collapse.” Neither span was salvage- Smoke began what would be Floyd, who had stayed up late able. Floyd, worried about fall- a 29½-hour shift of first putting that Saturday night after watch- ing debris, made the decision out the fire and then helping ing his son’s state champion- to have the two spans – or half coordinate a detour of I-85 traf- ship soccer game, described the the bridge - taken out before the fic. wreckage as “the worst bridge interstate could re-open. Ellis, after taking turns spray- collision accident I’ve seen in “I didn’t want to take a chance ing foam and battling the fire, my career here.” Floyd joined of anything falling on the inter- used his DOT phone to start call- the Department nearly 27 years state,” Floyd said. ing in employees. ago. Notification of the wreck “I always dreaded the day The tractor-trailer, a 2010 quickly went up the ranks, from something like this would hap- Freightliner with 200 gallons of Floyd to Director of Mainte- PHOTOGRAPHS BY ROB THOMPSON/THE CONNECTOR The S.C. 150 bridge over I-85 had to be dismantled after a tractor trailer pen,” said Ellis, who on his way diesel fuel and hauling news- nance Jim Feda to Deputy Secre- hit column supports on May 22 causing significant damage. In the out the door had grabbed his papers and magazines, had tary for Engineering John Walsh photo above, the column on the left was destroyed by the impact and DOT phone along with his fire- smashed directly into the north- to Secretary of Transportation the fire from the crash. fighting gear. bound shoulder pier. Robert J. St. Onge Jr. District 4 Bridge Inspector “The pier was hit dead-on,” Apprised of the situation, St. Team Leader Todd McNinch Floyd said. “You’ve got a 40-ton Onge issued an emergency order could re-open as soon as pos- See BRIDGE arrived on the scene and called truck going 70 mph; something’s to begin immediate clearing of sible. Columbia. He woke up State got to give.” the bridge debris so the interstate With the emergency order on page 4

Maintenance crews I-26 widening project Retirements, promotions Softball INSIDE THIS clear the roadways in Charleston ...... 6 and deaths...... 12-13 Tournament...... 19 ISSUE after storms...... 3 Hurricane Drill...... 9 Signal Crews...... 15-17 District Pages...... 23-30 2 SCDOT l THE CONNECTOR l SPRING/SUMMER 2011 Clifton Parker confirmed as At-Large SCDOT Commissioner

Trucking Executive serves as Governor Haley’s appointee an unprecedented two terms. Presently he serves on the Executive Committee of the lifton Parker’s appointment by Gov- North Carolina. His father was a driver for American Trucking Association, and a mem- ernor Nikki R. Haley to the South Carolina Freight Carriers. After receiving his ber of the safety, environmental, technology Carolina Department of Transporta- B.A. degree from the University of North and intermodal policy committees. Ction (SCDOT) Commission was confirmed Carolina-Charlotte in 1977, he went to work Parker has been recognized by the South by the South Carolina State Senate on May for Carolina Freight Carriers Corporation, Carolina House for Outstanding Leader- 4, 2011. Commissioner Parker will attend his where he managed several terminals and was ship in the field of transportation and was first Commission meeting on May 19, 2011 promoted to Assistant to the Vice President. appointed recently to a Study Committee on at the regularly scheduled monthly meeting Shortly thereafter, he served as Vice President Public Private Partnerships in Transportation in Charleston. of Operations for Red Arrow Freight Lines. to make recommendations to the Governor Parker is President and General Manager During his tenure at G&P he has been for Highway funding. of G&P Trucking Company, Inc., a provid- active in the South Carolina Trucking Asso- Parker is a member of Mount Horeb er of International Transportation Services ciation where he served as Chairman for UMC in Lexington. He has served as Chair- located in Columbia, South Carolina. He has two years, and presently is Chairman of the man of the Trustees and is presently a mem- been in this position since 1986. TruckPac. He served as National Chairman ber of the Staff Parish Relations Committee. Clifton Parker Parker was born in 1955 in Cherryville, of the Truckload Carriers Association for He is married to Kim Hayes Parker. SCDOT At-Large Commissioner A letter we liked

To SCDOT: Thankfully my daughter was driving, on the spare and told us there was a defect the card he provided that had his name on On May 21 we were traveling through for I simply wouldn’t have known how to in the tire...we were amazed. it. SC, I believe in the Columbia area on our react. She crossed 4 lanes of traffic and got My husband drove a semi and never He was wonderful and so is the SC- way from Kentucky to Myrtle Beach. the vehicle off the road. We were all terri- ever were we helped by the DOT in any DOT! Thank you so very much! We were driving a rental vehicle, a Yu- fied and started calling the rental company state, not even our own. This is a wonder- Anne Hunt kon LT, and the front driver’s side tire blew and our driver’s assistance plan through ful service you provide that I wish other (Email generated through in the fast lane. ATT when a “Knight in Shining Armour” states would adopt. Comments Page In this vehicle were me, my two grown arrived in the form of the SCDOT. I really wish I could remember the gen- on SCDOT daughters and my three grandchildren. He was so nice and went about putting tleman’s name that helped us, but I sent in website.)

The South Carolina Department of Transportation Commission

Daniel H. Isaac Jr. J. Craig Forrest Eddie Adams John P. Edwards Sarah B. Nuckles Harrison Rearden Clifton Parker 1st Congressional District 2nd Congressional 3rd Congressional 4th Congressional 5th Congressional 6th Congressional Commissioner At-Large District District District District District

The Connector is an employee newspa- For inquiries regarding news copy, telephone per of the South Carolina Department of 737-1270. All materials submitted become the Transportation. All news items may be repro- property of SCDOT unless their return is stip- duced with credit to The Connector or the ulated. The Connector is Winner of awards from S.C. Division, Public Relations Society of America; source. News, photos and information to distributed free by mail to Carolinas Association of Business Communicators; S.C. Press Association appear in The Connector should be submitted employees and to others and AASHTO. to Stan Shealy, Office of Communications, upon request. S.C. Department of Transportation, P.O. Box Robert J. St. Onge Editor: Stan Shealy Photography / Layout Editor: Rob Thompson 191, Columbia, SC 29202, no less than Jr. is the South Carolina South Carolina Editorial Board: Pete Poore, Bob Kudelka, Jane Mayberry, Bonnie Cramer, Tasha three weeks prior to date of publication. Copy Secretary of Transportation. Press Association should include the name and phone number Associate Member Crumpton, Peter Tarpley, Zoe Cook and Cody Crouch. of the source or person submitting the article. SCDOT l THE CONNECTOR l SPRING/SUMMER 2011 3 Maintenance forces clean up after spring, summer storms By Pete Poore 24th, right-of-way crews contin- ued clearing material stacked up aintenance crews all on the less-traveled rural roads around the state have in the county. seemingly spent most The May 11 storm was just Mof 2011 clearing downed trees one event in Chester County. and other debris caused by an Jackson reported that his crews extremely active thunderstorm had been called out after hours and tornado season. Crews all 13 times between March 1 and around the state have cleared July 1. The story in Spartanburg over 18,000 fallen trees in 2011. County is similar. RME Fred In the short period of time Fleming reported that his crews between early June and early were called out after hours no July alone, Maintenance forces less than 16 days during the cleared over 5200 trees from period between the beginning of the highway system. “In my 28 April and the end of June. years of service with the Depart- The most severe storm of the ment, I cannot remember a year season struck the Upstate on June where the weather has kept us 15. Spartanburg crews incurred busier than this one,” said Direc- 96 hours of overtime working tor of Maintenance Jim Feda. overnight to remove limbs, trees Feda also noted that this active and other debris from the high- storm season came on the heels ways. “The remaining crews of a tough winter for SCDOT spent the next several days get- PHOTOGRAPHS BY ROB THOMPSON/THE CONNECTOR Maintenance employees. “We ting the debris away from the ABOVE: Employees from the SCDOT West Columbia section had a hard winter where we had roads and hauled away,” said shed remove debris from Interstate 26 in Lexington County snow on the ground for longer Fleming. He noted the June 15 after a strong storm passed through the area on June 23. than I can ever remember that event got personal as one of his BELOW AND RIGHT: Employees from West Columbia led to significant damage to our workers lost his home in the included Leon Small, James Amerson, Robbie Gleaton, pavement,” he said. storm. Marshall Jackson, Eddie Spears and Stephen Williams. Fred Jackson is the RME in Another factor at work in all BOTTOM RIGHT: The Upstate was also hit with storms. Here, Chester County. A front that of these road-clearing operations a crew clears a roadway in Spartanburg County. moved through his county on the public does not see is the May 11 spawned heavy thunder- reduced number of Maintenance storms and tornados. Jackson forces to do the job. “This year’s has worked for SCDOT for 29 weather damage has come at years. He said the damage cre- a time when we’ve had fewer ated by those storms was pretty employees to accomplish our close to an historical weather work, but as usual, we’ve pulled event. “The damage done on together and found a way to get May 11 in Chester County was things done. I’m proud of the the closest I’ve seen to that dedication and hard work shown done by Hurricane Hugo back in by all of our employees. Most of 1989,” Jackson said. their work goes unnoticed by the He called out his crews at traveling public,” said Feda. about 2:30 in the morning to Those sentiments were tackle the immediate job of get- echoed by the two RMEs who ting trees and debris pushed off have found more on their plates the roadways. When daylight this year caused by weather came, it was all hands on deck. while having less manpower. Jackson said of that job,” We In Spartanburg, 75 employees spent two days just getting the are doing the work of 116 due roads cleared and passable and to vacancies.“ Our employees Jackson. we had help from Fairfield and are good people and they know As SCDOT Maintenance Richland Counties.” this unexpected work created by employees all around the state The road-clearing task storms is just part of the job. I’m keep one eye on the current required 220 hours of overtime very proud of all of them,” said weather, the Director of Main- for the two days, but the job Fleming. tenance is thinking long-range. wasn’t done yet. “All of our Chester County Maintenance Feda said, “It’s now hurricane people spent their work days has a staff of just over 50, and season. Let’s hope that the from May 13 until May 24 just their boss is proud of their dedi- weather pattern that seems to hauling away the debris from cation. “Our people work real have been established for this the roadsides. We collected 369 hard and they understand the year does not continue, or we truckloads just from that storm,” need to get our roads cleared and may be in for a busy August and Jackson said. Even after the open right after a storm,” said September.” FRED FLEMING/SPARTANBURG MAINTENANCE 4 SCDOT l THE CONNECTOR l SPRING/SUMMER 2011

eled to Gaffney to help. BRIDGE The contractor chosen for from page 1 the demolition was United Con- tractors of Great Falls. United issued, DOT began calling con- mobilized by Sunday afternoon tractors for the demolition. and rented a crane to begin Meanwhile, knowing that work. there would be no quick fix, “United was calling its peo- District 4 DEA John McCarter ple Sunday morning, pulling was busy meeting with local them out of Sunday School,” agencies and the SC Highway Floyd said. Patrol to hammer out a detour Not only did half the bridge route for northbound I-85 traffic have to be taken down, the that averages 25,000 vehicles a road surface had to be repaired. day. The fire had scorched the- sur There was not a good, clear- face and diesel fuel had seeped cut route available, especially through the pavement. ROB THOMPSON/THE CONNECTOR not on the northbound side of Working around the clock, Highway traffic resumed on I-85 quickly after half of the bridge was dismantled by crews working around the the interstate, McCarter said. United finished removing debris clock. Milling and paving of the damaged roadway was delayed until off-peak hours. Here, the bridge awaits The decision was made to begin early Tuesday and traffic was replacement as traffic travels over the newly paved section of interstate highway. the detour at exit 92, a half- back on the northbound lanes by mile south of the wreck. This 6:30 a.m. forced the closure of the south- To reopen the interstate as The timeline of events: S.C. 150 Bridge over I-85 crash, repair bound exit of I-85 at the Route soon as possible, Floyd said the 11 interchange, which averages milling and paving was put off What A qualified bridge contractor was Ledger on May 25 and in the about 11,000 vehicles a day. until off-peak hours Tuesday Happened: contacted early that same morn- Cherokee Chronicle on May 26. “We had to send them up a evening. By then, the work An accident involving a bridge ing to begin mobilizing. The con- Transystems was issued a Limited frontage road northbound and to could be done with a lane clo- collision occurred on Sunday tractor was given instructions to Notice to Proceed on May 25. The cross over and put them back on sure but at least the interstate morning, May 22, 2011. A trac- remove the two (2) spans and the consultant has acquired all of the the interstate,” McCarter said. would be open. tor trailer loaded with finished pier so that the interstate could be surveys and borings needed for The detour would include As for the S.C. 150 bridge paper products was travelling reopened as quickly as possible. the RFP. A preliminary design has Wilcox Avenue, a two-lane road replacement, work on the northbound on I-85 near Gaffney, Work began that afternoon once been generated to determine the turned into a one-way detour, to design-build project was to SC when it veered off the inter- the accident scene was cleared of impacts of the project and an envi- bring traffic to exit 96 and back begin this summer. state and collided with a pier on debris. ronmental document is underway. on the interstate. Looking back at SCDOT’s the right-hand shoulder. The pier Through the efforts of 85 The environmental document is “We’re basically taking a response, McCarter said had significant failure damage. SCDOT personnel, six other South expected to be complete prior to 20-foot wide road and putting employees once again rose to The outside column and half of Carolina agencies, and multiple June 8, 2011. tractor trailers on it,” McCarter the occasion in a time of emer- the pier cap were destroyed while contractors, the damaged section Because of the emergency said. gency. the interior column was damaged. of the overpass was removed and declaration, Crowder Construc- After a Sunday afternoon “All of our employees The damages caused the span over traffic on I-85 North was re-es- tion Company, Lane Construction meeting with McCarter and stepped up just like they do with I-85 northbound and the adjacent tablished within 52 hours (Tues- Corporation, and United Infra- local authorities, including inclement weather,” McCarter end span to sag several inches day Morning). Later that night, a structure teams were selected to school officials, the detour was said. “There was no grumbling before temporarily locking up. temporary lane closure was used submit proposals to SCDOT for put in place and a news confer- or complaints; they just got out Portions of these spans were also to mill and re-pave a small sec- the proposed work. A meeting ence was held Sunday evening there and did the job. significantly damaged further by tion of the interstate that was dam- was held on June 1, 2011, with all to inform the public. “I can’t say enough about a subsequent explosion and fire aged both due to the accident and three contractors and design staff The detour route would Stephen Ellis, Gladden Smoke and continued to sag throughout demolition. The guardrail on the at the project site. The purpose of require manning of 11 traffic and Vic Edwards (assistant dis- the morning and early afternoon. shoulder was also reinstalled the meeting was to familiarize the control points, McCarter said, trict traffic engineer),” McCarter The driver and the other occupant design build teams with the proj- with SCDOT employees work- said. “They worked long hours; of the tractor trailer both lost their Emergency Declaration ect and to allow an opportunity for ing 12-hour shifts assisted by they were the key players and lives. I-85 northbound and the by Governor Haley: them to ask questions. the city of Gaffney, volunteer did a great job for the Depart- S.C. 150 bridge over I-85 were On May 26, 2011, Governor firefighters, the Cherokee Coun- ment. I was very proud.” immediately closed after the ac- Haley issued an emergency dec- Next Step: ty Sheriff’s Office and the High- Ellis said he appreciated the cident. laration which directed SCDOT The RFP is expected to be re- way Patrol. employees who pitched in and to undertake actions necessary to leased June 10, 2011, with an an- “It was a joint effort and worked 12-hour shifts, includ- What SCDOT did: replace the bridge to ensure the ticipated award date of June 30, probably the best coordinated ing some Cherokee County The District Four Bridge In- safety and well-being of the trav- 2011. SCDOT intends to follow group I’ve seen in a while,” employees who do not normally spection Team was called to the eling public. SCDOT is pursuing Section 57-5-1620 of the Code McCarter said. “Everybody work out on the road. site from Chester after the acci- Emergency Replacement funds of Laws which gives the Secre- supported the decision and took Ellis took his first break dent to assess the situation. The for the cleanup and repairs on I-85 tary of Transportation the author- ownership of it and made it sometime Monday morning team then called the State Bridge as well as the replacement of the ity to employ contractors without work.” after a shift that began with fire- Maintenance Engineer in Colum- S.C. 150 overpass. SCDOT con- the formalities of advertising in District 3 DEA Steve Gwinn fighting and ended with high- bia at approximately 4:30 a.m. tinues to coordinate with FHWA cases of emergency. All informa- offered help with signage, and way work. to immediately come to the site. to secure this funding. tion regarding the selection of the SHEP crews set up message “It was very tiresome; it Early that morning the Director of design build team and awarding of boards to the Georgia line. wore me out,” Ellis said and Maintenance was informed of the What’s Happening Now: the contract will be reported and SCDOT crews from Union, laughed. “I don’t think I want to need for an emergency declaration The Eminent Domain ad- made public at the next succeed- Chester and York counties trav- do it again.” and Secretary St. Onge concurred. vertisement ran in the Gaffney ing Commission meeting. SCDOT l THE CONNECTOR l SPRING/SUMMER 2011 5 Giant ramp hard to miss on Interstate 385

PHOTOGRAPHS BY ROB THOMPSON/THE CONNECTOR Road construction vehicles are able to enter the I-385 widening project work zone without effecting traffic on the busy interstate. The ramp off of Bridges Road enters the work zone in the median. tions do not allow the contractor neers studied the proposal close- to bring construction traffic on ly. The ramp would connect the and off the interstate without a work area with Bridges Road, a lane closure, which he can only busy road with traffic from two have at night,” McKenzie said. nearby schools. “So the only way for him to ac- To avoid any congestion, a cess the median during the day turn lane was added to better ac- was to build the ramp.” cess the ramp. The good news for motorists is “It’s set up so it’s not to impede that by using the ramp, the con- traffic on Bridges Road,” said Ben tractor was able to schedule the Olson, assistant RCE. “We made project in 24 months, which is six sure with Mauldin High School months less than what it would nearby, that it wasn’t going to be have taken using traditional a problem. It’s worked out well so Greenville Resident Construction Engineer Pat McKenzie, right, and Assistant RCE Ben Olson inspect the methods, McKenzie said. far.” work zone area as trucks deliver materials to the widening project. “The ramp gives the contrac- On a recent morning, a steady tor 24 hours access to the median, stream of dump trucks, water By Bob Kudelka temporary, out-of-the box solu- relief for motorists on this busy and they’re working 24 hours a trucks and service trucks used the tion for SCDOT’s contractor to stretch of highway in Greenville day,” he said. ramp. work around restrictions on day- County. rive along I-385 in The project, which is in the “They’ve started laying pipe time construction that will mean The work consists of widen- Greenville County and second of six phases, is on sched- for drainage and have had trac- the project can finish sooner than ing to the median, with a con- you can’t miss it: A ule and expected to be completed tor trailers with loads of pipe if traditional methods were used. crete median barrier wall, ap- D300-foot-long, 25-foot-high ramp by the end of 2012, McKenzie and they can get down just fine,” “As far as I know, one like this proximately 5.5 miles of I-385 to that appeared in the median one said. McKenzie said. has not been built in South Caro- six-lanes between the Southern day this spring. The ramp was built by Lane The ramp will be taken down lina,” said Pat McKenzie, Resi- Connector and Woodruff Road. Is this where the US ski jump- Construction Corporation using at the end of the year, McKenzie dent Construction Engineer. “It’s Approximately 5.5 miles of the ing team chose to practice take- 9,000 tons of screening material, said. Until then, in case anyone new to us at SCDOT.” existing mainline pavement will offs in the off-season, or could it a fine aggregate waste product mistakes the ramp for skateboard The design-build I-385 widen- be reconstructed and an addition- be a new venue for skateboard- trucked in from a quarry. practice, the contractor has sta- ing and rehabilitation project is al 2 miles will be rehabilitated. ers? When Lane first had the idea tioned a flagger at the entrance aimed at providing much needed “Current traffic control regula- The steep ramp is actually a to build the ramp, SCDOT engi- anytime the ramp is open. 6 SCDOT l THE CONNECTOR l SPRING/SUMMER 2011 I-26 collector, distributor lanes to improve Charleston traffic flow

By Bob Kudelka new ramp from I-26 eastbound. • Realignment of Fain Street f you ever have driven on alongside I-26. Interstate 26 during Charles- In addition to widening the ton’s rush hour traffic, you interstate from six to eight lanes, Iare familiar with The Bottleneck. a key part of the improvements Like clockwork, the stop and involve new collector/distributor go traffic can stretch two or three lanes added to the interstate. miles each early morning and Set apart by a 32-inch-high late afternoon. concrete barrier, these lanes pro- In June, finishing touches vide a ‘road within a road’ for were being put on an improve- motorists who are getting on and ment project aimed at easing off interchanges at Aviation Av- congestion and improving safety enue and Remount Road. on a busy 3-mile portion of I-26. The idea is to isolate vehicles “I think the community will using the exits from through traf- love it,” said Rickie Green, Resi- fic, so the through traffic will no dent Construction Engineer of longer have to slow down to a Charleston Construction ‘B.’ crawl at these busy interchanges. “It’s going to be a great improve- “Anytime you’ve got exit- ment for this area.” ing traffic it ends up affecting The project, to be completed all lanes of traffic,” said David this summer, included: Wertz, project manager at HDR. • Widening from six to eight “This will be much safer and lanes on Interstate 26 between keep the traffic flowing.” The project includes extra travel I-526 and Ashley Phosphate The nearby Boeing plant will lanes on I-26 as well as collector Road. Most of the widening in also benefit from the improve- and distributor lanes to ease this three mile stretch was done ments. Traffic from the plant entry and exit on the highly by replacing the grass median uses both the Aviation Avenue traveled interstate. and cable guardrail between the and Remount Road interchanges. east and west bound traffic with “I would guess these im- of time and effort and teamwork a new lane in each direction and provements were a great selling between the DOT, the construc- a concrete barrier wall. point with Boeing,” Wertz said. tion engineering and inspection • Reconstruction of the Avia- Wertz said the project had team and the contractor. I think tion Avenue interchange. The in- plenty of challenges, including everybody’s going to be very terchange now includes a wider working around a lot of exist- happy when the project’s finally overpass with turn lanes and re- ing utilities; building adjacent done.” aligned ramps to improve traffic to high-speed traffic; and clos- SCDOT’s partners on the flow to and from I-26. ing the Aviation Avenue and Re- project were US Group Inc., • Reconstructed Remount mount Road interchanges at dif- Florence & Hutcheson, HDR Road interchange. The improved ferent times, forcing more traffic Inc., FHWA, McCarthy Im- PHOTOGRAPHS BY ROB THOMPSON/THE CONNECTOR interchange includes a wider on the one that was open. provement Company, Rea Con- Charleston Construction B Resident Construction Engineer Rickie overpass with a turn lane, a new “It’s been a challenging proj- tracting, Banks Construction, Green, left, and HDR Project Manager David Wertz look at the I-26 ramp onto I-26 westbound and a ect,” Wertz said. “It’s taken a lot and Civic Communications. widening project from the newly widened Remount Road Bridge.

District 6 Traffic Management Center he District 6 Traffic Management Center opened in June 2010. TThe employees are housed in a new building constructed adjacent to the District 6 Of- fice. Employees working in the Traffic Management Cen- ter are: Danny Atchley, John Wood, Chip Lucas, Paul Register and Mike Golightly. The District 6 SHEP team in- cludes Danny Santos, Wade Fullwood, James Carmichael, Ted Wurthman, Ronnie Grant, District 6 SHEP employees, from left, Danny Santos, Tony Deese and Tim Jason Powell, Don Johnston, The new D6 Traffic Management Center was built to complement the Walden pose by the traffic monitors in the new Traffic Management Center. Tony Deese and Tim Walden. existing D6 office. The building style matches perfectly. SCDOT l THE CONNECTOR l SPRING/SUMMER 2011 7 U.S. 601 project to continue Federal judge denies suit aimed at halting bridge replace- ment project on U.S. 601 in Richland County

By Pete Poore right-of-way to build the new bridges adja- cent to the old ones so that they can remain egal action filed by the “Friends of open. Otherwise, the detour created would Congaree Swamp” against SCDOT have been approximately 70 miles,” Walsh and the Federal Highway Adminis- said. The Deputy Secretary noted that one Ltration (FHWA) was denied on April 27, bridge will require closing, but not until a 2011 by United States District Court Judge temporary detour bridge is built next to it. Margaret B. Seymour. The suit asked the Improvements that will be provided by court to permanently halt construction of this project include: the project due to environmental concerns. • 4.2 miles of new roadway and bridges The ruling issued in Columbia, allows • The existing roadways will expand work to continue on the U.S. 601 bridge re- from two 11-foot lanes with 2-foot shoul- placement project in Richland County that ders to 12-foot lanes and 10-foot shoulders runs through the flood plain of the Conga- to improve safety. ree River and the Congaree National Park. • SCDOT has coordinated with the SC The $32.9 million dollar project is de- Department of Natural Resources to con- signed to replace a series of four bridges struct a new boat ramp and expand the ROB THOMPSON/THE CONNECTOR The U.S. 601 Bridge over the Congaree River will be replaced as part of the $32.9 million and expand causeways on the existing parking at the Bates Bridge Landing on the project to replace a series of bridges on U.S. 601. highway. One structure is the U.S. 601 Congaree River. bridge over the Congaree River. Three • Approximately 245 feet of bridging ways easier. The added bridging will also Contractors in June of 2010. Construction bridges serve as overflow bridges between will be added to Bridge Number 2 to make enhance the flow of water. began in August 2010. The project is ex- S.C. 48 and the Congaree River in Rich- passage for wildlife between the cause- SCDOT awarded this project to United pected to be complete in June of 2013. land and Calhoun Counties. All of the current bridges were built in the 1940s and all are classified as “structur- ally deficient and functionally obsolete.” These designations mean the structures Meet the Lower State Sign Shop have significant safety and repair needs and are insufficient for the volume of traf- fic they carry. Secretary of Transportation Robert J. St. Onge Jr. said the court’s decision was a win for the public as well as SCDOT. “SCDOT can now complete this project within the original budget, and the public will have four new bridges that meet cur- rent design and safety standards to use on this major route,” said St. Onge. One of the environmental concerns stemming from the legal action was the wetlands impact. SCDOT conducted an environmental assessment and held public hearings on the findings. Following a re- view, SCDOT was given notice by FHWA that the project would have no significant impact on the quality of the environment. The work will require the filling of 8.22 acres of wetlands, but will restore ap- proximately 7.32 acres that were filled to support the bridges built in the 1940s. The impact of newly filled wetlands will be ap- proximately 0.9 acres. SCDOT Deputy Secretary for Engineer- ing John V. Walsh said the enhanced safety provided by the completed project expect- ed in June 2013 is not the only significant feature that benefits the public. Walsh said the project was designed so that traffic can ROB THOMPSON/THE CONNECTOR continue to use the existing bridges during The Lower State Sign Shop is an all-female crew responsible for making the road sign graphics for Districts 5, 6 and 7. From left construction. “We are using the existing are: Kathryn Roberts, Doris Breland, Deloris Elsey, Shop Supervisor Debbie Vandermolen, Melba Moskal and Gwendeline Barrera. path of the old bridges. We have enough 8 SCDOT l THE CONNECTOR l SPRING/SUMMER 2011 Statewide meetings kick-off Safe Routes to School Resource Center

By Bob Kudelka

outh Carolina’s Safe Routes to School program announced the opening of its new Resource CenterS –a program of the South Car- olina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) at kick off meetings held across the state on May 16 and 17. The meetings provided information about the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Program to community stakeholders, For non-school community organi- schools, school districts, and advoca- zations, the Resource Center has op- cy groups. Twenty-five schools in SC portunities for them to work with the were also recognized at the meetings School Outreach Coordinators to help for having been awarded grants for with school events, develop programs, SRTS projects. and teach health and safety funda- SCDOT has adopted the Resource mentals. The bottom line of the SC Center model for the program to reach SRTS Resource Center is to offer free K-8 Schools throughout the state. The resources, provide individualized as- greatest benefit of the Resource Cen- sistance, foster community-wide sup- ter is the staff. Local School Outreach port, and to create sustainable SRTS Coordinators have been hired for the programs. Lowcountry, Midlands, and the Up- *For anyone interested in becoming state of SC. These individuals will involved in SRTS or for any questions, work directly with schools to build please call the SRTS Resource Center unique SRTS programs and provide Hotline at 1-855-4SC-SRTS. Down- additional support to existing ef- loadable materials will be available forts. The Resource Center will equip on the website www.SCsaferoutes.org ROB THOMPSON/THE CONNECTOR The Safe Routes To Schools Resource Center was announced at meetings across the state May 16- schools wishing to participate with (coming soon). In the meantime you 17. Here, the group meets with midlands police, school officials and interested people at the event SRTS with free educational and train- may also obtain more information on in Columbia at SCDOT HQ. The group includes, from left: Sarah Knight, Nicole Brown, Rodney ing resources, evaluation tools, and the SCDOT SRTS website at www.sc- Oldham, Carolyn Battaglia, Jennifer Dory and Jennifer Toole. promotional materials and incentives. dot.org/community/saferoutes.shtml. Employees undergo training on Title VI CDOT, in conjunction with FHWA recently con- ducted training on Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 “Preventing Discrimination in the Fed- eral-AidS Highway Program.” Representatives from 13 agencies, joined SCDOT and FHWA in the one-day ses- sion held at Williams Brice Stadium on April 21, 2011. Training was conducted by Pamela Foster, FHWA Civil Rights Officer for the South Carolina Division, and Ja- net Hayes of FHWA’s Resource Center Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 protects peo- ple from discrimination based on race, color or national origin in programs or activities that receive Federal fi- nancial assistance. Title VI states that: No person in the United States shall, on the ground of race, color, or national origin, be ex- Pam Foster, left, from the SC Division office of the cluded from participation in, be denied the ben- FHWA, discusses DBE issues with Director of Business efits of, or be subjected to discrimination under Development and Special Programs Dr. Arlene Prince any program or activity receiving Federal finan- during the training. cial assistance. eas; explained the roles and responsibilities of recipi- The course focused on how SCDOT and sub-recipi- ents and Sub-recipients of Federal funds; and identified ents can apply Title VI to programs and activities. At- Strategies to Prevent Discrimination. tendees learned the definition of Title VI of the Civil If you have any questions concerning Title VI, con- PHOTOGRAPHS BY ROB THOMPSON/THE CONNECTOR Janet Hayes of the FHWA Resource Center in Atlanta was one of Rights Act of 1964 and related statutes; identified and tact Alex Nelson in SCDOT’s DBE office at (803) 737- the speakers during the Title VI training. addressed Title VI Activities and Issues in Program Ar- 1664 or email him at [email protected]. SCDOT l THE CONNECTOR l SPRING/SUMMER 2011 9 Annual hurricane drill prepares SCDOT for lane reversals

ABOVE: Electronic message boards notify motorists of the lane Sammie Gartmon, left, and Robert Tobias move barricades to standby position. reversal exercise.

RIGHT: Dave Summer, left, and John Stroke of Lexington Maintenance study the lane reversal plans prior to the exercise.

District 1 Engineering Administrator Thad Brunson discusses reversal drill instructions with Lexington Maintenance employee Clarence Blakely.

ABOVE: Maps detail where barricades, cones and lane reversals take place.

PHOTOGRAPHS BY ROB THOMPSON/THE CONNECTOR RIGHT: A Lexington Maintenance SCDOT personnel stationed at the Emergency Management Division crew puts out cones along the headquarters worked with other state agencies during the June 7 shoulder of I-26 during the lane drill. reversal drill.

traffic cameras and hundreds of “Practice makes perfect,” cones and barrels ready to be used Johnson said. “The exercise helps SCDOT gears up for hurricane season in a lane reversal. to identify any disconnects in the SCDOT put its tools to the test plan. It also gives our employees By Bob Kudelka ing. “In each regional area we fort with the I-95 Corridor Coali- during a hurricane evacuation ex- an opportunity to fully exercise have certain evacuation routes. tion, which has a research website ercise on June 7. their portion of the evacuation hile forecasters pre- They can call in and get a mes- sponsored under a component of Johnson said participants were plan by placing cones and barri- dict a busier than nor- sage that will direct them on the USDOT. more than 600 maintenance em- cades at the pre-designated loca- mal hurricane season, evacuation routing that they’ll “We can see speeds along I-95 ployees from Districts 1, 5, 6 and tions along each route.” WSCDOT has a new tool to help need to take.” in Georgia,” Sheppard said, not- 7. Also, SHEP teams from Dis- The National Oceanic Atmo- motorists during evacuations By using the 511 system, SC- ing that such data would come in trict 3 and District 4 were sent spheric Administration’s initial from the coast. DOT no longer will need to staff handy if evacuations had taken to Orangeburg, Columbia and hurricane season forecast for SCDOT traffic engineers will a call center. This will save valu- place in Georgia. Charleston. Local SHEP teams the 2011 season that began June use South Carolina’s new 511 able employee resources, said The data collected by SCDOT assisted in Charleston, Hilton 1 predicts 12-18 named storms Traveler Information system to re- Tom Johnson, DOT Emergency is critical in helping the Governor Head and Myrtle Beach. (with winds of at least 39 mph). lay evacuation routes to motorists. Manager. and emergency management of- The Department joined sever- Of those 6-10 could become hur- “We’ve now got a way to pro- In addition to using 511, Shep- ficials monitor our highways dur- al state and local agencies to test ricanes (with winds of at least vide information that we didn’t pard said the Department will be ing an emergency, Sheppard said. lane reversal plans and enhance- 74 mph), and of those, 3-6 could have before,” said Tony Shep- given traffic speed data in new SCDOT’s traditional tools are ments along I-26, U.S. 21, U.S. become severe hurricanes (with pard, director of Traffic Engineer- areas thanks to a cooperative ef- still in place: message boards, 278, U.S. 501 and S.C. 544. winds of at least 111 mph). 10 SCDOT l THE CONNECTOR l SPRING/SUMMER 2011

In 2010, SCDOT closed four rest BRIEFLY areas in cost-cutting measures. These included two in Florence County, one 511 updates available on smartphones in Cherokee County and one in Berke- Cherokee County ley County. By Bob Kudelka rest area closes In a cost-savings measure, SCDOT Railroad crossing he 511 Travel Infor- closed the Interstate 85 Northbound listings now online mation System now Rest Area (mile marker 88) in Chero- has a mobile web- Tpage that can be accessed on kee County in June. The SCDOT website now has a list any smartphone. The main factor considered in the of railroad crossings statewide and a facility’s selection is its close prox- This webpage is a short- list of railroad crossings scheduled for cut for smartphone users to imity to numerous commercial busi- upgrade, as required under S.C. Code nesses. This section of interstate has take them directly to a page 57-1-80 (Bill 3431) “John’s Law.” that shows traffic reports experienced much growth since this From SCDOT’s home page, www. facility was opened in 1987. and AMBER alerts. scdot.org, users can view the two lists “The mobile website is Closing a service facility is never by clicking on “Inside SCDOT” and an appealing option, but the decision not a downloadable app so then “Railroad Crossings” under “Re- to access the mobile web- was made to use SCDOT’s limited re- ports.” The direct link is: http://www. sources on transportation needs with site users must log on to scdot.org/inside/rrcrossings.shtml. ‘http://m.511sc.org,’ ” said higher priorities. Annual savings are Bill 3431 was signed into law in approximately $220,000. Tisha Dickerson, SCDOT’s June. 511 Coordinator. “When ac- cessed, if an event is active it will be highlighted. The user can select the high- lighted road to view a single report or choose ‘all reports’ to access all active events in the 511 system.” The 511 system provides real-time traffic information cerning conditions on Busi- An attractive feature of on all South Carolina Inter- ness I-85, I-20, I-26, I-77, the system is that it is de- state highways and some I-85, I-95, I-126, I-385, signed to give each user per- of the highways along the I-526, I-585, S.C. 277, sonalized service, available coast. The statewide sys- S.C.22, and S.C. 31. In ad- by setting up a free account tem provides information on dition to these areas limited on www.511SC.org. construction, lane closures, coverage will be provided Web users can go to crashes, congestion and se- on S.C.170, U.S. 21 U.S. the “My SC511” tab on vere weather affecting traf- 278, in Beaufort and U.S. www.511SC.org and create fic. 501 in Myrtle Beach. a free account, then set up ROB THOMPSON/THE CONNECTOR By dialing 511 in South Since its launch in late custom routes and register Lunchtime fund-raiser helps Community Health Charities Carolina, users through 2010, SCDOT’s 511 sys- to receive important traffic SCDOT employees participated in a Chick-fil-A luncheon on May 17 at voice prompts may access tem has received more than information via a phone call, headquarters. The effort raised $430.56 for the Community Health Charities. current information con- 135,000 calls. text message or e-mail. Above, from left, Tasha Crumpton, Paulette Morphy, Marie Bracanovich and Lisa Vining volunteered during lunch to serve the sandwiches, chips and drinks.

Construction Office participates in STEM Program The Urban League of Columbia sponsored a Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) program for sixth, seventh and eighth grade students at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center on April 15. LEFT: Russ Touchberry demonstrates survey equipment to a student interested an engineering career. RIGHT: Susie Lominick shows students a backhoe during the expo. SCDOT l THE CONNECTOR l SPRING/SUMMER 2011 11 Adopt-A-Highway program honors litter volunteers Messiah Lutheran Church from Greenville County named Outstanding 2010 Adopt-A-Highway State Group of the Year he South Carolina Depart- ognize the volunteer-citizen groups, ment of Transportation coordinators and SCDOT employees (SCDOT) named Messiah for their participation in the Adopt- TLutheran Church the 2010 Adopt- A-Highway program. A-Highway State Group of the Year. 2010 marked 23 years of the Messiah Lutheran Church was also Adopt-A-Highway Program work- named Group of the Year for Green- ing with volunteer groups across ville County, and District Three the state. In 2010, 2162 groups Group of the Year. picked up litter along 5,900 miles SCDOT presented the award to of state highway. Working together, the group at the Adopt-A-Highway 27,285 volunteers picked up a total awards ceremony on Thursday, April of 1,284,492 pounds of litter. More 7, 2011 in Columbia. The annual volunteer opportunities are avail- event is hosted by SCDOT to rec- able.

The Adopt-A-Highway program is always looking for new volunteers! If you or your group might be interested in volunteering, visit our website at www.scdot.org for more information and a list of county coordinators. You may also contact: Tina Kennedy Statewide Adopt-A-Highway Coordinator Rob Thompson/SCDOT SCDOT Chief Engineer of Operations Clem Watson, left, presents the 2010 Adopt-A-Highway by calling toll free 1-888-226-9694 Outstanding Greenville County Group, Outstanding District 3 Group and Outstanding State Group or by email: [email protected] Awards to members of the Messiah Lutheran Church Adopt-A-Highway group. Members of the group are, from second left: John Yost and Jack Rodland.

New transit facility to benefit Orangeburg, Calhoun counties

The program from the event included a rendering of the facility when finished. Speakers at the event Commnity Development for Orangeburg County Deputy Director Harold Young Dalton Tresvant representing U.S. Congressman James E. Clyburn Earl Brown representing U.S. Congressman Joe Wilson S.C. Senator Brad Hutto S.C. Representative Gilda Cobb Hunter SCDOT Commissioner Harrison Rearden SCDOT Commissioner Sarah Nuckles SCDOT Deputy Secretary for Intermodal and Freight Programs Hart Baker Orangeburg County Council District 1 Chairman Johnnie Wright Sr. ROB THOMPSON/THE CONNECTOR Orangeburg County Council District 2 member Johnny Ravenell Dignitaries break ground on the Orangeburg and Calhoun County Regional Transit Facility in Orangeburg on July 12. Orangeburg County Council District 5 member Janie Cooper Speakers at the event included SCDOT Commissioners Sarah Nuckles and Harrison Rearden, Deputy Secretary for Orangeburg County Council District 6 member Clyde Livingston Orangeburg County Council District 7 member Willie Owens Intermodal and Freight Programs Hart Baker and local elected officials. Orangeburg Mayor Paul Miller 12 SCDOT l THE CONNECTOR l SPRING/SUMMER 2011 retirements Angela W. Mendes, of Bath, trades spe- Carolyn D. Gore, of Longs, right of service. associate engineer at Greenville Surveys, cialist II at Aiken Maintenance, retired Jan. way agent II, Florence District Right of- Elizabeth M. DeLoache, of Ridgeland, retired June 1, after 17 years of service. 18, with five years of service. Way, retired March 21, after 22 years of supply specialist III at Jasper Maintenance, Bobby L. Bryant, of Greenwood, trades service. retired April 29, after 14 years of service. specialist II at Greenwood Maintenance, re- Roger G. Casey, of Goose Creek, asso- Henderson N. Jeffreys, of Columbia, tired Jan. 20, after 12 years of service. ciate geodetic technician at Berkeley Main- administrative coordinator, in office of Di- Edna D. Thomas, of Bennettsville, tenance, retired March 25, after 20 years of rector of Traffic Engineering, retired April Retiring? trades specialist II at Marlboro Mainte- service. 29, after 14 years of service. nance, retired Jan. 20, after 28 years of ser- Sharon R. Logan, of Lugoff, supply Elizabeth C. Bigham, of Fountain Inn, Don’t miss a single vice. specialist III at Kershaw Maintenance, re- trades specialist V, Upper Sign Shop, re- Jonathan S. Cochran, of Lexington, tired March 31, after 27 years of state ser- tired May 1, after 27 years of service. issue of investigator II in Claims, retired Jan. 28, vice. James D. Jefferson, of Winnsboro, as- THE CONNECTOR after 21 years of state service. Herbert Gladden, of St. Matthews, sistant geodetic technician at Chester Con- Gwendolyn G. Gibson, of Winnsboro, trades specialist IV at Calhoun Mainte- struction, retired May 4, after 21 years of when you leave! administrative specialist in Procurement, nance, retired March 31, after 33 years of service. retired Feb. 1, after 31 years of service. service. Tony R. Morris, of Cheraw, trades spe- CDOT retirees can con- Lydia J. Johnson, of Swansea, chief James I. Pee, of Marion, trades spe- cialist II at Chesterfield Maintenance, re- tinue to receive THE CON- geodetic technician, Office of Materials & cialist III at Marion Maintenance, retired tired May 5, after nine years of service. NECTOR by contacting the Research, retired Feb. 4, after 17 years of March 31, after 19 years of service. Robert L. Hunter, of Buffalo, trades SCDOTS Communications Office state service. Roy E. Davis, of Bradley, trades spe- specialist III at Spartanburg Maintenance, when you retire. George E. Drakeford, of Heath Spring, cialist IV at Greenwood Maintenance, re- retired May 6, after 21 years of service. Send us an email with your Byron T. Malloy trades specialist II at Lancaster Mainte- tired April 1, after 19 years of service. , of Clio, trades spe- Name, Mailing Address and Re- nance, retired Feb. 9, after 12 years of ser- Robert L. Harrington, of Orangeburg, cialist II at Marlboro Maintenance, retired vice. trades specialist III at Orangeburg Mainte- May 9, after 13 years of service. tirement Date. Please be sure to Jimmy O. McClain, of Westminster, nance, retired April 1, after 21 years of ser- Thomas Joyner Jr., of Johns Island, include your full address includ- trades specialist II at Oconee Maintenance, vice. trades specialist IV at Charleston Mainte- ing zip code. retired Feb. 24, after 30 years of service. Douglas B. MacFarlane, of Newberry, nance, retired May 12, after 24 years of ser- Send the info to: Ford E. Vanwert, of Myrtle Beach, program manager II, office of Deputy Sec- vice. [email protected]. trades specialist II at Horry 1 Maintenance, retary for Engineering, retired April 1, after Horace A. Martin, of Greenville, as- retired Feb. 28, after five years of service. 33 years of state service. sistant geodetic technician at Greenville Francis A. Herring Jr., of Columbia, Harry C. Kennedy, of Summerville, Maintenance, retired May 16, after 21 years trades specialist V at Richland Mainte- trades specialist II at Dorchester Mainte- of service. nance, retired Feb. 28 after 33 years of ser- nance, retired April 1, after six years of Michael F. Erwin, of Sandy Springs, vice. service. assistant geodetic technician at Greenville William Pearson, of Sumter, engineer/ Sherry L. Boyd, of Columbia, adminis- Surveys, retired May 16, after 10 years of associate engineer in Florence Surveys, re- trative assistant, Region Production Group service. uggestion 2 – Pee Dee, retired April 8, after 23 years Donald M. Rumpf, of Blacksburg, S tired March 1, after 33 years of state ser- vice. of state service. trades specialist III at Cherokee Mainte- Danny L. Wessinger, of Prosperity, George A. Woodard, of Winnsboro, nance, retired May 16, after six years of engineer/associate engineer in Lexington trades specialist III at Fairfield Mainte- service. ox Surveys, retired March 1, after 28 years of nance, retired April 8 after 15 years of ser- Donald R. Foard, of Pageland, trades B service. vice. specialist II at Chesterfield Maintenance, Rodolfo P. Cabot, of Columbia, pro- Willie Mealing, of Trenton, trades spe- retired May 19, after nine years of service. e’re open to suggestions. curement manager I in Procurement, retired cialist III at Edgefield Maintenance, retired Joseph M. Mozingo III, of Lexington, How can we make The March 2, after nine years of service. April 15, after eight years of service. senior geodetic technician at Lexington Connector better? Sam L. Miles, of Scranton, mechanic III Phillip E. McMillan, of Mullins, engi- Construction, retired May 27, after 29 years WDo you have an idea for an at Florence Maintenance, retired March 3, neer/associate engineer Marion Construc- of service. article or a feature story? What after 33 years of state service. tion, retired April 15, after 28 years of state Morgan F. Denny, of Columbia, ac- changes would you like to suggest Michael W. Mahaffee, of Great Falls, service. counting/fiscal manager, Federal Aid and in the newspaper’s contents, format associate geodetic technician in District 4, Herbert Brown, of Bishopville, trades Cash Management, retired May 30, after or design? What features would you retired March 4, after 29 years of state ser- specialist II at Lee Maintenance, retired nine years of state service. like to see added to the publication? Thomas W. Broadway vice. April 18, after nine years of service. , of Camden, What features would you prefer that Ronnie A. Golden, of Easley, trades Mary K. Spradley, of Columbia, fiscal engineer/associate engineer, Florence Sur- specialist II at Pickens Maintenance, retired technician II in Accounting, retired April veys, retired May 31, after three years of we discontinue? You may send your March 7, after 10 years of service. 19, after 17 years of service. service. comments to: Larry J. Jones, of St. Stephen, trades James E. Johnson, of Elloree, senior Curtis W. Monroe, of Dillon, trades The Connector specialist IV at Berkeley Maintenance, re- geodetic technician at Richland Mainte- specialist III at Dillon Maintenance, retired SCDOT, P.O. Box 191 tired March 10, after 33 years of service. nance, retired April 22, after 26 years of May 31, after 22 years of service. Columbia, SC 29202. Roy D. Buckheister Jr., of Charleston, state service. Katherine W. LeGrand, of Winnsboro, senior geodetic technician at Charleston Raymond Williams, of St. Stephen, supply specialist III at Fairfield Mainte- You may also submit comments Construction, retired March 15, after 12 trades specialist IV at Berkeley Mainte- nance, retired June 1, after 25 years of ser- online at [email protected]. years of service. nance, retired April 29, after 28 years of vice. Would you like to speak to us Benjamin L. R. Greer, of Columbia, service. Cecil L. Bartley, of Newberry, supply personally about The Connector? Thomas E. Troutman associate geodetic technician at Richland , of Elloree, specialist III at Newberry Maintenance, re- Call Stan Shealy at (803) 737-1064. Construction, retired March 15, after 12 trades specialist III at Orangeburg Main- tired June 1, after 33 years of service. years of service. tenance, retired April 29, after 28 years of Vernon S. Carroll, of Starr, engineer/ SCDOT l THE CONNECTOR l SPRING/SUMMER 2011 13 PROMOTIONS Ethel Holley of Irmo, from Fiscal Technician I to Fiscal Technician II in Accounting Sandra M. Suber of Columbia, from Adminis- trative Specialist I to Administrative Specialist II in Procurement Brent L. Rewis of Lexington, from Engr./Asso- ciate Engineer III to Engr./Associate Engineer IV in RPG 1 Lowcountry Lynsee R. Gibson of Irmo, from Engr./Associate Engineer II to Program Manager I in Federal Program Administration Michael W. Todd II of Pamplico, from Engr./As- sociate Engineer II to Engr./Associate Engineer III in Florence Surveys Assistant Director of Postal Services Charles D. Johnson of West Columbia, from Stacy Jackson also received Engr./Associate Engineer II to Program Manager I in certification. Environmental Administrator facilities for both drop shipped and ori- Jessica L. Yeager of Simpsonville, from Admin- gin entered mailings. Course instructed istrative Assistant to Administrative Coordinator I in Midland Postal Customer Council Co-Chair Gail Sanders, left, presents certification by the USPS Bulk Mail Entry Unit. District 3 Office to SCDOT Director of Postal Services Lisa Vining for completing the Professional l Course instructed by USPS Business Samuel J. Walker of Charleston, from Assistant Certificate Program in May. At right is Vining’s supervisor, Director of Outdoor Mail Unit reviewed current First Class Geodetic Technician to Senior Geodetic Technician in Advertising and Building Maintenance and Services Keith Melvin. Mail and Standard Mail eligibility. District 6 Office l Mail Piece Design taught what the Kara R. Weber of Ridgeway, from Assistant Geo- impact mail piece design has on pricing detic Technician to Associate Geodetic Technician in and processing of mail. Engineering the Richland Maintenance Lisa Vining, Stacy Jackson design of mail to ensure compatibility Tamara L. Page of Easley, from Assistant Geo- with Postal Service automation equip- detic Technician to Associate Geodetic Technician in ment that saves money and time. Greenville Maintenance receive postal certifications l Online Resources. Michael J. Smith of Walhalla, from Engr./Asso- isa Vining and Stacy Jackson The course taught the proper techniques l The Perfect Bundle Course. Ensur- ciate Engineer II to Engr./Associate Engineer III in of SCDOT Postal Services were for identifying and handling suspicious ing that bundles prepared by mailers Oconee Maintenance presented certifications for suc- packages and parcels. This course was remain intact throughout the handling Charles R. Willbanks of Spartanburg, from As- Lcessfully completing the Professional instructed by the U.S. Postal Inspection of the bundle during postal service sociate Geodetic Technician to Engr./Associate Engi- Certificate Program on May 24, 2011 by Services, which is the Law Enforce- mail processing. Bundle preparation neer I in Spartanburg Maintenance the Midlands Postal Customer Council ment branch of the Postal Service, em- standards were taught in an effort to Corey E. Threatt of Pickens, from Trades Spe- of Greater South Carolina. The certifi- powered by federal law to investigate improve bundle preparation and reduce cialist III to Trades Specialist IV in District 3 Mainte- cation is an official commendation and and enforce federal statues. the number of bundles that break open nance Operations recognition of the United States Postal l Discounted mail and understand- and are not readable during postal pro- James M. Huey of Chester, from Mechanic III to Service (USPS). ing options for business mailings and cessing. Trades Specialist V in Fairfield Maintenance The certification required comple- making the right mailing choices for SCDOT Postal Services maintains Derrick K. Tindal of Conway, from Assistant tion of courses including: the most discount. This course was in- and updates certifications periodically Geodetic Technician to Associate Geodetic Techni- l Customer service interaction with structed by a USPS Business Mail Rep- to stay abreast of new and changing cian in Horry Construction the USPS and resources provided by resentative. USPS rules and regulations to obtain Mitchell E. Carter of Hamer, from Engr./Associ- them. l An introduction to FAST. A system the best postage rates and discounts ate Engineer I to Engr./Associate Engineer II in Dil- l Protecting private and state postal for business mailers to schedule ap- possible for SCDOT and to maintain a lon Construction employees and assets who use the mail. pointments for entry of mail in to postal safe and efficient postal center. deaths

Carlisle R. DuBose, of Man- ning, trades specialist II at Claren- don Maintenance, died June 1. Willie L. Johnson, of Allen- dale, trades specialist II at Allen- dale Maintenance, died Feb. 17. Noah C. Lark, of Taylors, trades specialist II at Greenville Maintenance, died April 6. James E. Murry, of Colum- bia, an incident responder in Dis- trict 1, died June 11. Dennis H. Stevens, 71, of West Springs, SCDOT retiree, Carlisle R. Dubose Willie L. Johnson Noah C. Lark James E. Murry died July 3. 14 SCDOT l THE CONNECTOR l SPRING/SUMMER 2011

but a lot of tears were shed as well. The family shared wedding cake and the happy couple had a champagne toast ‘Til death do us part thanks to a bottle of champagne being smuggled into the hospital. guess it was my mid-life crisis.” A police officer stopped by after the Wedding vows reunite Neither Stan nor Pat remarried. They ceremony and joked that he had heard remained close friends. about the ‘illegal’ alcohol and even posed sweethearts in the end But in 2007, Stan got some bad news. for a photo handcuffing Stan. By Rob Thompson He was diagnosed with colon cancer. The Pat and Stan’s daughter, Gina Grice, cancer later metastasized to his lungs. said how much it meant for her parents to at Branham was only 16 when she Throughout the entire treatment process, be reunited in marriage. “My mother and met the love of her life, Stan Grice. he never gave up hope. He kept a positive father showed that love is a gift. It’s given She was a junior at Olympia High attitude and was sure that he could beat it. freely, willingly and without expectation. SchoolP and Stan was a sophomore from But when he was admitted to the hos- We don’t love to be loved -- we love to Lower Richland High School. pital in February of this year, he knew that love. They showed us what true love “We met on a blind date, but not with his time was short. And he made a last means. My brother, Brian, and I couldn’t each other,” Pat says. Pat and Stan weren’t wish. have been happier than the day our family interested in their own dates. They turned On March 9, Pat was visiting Stan and was whole again.” out to be more compatible with each other. he asked her to marry him again. Stan came home from the hospital on “I hit it off with Stan, and we kicked “We really did have a great first mar- March 23. He was surrounded by his fam- our own dates to the curb,” she says, and riage so the decision to remarry was very ily at home when he passed away on April started a four-year courtship. easy for me but, I have no regrets about 1. While they were dating, she graduated anything that happened to bring us to the At his funeral during the eulogy, a high school and started working at the point of remarrying. I believe that we friend said “when Pat told me and said she South Carolina Department of Highways both needed the ‘break,’ and I believe that was leaving Stan, the world tipped and and Public Transportation in August 1969 we both needed to be together in the end,” when Stan and Pat remarried, it felt like in the accounting department. Pat said. the universe righted itself.” By April 1970, she started serving as “Stan was my first and only love. I “I didn’t remarry Stan just for his sake. the secretary to the Commission handling know that Stan loved me, but I also be- I did it for me and my entire family,” Pat their meeting minutes, preparing their lieve that he needed the security of know- added. “He was at peace at the end. I truly monthly agendas and expenses. ing that I would take care of things after believe that he was ready to go once he On Sept. 19, 1970, Pat and Stan said he died,” Pat said. “He trusted me to make had the peace of mind that I could take their marriage vows for the first time. the decisions that he couldn’t make and to care of things, and I’m so glad that I could The marriage produced two children -- be sure that all the people he loved were be the one to make his death a peaceful Brian in 1972, and Gina in 1976. In 1993, taken care of.” one.” a grandchild, Davey, was added to the On March, 19, 2011, Pat and Stan re- family. married and said their vows a second time. Editor’s note: Pat Grice has worked at But in 2005, after 35 years of marriage, The ceremony was held in his hospital SCDOT for 41 years. For most of those High school sweethearts Pat Branham and we drifted apart. “I needed a break from room surrounded by friends and family. years, she has served as the secretary to Stan Grice were first married on Sept. 19, marriage,” Pat says. “I had been married No one was happier than their children the SCDOT Commission and as the ad- 1970. But after 35 years of marriage, the all my life and needed some ‘me’ time. and grandchild seeing the couple reunited. ministrative assistant to the Deputy Secre- couple divorced in 2005. After all, I had been married all my life. I Everyone there was thrilled and happy, tary for Finance and Administration.

PHOTOGRAPH BY JIMMY DIMSDALE

Pat and Stan Grice remarried on March 19 at Lexington Medical Center PHOTOGRAPH BY JIMMY DIMSDALE where Stan was being treated for colon cancer. The reunited Grice family poses after the ceremony. From left, are: Davey, Gina, Stan, Brian and Pat Grice. SCDOT l THE CONNECTOR l SPRING/SUMMER 2011 15 Traffic Signal Crews take late night calls in stride By Bob Kudelka

hen a thunderstorm hits in the middle of the night, many of us just try to get back to sleep. But Wfor some SCDOT employees, it usually means it’s time to go to work. Traffic Signal crews have employees on call 24 hours a day. When lightning or traf- fic accidents knock out signals, they get the calls to make repairs. “You’ve got to be ready to go because you never know when you’ll get a call,” said Bradley Davis, Communications Manager at District 3. Like other SCDOT signal crew members, emergency calls over the years have made him miss events such as his children’s birthday parties and Christmas Eve dinners. After hours calls can come after a long day of repairing signals or re-programming controller boxes. Many traffic signal crews also handle electrical repairs for SCDOT buildings in their districts. Their skills have to be varied, from electrical and computer know-how to be- ing able to troubleshoot while staying safe in a bucket truck 20 feet above traffic and a few feet below high-voltage power lines. “I have the ‘Swiss Army knives’ of the DOT,” said Terance Brooks, Resident Traf- fic Engineer in District 6’s Traffic- Man agement Division. “They’re a jack of all crew was “the first on the scene and the last PHOTOGRAPHS BY ROB THOMPSON/THE CONNECTOR trades.” to leave.” District 5 Traffic Signal crew member Mark Byrd works on a signal at Godbold and Main Like other signal crews in the state, Like offensive lineman on a football Streets in Marion. Signal crews are on call 24 hours a day to repair signals that are the employees in District 6 also respond team, signal crew employees are often damaged by accidents or weather. when needed to aid local governments. unheralded and many times don’t get the ation. The sooner they can get it fixed, the “They’re our field generals to ensure This means they also get calls any time of limelight they deserve. better. They’re under a very stressful situ- what we’re doing as far as engineering day or night from the cities of Charleston, Yet the jobs they perform are critical ation to fix the lights and get them work- makes sense in the field,” Jones said. “They North Charleston and Beaufort, as well as to the state’s transportation system, said ing again. It’s an outdoor, work-intensive can assist us with good decisions on where counties. Carol Jones, Traffic Signal and Systems job - and they’re definitely highly skilled to place poles and what decisions to make. Brooks recalls when a crane on a tug- Engineer at Headquarters. individuals.” Many times, they’ve called me if they see boat damaged the J.E. McTeer Bridge four “They are very valuable,” Jones said. SCDOT maintains about 2,500 signals signal timings are not appropriate.” years ago and knocked out a key transpor- “Anytime you have a signal that malfunc- statewide. In addition, SCDOT has over- Jones, who has gotten to know the em- tation artery in Beaufort, his traffic signal tions, you have a very chaotic traffic situ- sight responsibility with 14 local govern- ployees in the signal crews, says they are ments for maintenance of 1,100 signals in passionate about their jobs. cities across the state. “These guys live, breathe and eat up this Software has changed three times in the stuff, arguing over loop installations for an past 10 years, so signal crews employees hour,” Jones said. “They’ve got the fire in are constantly re-learning the equipment the belly for their jobs. They’re also really they maintain. concerned with safety and efficiency; they And it’s not just repairs that keep signal try to spend the state’s money as if it was crew employees busy. their own money.” Since December, signal crews have Spend some time with signal crews and been overseeing $17 million worth of up- a common theme is how they enjoy using grades, replacing equipment at existing their skills to solve a problem. What you signals and installing new signals, spread won’t hear are complaints about getting among the seven engineering districts. called out in the middle of the night. Over the past few years, the crews have Benny Inman, electronics technician II replaced traditional signal lights with new, in District 5, spoke about his job for sev- energy-saving LEDs. eral minutes on a Monday morning before In addition, crews in some districts have mentioning, almost in passing, “I’ve been begun converting signal communication Ray Anderson of the District 5 Traffic Signal crew lowers the outriggers on the bucket from dial-up technology to Ethernet using See TRAFFIC on page 16-17 truck. federal dollars. 16 SCDOT l THE CONNECTOR l SPRING/SUMMER 2011 17

where Rast was above working on a signal. The truck knocked all the SCDOT Traffic TRAFFIC from page 15 traffic heads down and ripped a Signal Crew guide wire out of Rast’s hands. Employees Going from green to yellow to red “If I was on the opposite side of the bucket that cable would have District 1 t takes a lot to keep traffic signals 3-feet tall and weighs up to 50 pounds. out since about 10 o’clock last gone through my chest,” Rast said. Curtis Singleton, operating across the state. Here are Signal controllers: The traffic signal night. I haven’t been home yet. “I was on the other side which Ray Rast, James some basics on the technology that controller is the “brain” at an intersec- Changed two controllers and reset Strickland, Jim Imany take for granted: tion that tells each signal display when pushed the cable away from me. four signals.” That made the difference.” Douglas, Mike to change colors. Years ago, traffic sig- Nearby, co-worker Mark Byrd Those kind of safety precau- Goodwin, Liane What is Signal Timing? nals were controlled by a simple elec- was in a bucket truck repairing a tions are stressed in meetings held White, Joe Butler, Traffic signals are timed with two tric mechanism that made the signals signal head damaged by a storm in regularly at each District. James Smith and Jesse goals in mind: 1) to make the traffic change every so many seconds, like a downtown Marion. “There’s always a danger work- Sessions system as safe as possible for all users; clock. But these simple mechanisms “During the summertime when ing with electricity, and we work and 2) to improve traffic flow. Each were not able to adjust when traffic there’s a storm, you usually work District 2 traffic signal controller is programmed changed during the day. around high-voltage because our Neal Jones, Joey all night long,” Byrd said. “But lines are close to them,” said Cur- with different timing settings, depend- Later in the pre-computer era, that’s part of the job and we do it.” Tooley, Mike Smith, ing on time of day (morning or after- electro-mechanical controllers were tis Singleton, Communications Mike Holliday, Bobby Herbert Harrison has been on Manager at District 1. “We always noon rush hour) or according to what developed that could be adjusted for the signal crew in District 6 for Wood and Rickey stress safety, not only electrical Benny Inman, of the District 5 Traffic Signal crew, checks a signal box is happening at the intersection at that the time of day. These controllers are about 20 years. Bowie safety but we also have to watch at the intersection of a newly repaired traffic signal in Marion. moment. much like the switch timers in your lo- “It’s interesting because it’s al- the traffic.” District 3 Some fixed time systems use differ- cal hardware store that have green and ways changing; you never know District 1 handles more than ent preset time intervals for morning red pins to set the time that you want day to day what you’re going to Bradley Davis, 500 traffic signals, Singleton said, Allen Patterson, rush hour, evening rush hour and other lights to go off on a predetermined be up against,” Harrison said. “It’s in addition to other things such as The District 6 Traffic Signal shop is made up of, from left, Kristi Johnson, busy times. schedule. interesting to trouble shoot and sat- David Black, Jack the Gervais Street Bridge lighting. Terrance Brooks and Herbert Harrison. Robertson, Keith There are three basic types of signal Now, computerized traffic signal isfying to know that you nailed it.” Singleton said the job is not for timing: controllers get real-time information District 5 Traffic Signal crew Meyers, Mitch Harrison, a trades specialist V, everyone. 1. Fixed time about the presence of vehicles from member Chad Herlong picks Vaughn, Ron “Dude” said the large district he works in “You have to be skilled in elec- 2. Actuated sensors in the roadway and on poles. up and loads traffic cones Stokes, Harold means he may have to travel far for tronics, you have to be willing to 3. Coordinated Controllers adjust the amount of green onto the truck after the job is Watson, Roger Bryant, a call after hours. get up any time of the night and Fixed time: Fixed time signal con- time for different movements based on completed in Marion. Grant Taffer, Fred “You could be out here working drive maybe an hour or two to a trol uses preset time intervals that are sensor information. The most sophis- all day 10 hours, have a rough day Muchow and Angela site to find the problem,” he said. Tomlinson the same every time the signal cycles, ticated controllers and software pro- and you might not even come home “Most of the time you’re the only regardless of changes in traffic vol- grams allow for “synchronization” of and get called to go to Walterboro person responding so it’s your re- District 4 umes. They give the most green time signals at adjacent intersections along or Beaufort,” Harrison said. “You sponsibility to fix the problem.” Mitch McBrayer, to the heaviest traffic movement based a road to minimize stops and delays. just take it with a grain of salt; you Each month in District 3, Davis Morris Pearson, Del on historical information. Detectors: The square black lines have to understand it’s part of the cooks hamburgers for his 13-mem- “Dude” McCollum, Actuated: An actuated signal con- you may see in the roadway as you ap- job.” ber crew as an appreciation for the Jeff Burdette, David troller is able to change the amount proach an intersection are called loop Ray Rast, an electrician foreman job they do. Gaskey, Brian Clack, of green time for each cycle, based detectors. The loop detector is a thin at District 1, said: “There’s never a “These guys do a ton of work Stephen Taylor and on information from loop detectors. wire buried in the roadway. When a dull moment - it’s something dif- and don’t get a lot of glory,” Davis Mary Ann Totherow Actuated signals are best where traffic vehicle drives over the loop it sends a ferent every day. I love my job.” said. “A lot of people take traffic volumes fluctuate considerably during message to the signal controller. The The job has its share of chal- District 1 Traffic Engineering Technician Jesse District 5 signals for granted, but it’s some- Sessions tests a conflict monitor that lets traffic the day or when interruptions to major- signal controller's software evaluates lenges, however. thing new every day as the technol- Mitchell Smith, left, and Ray Rast from District 1 work on a spare Wayne Mathews, street traffic flow must be minimized. the messages from all the loops at the For Rast, the scariest moment light head for the Blossom Street bridge. The lamp is a 250-watt high engineers know when anything goes wrong in an Benny Inman, Curtis ogy advances. I’ve got one of the intersection control panel. Coordinated: In addition to tim- intersection and appropriately changes came 12 years ago when a trac- best groups of guys in the state. pressure sodium light that makes it glow yellow. Canady, Glenn ing an individual traffic signal, some the signal timing. Small TV cameras tor trailer ignored a flagger and They always help out if you need Collins, Mark Byrd, signals are timed as a coordinated can also be used to detect if a vehicle barreled through the intersection it.” Marvin Grate, Kevin network. The goal of signal coordina- is present. Spivey, Ray Anderson, tion is to help traffic flow through a Who created the first ever District 1 Traffic Signal Chad Herlong and Jim Strickland from District 1 looks in a series of signals at a pre-determined traffic signal? Communications Manager John Klein speed to minimize or avoid stops. In The first electric traffic signal was Curtis Singleton is holds traffic signal cabinet. The traffic signal cabinet is the ‘brain’ of every intersection other words, the signal at an intersec- installed in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1914 a 5-section traffic signal District 6 tion turns green just as you arrive. This by the American Traffic Signal Com- with signals. Terance Brooks, head. This head contains isn’t always possible because of the pany. Now there are more than 260,000 Kristi Johnson, two left turn arrows. LEDs need to provide smooth flow in two or traffic signals nationwide. The man Chris Bernique, Joe are replaced when they more directions. This is why traffic en- credited with inventing the traffic sig- Maxwell, Herbert reach 60% burning due gineers use computer programs to de- nal and applying for the 1923 patent is Harrison, John to bulb burnout. They termine the best compromise between Garrett Morgan. Morgan, said to be the Did you Galloway, Thomas are used for less power all the competing directions of traffic. first African American to own an auto- Myrick, Michael consumption. Standard Signal display: The signal display is mobile in Cleveland, also invented the Moultrie and Boyce incadescent uses 120W what the motorist sees. A simple signal gas mask and the zigzag attachments know? “Buddy” Hart per bulb. These use display consists of three colors: red, for sewing machines. 10-15W per head. A whole Each intersection has yellow and green. Did you know that Source: National Transportation Op- intersection now uses the District 7 its own power meter and Ken Hardee, Dennis in a typical traffic display, the circular erations Coalition, which is sponsored power that use to power District 1 Traffic Engineering Technician Joe Butler checks Liane White is the District 1 Traffic Signal indication is 12 inches in diameter? by the Federal Highway Administra- one single light. monthly bill. Coker, Chris Basler loops detectors and load switches that go inside the signal Administrative Specialist that handles all the and Kevin Creel A typical signal display is more than tion. control boxes. paperwork including bills, requests and time cards. 18 SCDOT l THE CONNECTOR l SPRING/SUMMER 2011

LEFT: The Take SCDOT out to the ballgame SCDOT Ensemble performs the National Anthem Agency enjoys Employee Recognition Night before prior to the game starting. uly 21 was SCDOT Employee Recognition Night at BELOW LEFT: Jthe Capital City Stadium The SCDOT in downtown Columbia. Ensemble is made SCDOT employees up of, from left: watched the Columbia Terecia Wilson, Blowfish play the Sandra Castor, Morehead City Marlins. Nancy Redmond, Secretary of Trans- Brunell Rawlinson, portation Robert J St. Delores Gilmore, Onge Jr. thanked SCDOT Myron employees for the jobs they Singleton, do for the people of South Michael Carolina. Covington, Between each inning Maceo an SCDOT employee was Morris, recognized. The baseball Shirley announcer explained Myers, the various jobs done Susan by SCDOT and how it Douglas, benefits the citizens of Paula Hollis South Carolina. and Robert It was a high-scoring SCDOT employee Eric Hall of Traffic Engineering threw Johnson. ball game with the out the first pitch at the beginning of the game. Blowfish losing 11-9.

Cale Derby, son of District 7 Bridge Office of Public Transit Director Michael Goodwin, of District Mechelle Mabry, of the Rodney Oldham, with Safe Joey Derby of Regional Inspection Team Leader Doug Frate stands to be 1 Traffic Signals, stands to Oversize/Overweight Office, Routes to School, stands to be Production Group 4, raced Gerald Bonnette is recognized with his children, be recognized by the crowd. and her son, Cole, wave to the recognized with his children, the team mascot around the recognized at the game. Will, left, and Maisie. crowd. Rodney Jr., left, and Alexis. bases. SCEIS accounting system scheduled to start September 2 he South Carolina Enter- prise systems are used by govern- global corporation based in Ger- 1969. agencies while reducing costs. prise Information System ment agencies and businesses for many. SCEIS has the capability to re- SCDOT will implement (SCEIS) is consolidating finance, materials management SCEIS will replace outdated duce redundancies, reduce paper SCEIS on Sept. 2, 2011 for HR/ Tmore than 70 state agencies onto and human resources functions agency central systems like the handling and provide more effi- Payroll. The Materials Manage- a single, statewide enterprise sys- such as payroll. The system uses current STARS accounting sys- cient processing. All of these ele- ment/Finance modules are sched- tem. SCDOT is in the process of SAP software designed specifi- tem put into place in 1980 and the ments should result in improved uled to be put into service on Oct. converting to this system. Enter- cally for business use. SAP is a state payroll system first used in services by South Carolina’s state 3, 2011. SCDOT l THE CONNECTOR l SPRING/SUMMER 2011 19

CHARLESTON

1st PLACE

GEOTECH DILLON

2nd HOLLY HILL PLACE

SUPPLY / PATROL

ROAD DESIGN 3rd PLACE

FLORENCE

PHOTOGRAPHS BY ROB THOMPSON/THE CONNECTOR

Most Valuable Player ...... Keith Ford with Dillon Spirit Award ...... Calvin Johnson with Supply/Patrol TRAFFIC 20 SCDOT l THE CONNECTOR l SPRING/SUMMER 2011 Roadside Memorial Markers Mother honors memory of son with highway marker By Pete Poore Blazer. He was dead minutes after the crash. The doors at the church where Tyler’s funeral f you asked Lucy Capers to describe her young- was held had to be closed when mourners filled the est child Tyler in two words, she might choose sanctuary to capacity. A number of state troopers at- “all boy.” Other words that would paint a pic- tended the service to pay their respects in addition Iture of Tyler Capers could be “curious,” “adventure- to directing traffic and escorting the funeral proces- some,” “daring” and “happy.” sion. Tyler’s life came to an end at the age of nine on Lucy Capers set about ways to work through the evening of July 23, 2008 in the town of Ladson. her and her family’s loss. She applied for and was He was struck by a vehicle as he crossed Ladson granted an SCDOT Roadside Memorial marker. Road, one block from the street where he lived. The The marker was placed close to the scene of the driver of the vehicle did not stop. The case is still crash. Tyler’s mom wanted the SCDOT marker for open three years later. two reasons. “I wanted to memorialize my son and Lucy Capers and her family, including Tyler’s keep his memory alive, but I also wanted to keep nine older brothers and sisters, were understand- his name out in the neighborhood in case someday ably shocked and grief-stricken. Lucy and Fred Ca- someone remembers something that might help find pers had not only lost a son, but a human dynamo who did this,” said Capers. that could make friends with anyone of any age in She hasn’t stopped with the SCDOT marker. Ca- a heartbeat. “He was someone who didn’t sit still pers has created a number of memorials both inside very well. Tyler was always in motion whether it and outside her Ladson home over the last three was riding his bike, playing video games with his years. When she finishes one, she starts thinking friends, or swimming in the community pool which about the next one. Capers said the loss of Tyler has he started doing at the age of three,” said Lucy Ca- left a big hole in her heart and it’s particularly hard Lucy Capers shows a photograph of her son, Tyler, who was killed as pers. during the end of each July on the anniversary of his he crossed Ladson Road in 2008. In the background is a garden she Everyone in the Mount Pleasant neighborhood passing. planted in her backyard in memory of her son. where he was born sensed that he was special and Capers drives a school bus for a living. Occasion- flocked to see him when he came home from the ally she gets a lump in her throat when she drops the hospital. In 2006, the family moved to Ladson kids off at school and watches them laughing and where Tyler hit the neighborhood and began mak- bounding off the bus the way Tyler did. She can’t ing friends, even with his principal at Oakbrook El- help but feel a little envious of parents who are there ementary School. to kiss their little ones as they drop them off and On the evening of July 23, 2008, Tyler went one pick them up. block up from his house to Ladson Road, a main For now, she relies on her faith and continues thoroughfare through the Berkeley County town. He to do whatever she can to keep the spirit of Tyler’s was going to cross the road to visit a friend who bound-less energy alive in heart and in her memo- had gotten a new video game. Tyler’s mom said he ries. She believes that someday the person who was always a fast runner, but he was struck by a ve- struck Tyler will be caught. Capers said, “I’m a pa- hicle when he started his dash across Ladson Road. tient person. I don’t think Tyler’s death will go un- Some witnesses believe it might have been a Chevy punished.”

Capers has a special memorial display in her home in honor of Tyler.

Roadside Memorial Applications • Immediate family members are permitted to apply for a sign memorializing a loved one lost in a traffic crash. • The fee for manufacturing, erecting and maintaining the sign is $250. • Applications should be made within one year of the crash date. • Signs will remain in place for two years. At the end of the two-year period, the sign will be removed. The memorial plaque will be sent to the person who applied for the sign at the address listed on the application. • No signs will be erected for victims who were directly in- volved in criminal activity that led to their deaths. Complete information on how to apply for a Roadside Memo- PHOTOGRAPHS BY ROB THOMPSON/THE CONNECTOR rial can be found on the SCDOT website: A roadside memorial marker is placed where 8-year-old Tyler Capers was killed. The memorial sign also www.scdot.org/community/roadside_memorials.shtml encourages motorists to drive safely. SCDOT l THE CONNECTOR l SPRING/SUMMER 2011 21 Helping the community: SCDOT CPMs help ETV, Harvest Hope Food Bank

By Anne Futch, IT Services

ive employees of SCDOT were among 14 mem- bers of the SC Society of Certified Public Managers (SCSCPM) who volunteered their time to answer Fthe phone bank for South Carolina Educational Television (ETV) on March 16. The program entitled “Kickstart Your Health with Dr. Neal Barnard” began at 7 p.m. with the program host inter- viewing the President of the Society about the CPM pro- gram. During the show, the volunteers helped raise $4,900 for the ETV Endowment, a public charity that exists to sup- port the mission of ETV and ETV Radio. ETV has statewide network with 11 television stations,

PHOTOGRAPHS BY ROB THOMPSON/THE CONNECTOR SCDOT certified public managers work a phone bank at South Carolina Educational Television’s studio in Columbia. The employees are, from left, Dennis Cline of Payroll, Mark Walker of RIght of Way, Tony Magwood of Richland Maintenance, Mechelle Mabry of Oversize-Overweight Permits and Anne Futch of IT Services. eight radio stations and a closed-circuit educational tele- • Drop off non-perishable items in the collection boxes vision system in more than 2000 schools, colleges, busi- located in the Headquarters building, Office of Materials nesses, and government agencies. and Research, District 1 Office, and Richland Mainte- SCDOT’s employees are currently working together on nance. Collection boxes for Headquarters will be located another community service project with the CPM Society. on the first floor and in the basement in front of the eleva- The agency is participating in the third annual multi-agen- tors. cy Food and Fund Drive to support Harvest Hope Food All donations to Harvest Hope are tax-deductible with Bank. The event is sponsored by the SCSCPM and the SC 98 cents out of every dollar going directly to feeding hun- State Government Improvement Network. gry families in our area. For more information, go to the SCDOT’s Mechelle Mabry is coordinating this event Society’s webpage: http://www.scscpm.org/documents/ for 23 participating agencies with collection boxes in 81 harvesthope2011.pdf. offices. The effort runs July 18 through Aug. 19. There are Thirty-nine SCDOT employees have received their three ways employees can donate: CPM credential which is the recognized standard of excel- • Donate money via the Harvest Hope website, www. lence for public managers in South Carolina. Duane Scott and Carolyn Koon from IT Services donate harvesthope.org. The program was developed by the Budget and Control food to the Harvest Hope Food bank collection box at • Donate food items via the Virtual Food Drive on Har- Board’s Office of Human Resources and was accredited SCDOT. vest Hope’s website. by the National CPM Consortium in 1996.

District Engineering Administrator days if the workers did not have to work tions in trying to get it repaired as soon as Dennis Townsend and District Bridge En- within the confines of the narrow bridge possible,” Townsend said. “They cooper- Emergency gineer Jason Thompson inspected the site that had minimal shoulders. ated well with law enforcement and the after the accident and recommended the Secretary of Transportation Robert J. St. contractor’s employees. It was a good team bridge be shut down for repairs. The extent Onge Jr. authorized an emergency repair effort to get the road back open as quickly repairs made to of the damage was 60 feet of bridge para- work order to obtain outside resources to as possible understanding the urgency in- pet hand railing and fixture supports that assist with the repairs. volved.” required complete demolition and reinstal- Cape Romain Contractors of Wando as- Bridge repair work was performed U.S. 701 bridge lation. sisted with the repairs by providing skilled by the District 5 Capital Improvements Safety was a top priority in the recom- labor and materials. crew of Florence and the District 5 bridge By Bob Kudelka mendation. With the combined forces, the depart- crews. Capital Improvement crew mem- “There was a substantial amount of ment was able to repair the damaged fa- bers George Alford, Orel Lee, and Dan- istrict 5 employees knew there was bridge with no type of lateral safety struc- cility for approximately $10,000 and with ny Whitehead “went above and beyond a lot at stake as they worked to re- ture to prevent traffic from leaving the minimum disruption to the traveling pub- by working extremely long hours to get pair the U.S. 701 bridge damaged bridge and there was no good way to make lic, Thompson said. the bridge open as quickly as possible,” Din April when a tractor trailer smashed a temporary repair,” Townsend said. “We Piecemeal repairs with a lane kept open Townsend said. through the railing in a fatal accident. decided to bite the bullet, keep traffic off would have been risky and taken several The Georgetown and Horry Mainte- The closed bridge presented motorists of the bridge and let us work as hard as we days. Instead, the bridge was fully repaired nance Offices aided in the effort with the with a 57-mile detour around this key ar- could for two days and be done with it.” in 2½ days. Incident Response Office by providing the tery connecting Horry and Georgetown Thompson had determined the rail “Our employees responded in a timely road closure and installation of the tempo- counties over the Great Pee Dee River. could be repaired in approximately two manner and were aggressive in their ac- rary detour route. 22 SCDOT l THE CONNECTOR l SPRING/SUMMER 2011

Protecting workers: Work practices to offset heat effects

Avoid heat stroke, exhaustion, cramps, rashes • Acclimatize workers by of liquids should be placed cooler seasons of the year. exposing them to work in close to the work area. • Monitor workers who are By SCDOT Safety Office dration. Signs and symptoms are head- a hot environment for pro- • Provide recovery areas at risk of heat stress, such as ache, nausea, dizziness, weakness, gressively longer periods. such as air-conditioned en- those wearing semiperme- igh temperature and humidity; thirst, and giddiness. Fainting or heat • Replace fluids by provid- closures and rooms and pro- able or impermeable cloth- direct sun or heat; limited air collapse is often associated with heat ing cool water or any cool vide intermittent rest peri- ing when the temperature movement; physical exertion; exhaustion. Workers suffering from liquid (except alcoholic and ods with water breaks. exceeds 70° F, while work- Hpoor physical condition; some medi- heat exhaustion should be removed caffeinated beverages) to • Reschedule hot jobs for ing at high energy levels. cines; inadequate tolerance for hot from the hot environment and given workers and encourage them the cooler part of the day, Personal monitoring can be workplaces; and insufficient water in- fluid replacement. They should also be to drink small amounts fre- and routine maintenance done by checking the heart take can all lead to heat stress. encouraged to get adequate rest, and quently, e.g., one cup every and repair work in hot areas rate, recovery heart rate, and when possible, ice packs should be ap- 20 minutes. Ample supplies should be scheduled for the oral temperature. What kind of heat disorders and plied. health effects are possible and how • Heat Cramps are usually caused by should they be treated? performing hard physical labor in a hot environment. Heat cramps have been Keep cool without an air conditioner • Heat Stroke is the most serious attributed to an electrolyte imbalance • Wet your wrists and other pulse points an hour. heat related disorder and occurs when caused by sweating and are normally with cold water. Use a piece of ice wrapped • Wear a short sleeved shirt and put water the body’s temperature regulation fails caused by the lack of water replenish- in a face cloth, to continue after the cool- on the sleeves. If there is a breeze or fan and body temperature rises to criti- ment. It is imperative that workers in ness wears off. Constantly cooling off the blowing on you, you can actually get cold. cal levels. It is a medical emergency hot environments drink water every 15 wrists will also cool off the body. Never use Use a squirt bottle, the sink or hose if out- that may result in death. The primary to 20 minutes and also drink carbohy- just ice; make sure it is wrapped in a towel side to keep your sleeves wet. If you are signs and symptoms of heat stroke are drate-electrolyte re-placement liquids or something similar. Studies show that this outside and wearing long pants and you confusion; irrational behavior; loss of (e.g., sports drinks) to help minimize will reduce your core body temperature by put water on your legs, the water will cool consciousness; convulsions; a lack of physiological disturbances during re- as much as 3 °F (1.5 ºC). The relief is almost your legs. Apply lots of sun protection lo- sweating (usually); hot, dry skin; and covery. immediate, and will last for up to one hour! tion throughout the day. The protective an abnormally high body temperature. • Heat Rashes are the most common • Drink a lot of fluid. Water is the best but function of such lotion only lasts for a few If a worker shows signs of possible problem in hot work environments cool liquids of any type will help to cool you hours and less when you are in water. Re- heat stroke, professional medical treat- where the skin is persistently wet- down. The electrolytes help to make sure apply frequently for best coverage. Do not ment should be obtained immediately. ted by unevaporated sweat. Heat rash you don’t lose vital minerals through sweat- rely on it alone. Wear a hat and don’t expose Until professional medical treatment is looks like a red cluster of pimples or ing. Adding ice will also help cool you off. too much skin. Long-sleeved shirts made of available, the worker should be placed small blisters. It is more likely to oc- Avoid lemonade, iced tea, and other sugary cotton, hemp and other natural fabrics will in a shady, cool area and the outer cur on the neck and upper chest, in the drinks. Ice does not actually help you cool help deflect the sun’s rays and protect your clothing should be removed. Douse the groin, and in elbow creases. The best off if it is in water you will drink. Cool water skin. A broad-brimmed hat is essential to worker with cool water and circulate treatment for heat rash is to provide a does, but the colder the water the more en- protect your face and to create some shade air to improve evaporative cooling. cooler, less humid environment. Keep ergy your body spends. over your head. Provide the worker fluids (preferably the affected area dry. Dusting powder • Place a wet towel on the back of your neck • Eat less. Smaller meals with less protein water) as soon as possible. may be used to increase comfort, but and also the top of one’s head. Athletic team will reduce metabolic heat. Whatever you • Heat Exhaustion is only partly due avoid using ointments or creams— doctors have used this for years! do eat should be cool and not require heat to exhaustion; it is a result of the com- they keep the skin warm and moist and • Wet your hair with cold water every half to be prepared (e.g. salads, sandwiches, etc.) bination of excessive heat and dehy- may make the condition worse.

keep looking and feeling that way thing you will ever do to your spread and to develop a healthy for a few hours. At its worst, heat lawn. It could be the most harm- root system. It’s also important to The Flower Man stroke can kill you: and trust me, ful, or the most beneficial. Yet mow in a different direction each even at its best, it’s a hellish feel- few of us understand how to do time to prevent a lean that results Surviving the heat, humidity ing. (Some reward for mowing the job. Probably the extent of in an uneven cut. You need to use the lawn!) Mercifully, you can your lessons was the time your a sharp blade. A dull blade hacks By Ernest Jones Ernest Jones is in charge of avoid heat stroke by taking a few father showed you how to start grass tips, inviting disease organ- landscaping and vegetation at simple precautions. Work during the mower and pointed you in the isms. SCDOT Headquarters. the coolest parts of the day, early direction of the front yard. Cut grass most often in the eat and hu- morning or early evening. Wear a early spring, up to two times per midity, the hat or cap and take drink breaks When and how to mow week. In summer, let grass grow hallmarks every 15 minutes or so. Keep The season’s first mowing taller than normal, mowing about Hof summer in the drinking that water, Gatorade, or should be a scalping to remove all every five days. The taller blades eastern part of the other sports drink. Don’t work brown matting from winter. After will shade roots and conserve country, can result too long at a stretch. Make your- that, lawns should be mowed of- moisture. Never cut wet grass, or in heat stroke when self stop before you drop. You can ten enough to cut only one-third the blades will be torn. Wet clip- you’re outside doing always work in the house for a of the leaf at a time. pings can also foster fungal dis- garden or yard work. while, and come back to the yard Mowing too low will damage eases. Mow in the evening after 6 You may know the feel- or garden later. roots which will create a harm- p.m. to allow the cut ends enough ing – your face turns beet red The art of mowing ful layer of the thatch. The one- time to recover before the dry hot and you feel dizzy and faint. You Mowing is the most important third rule encourages a lawn to breezes begin. SCDOT l THE CONNECTOR l SPRING/SUMMER 2011 23

Got news? Engineering News Contact Andy Leaphart at: 803-737-1994 or email him at Non-native invasive Native plant alternative [email protected] (do NOT plant) (Do plant) PRIVET, Ligustrum species (ev) – Carolina cherry laurel, Prunus caroliniana (ev) Yaupon holly, Ilex vomitoria (ev) Andy Inkberry holly, Ilex glabra (ev) Leaphart Florida leucothoe, Leucothoe populifolia (ev) Wax myrtle, Myrica cerifera (ev) AUTUMN OLIVE and RUSSIAN OLIVE, Elaeagnus species — Native plums, Prunus spp. Possumhaw viburnum, Viburnum nudum Blackhaw viburnum, Viburnum prunifolium Winterberry, Ilex verticillata What is an Possumhaw holly, Ilex decidua Native blueberries, Vaccinium spp. BRADFORD PEAR, Pyrus calleryana “Bradford”— Various hawthorns, Crataegus spp. invasive plant? Serviceberry, Amelanchier spp. By Timothy Edwards lowing link: http://www.scdot. Redbud, Cercis canadensis org/community/Landscapeguide- Fringetree, Chionanthus virginicus ou don’t have to be a tree lines.shtml; click on Roadside Red maple, Acer rubrum expert to be concerned Plants to Avoid. The plants on Southern sugar maple, Acer barbatum about invasive plants. the list are not recommended for MIMOSA, Albizia julibrissin — Redbud, Cercis canadensis YAccording to the U.S. National planting on SCDOT rights-of- Serviceberry, Amelanchier spp. Arboretum, an invasive plant has way because they are recognized Dogwood, Cornus florida the ability to thrive and spread ag- as either noxious, potentially in- Fringe tree, Chionanthus virginicus gressively outside its usual range vasive or have features not suit- ENGLISH IVY, Hedera helix (ev) — Trumpet creeper, Campsis radicans of growth. A naturally aggressive able for roadsides (e. g., weak Virginia creeper, Parthenocissus quinquefolia plant may be especially invasive wood, invasive roots, messy fruit, Carolina jessamine, Gelsemium sempervirens (ev) when it is introduced to a new rapid decline or low limbs). Allegheny spurge, Pachysandra procumbens (ev) habitat. There are native plants that Crossvine, Bignonia capreolata (ev) Some invasive plants are are alternatives to invasive ex- Green and gold, Chrysogonum virginianum worse than others. Many invasive otic species in South Carolina. Wild phlox, Phlox spp. plants continue to be admired by The article below was adapted gardeners who may not be aware from information from the South NANDINA, Nandina domestica (ev) — Winterberry, Ilex verticillata of their weedy nature. Others are Carolina Native Plant Society. Beautyberry, Callicarpa americana recognized as weeds but proper- Additional information about the Native blueberry, Vaccinium spp. ty owners fail to do their part in SCNPS can be found at the fol- Hearts-a-bustin’, Euonymus americanus preventing their spread. Invasive lowing link: http://www.scnps. Inkberry holly, Ilex glabra (ev) plants are not all equally invasive. org. BURNING BUSH, Euonymus alata — Chokeberry, Aronia spp. Some only colonize small areas The suggested native plants Clethra, Clethra alnifolia and do not do so aggressively. are alternatives to invasive exotic Spicebush, Lindera benzoin Others may spread and dominate species in South Carolina. All Itea, Itea virginica large areas in just a few years. plants listed, both invasive exot- EMPRESS TREE, Paulownia tomentosa — Paw paw, Asimina spp. The SCDOT has a Roadside ics and natives, are available for Cucumber tree, Magnolia acuminata Plants to Avoid list at the fol- sale in the market. Big leaf magnolia, Magnolia macrophylla Basswood, Tilia americana Southern catalpa, Catalpa bignonioides CHINESE WISTERIA, Wisteria sinensis — American wisteria, Wisteria frutescens Crossvine, Bignonia capreolata (ev) Trumpet creeper, Campsis radicans HONEYSUCKLES, Lonicera standishii, maackii, tatarica, morrowii, and fragrantissima — Blackhaw viburnum, Viburnum prunifolium Winterberry, Ilex verticillata Non-native invasive grasses Native plant alternative

MISCANTHUS, Miscanthus species — Switchgrass, Panicum virgatum Pink muhly grass, Muhlenbergia capillaries FOUNTAIN GRASS, Pennisetum alopecuroides, setaceum — Pink muhly grass, Muhlenbergia cappillaris Make sure you choose the right native tree or grass from the list Bottlebrush grass, Elymus hystrix on the right. (ev) = Evergreen or partial evergreen species 24 SCDOT l THE CONNECTOR l SPRING/SUMMER 2011

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: Thad Brunson (803) 737-6660 FAX (803) 737-6401 Teresa Jackson S.C. 602 widening project under way

his S.C. 602 widening proj- ect consists of widening 6.4 miles of Platt Springs Road Tin Lexington County from two to five lanes. The project begins just west of Emmanuel Church Road in Three Fountains and extends to Old Orangeburg Road in Red Bank. • The project was awarded to Ea- gle Construction Company in March 2010, for $20.6 million. • Construction started in May 2010. • A 10’x12’ triple barrel culvert at Red Bank Creek is being replaced. • A 610 ft. Soil Nail Wall is being constructed. • Bike lanes will be installed over the entire length of the project. • The intersection of Old Or- angeburg/New Orangeburg at S.C. 602 is being realigned to eliminate a double traffic signal currently spaced 100 feet apart on Platt Springs Road. • Various other intersections are also being realigned to improve safety. • Project is currently 33% com- photos courtesy of eagle construction/AERIALPHOTOSELITE.COM plete with 37% of the contract time expired. • Resident Construction En- gineer is Ashleigh Sandel and the Project Engineer is Steve Altman. Additionally, SCDOT has contract- ed with Coleman-Snow Consultants and their subcontractors Triplett King and F&ME to oversee the daily construction and inspection activi- ties. • A portion of the construc- tion costs for this project is funded through the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009. • The project completion date is May 31, 2013. Once construction is complete, S.C. 602 will be five lanes from West Columbia to just west of White Knoll High School in Red Bank which will help alleviate traffic con- gestion in the area. SCDOT l THE CONNECTOR l SPRING/SUMMER 2011 25 District 2 News Got news? Contact Sarah Abbeville, Anderson, Edgefield, Greenwood, Laurens, McKinney at McCormick, Newberry and Saluda counties 864-227-6222 or email her at District Engineer: Christy Hall (864) 227-6971 McKinneySB@scdot. FAX (864) 227-6567 org. Safety Task Force works to improve safety in District 2 Sarah McKinney

District Engineering Administrator Christy Hall addresses the group during the meeting.

Assistant Traffic Engineer Nick Rebovich, right, goes over some of Resident the groups ideas. Maintenance Engineer Alan Kozusko makes a presentation to A group of employees in District 2 attended a Safety Task Force on May 4 in the group. Greenwood. The meeting, facilitated by Karen Neighbors, was to brainstorm ideas to improve the District 2 safety record. Saluda Maintenance celebrates excellent safety rating D2 administers hearing tests ongratulations to Saluda they earned an EXCELLENT rating employees at Saluda Maintenance for Maintenance! The unit had with a score of 96.35, the highest the hard work you do, and thanks for a review with the Quality score in the state for this rating year. doing it safely and setting an example CManagement Team on June 1 where Thank you to ALL of the for all the other maintenance units!

Edgefield Maintenance employees Tommie Williams, Ricky Young, Clisby Dansby and Jessie Weaver line up get their hearing tested.

istrict 2 maintenance employees partici- pated in the Annual Audiometric Testing with Henderson and Associates during DMay. A big “Thank You” goes to Dale Thomas and Debbie Williams for helping with the inter- view process. 26 SCDOT l THE CONNECTOR l SPRING/SUMMER 2011

Got news? District 3 News Please contact Tameki Watts 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 Tameki Watts SCDOT employees show off their bikes Meet Bruce Kilpatrick

ruce Kilpatrick of ty. His hobbies include fishing, Oconee Maintenance mechanic work and providing Oconee Maintenance motorcyclist include, from left to right: Morris Cobb, 2006 Honda: Alex Butts, 2005 has been an employee of assistance and service to the Yamaha; Philip Chastain, 2002 Harley Davidson; Allen Moore, 2003 Harley Davidson; Tim Honea, 2001 BSCDOT for 30 years and three people of his community and Suzuki; Donnie Baker, 2009 Yamaha; Chris Seigle, 2002 Harley Davidson; Tommy Wilbanks, 2008 Suzuki. Not months. He has been married church. pictured: Bill Steading, Troy Lewis, Kenney Henderson and Bobby Foster. for 21 years and has a daughter He is a dedicated employee who is currently in her sopho- and we are glad to have him CDOT employs a diverse group of people but a group of more year at Clemson Universi- around. them share one thing in common...their love of motorcy- cles! At the end of the day there are many employees that climbS out of their work trucks or out of their SCDOT vehicles An employee gone but not forgotten and ride off into the sunset on their motorcycles.

Dennis Garber and his daughter pose by his Kawasaki Employees from Spartanburg Maintenance pose with their motorcycles. motorcycles.

The District 3 Office held a luncheon at the Greenville Maintenance Office to benefit the family of Noah Lark. DEA Steve Gwinn, DME Jason Allison and several other members of the senior staff served the employees their lunch. Oconee Maintenance also held a benefit luncheon for Lark’s family. The Lark family attended a dedication ceremony in memory of Lark at the Greenville Maintenance office. They were presented with a monetary donation that was raised for the family. SCDOT l THE CONNECTOR l SPRING/SUMMER 2011 27

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

dedication and relocation service was held May 23 at the McBee High SchoolA gymnasium for the Blue Star Memorial Highway Marker, which was originally located on U.S. 1 in McBee. The marker, placed at its U.S. 1 location on April 14, 1953, by the Garden Club of the Coastal District, is the sixth Blue Star Marker erected in South Carolina through the Blue Star Program of the National Garden Clubs Inc. The Blue Star Memorial Pro- Members of the Spring Beauty and East Sandhills Garden Clubs of gram honors service men and South Carolina pose with the restored Blue Star Sign. women. This program began with the planting of 8,000 Dogwood and began a Blue Star Highway The program was expanded to Chesterfield SCDOT employees RD Ratliff, left, and Donnie Rivers put trees by the New Jersey Coun- system, which covers thousands of include all men and women who the restored Blue Star Marker in place. cil of Garden Clubs in 1944 as miles across the Continental United had served, were serving or would a living memorial to veterans of States, Alaska and Hawaii. A large serve in the armed services of the used at locations such as National in World War II and was seen on World War II. metal Blue Star Highway Marker United Stated. Memorial Markers cemeteries, parks, veteran’s fa- flags and banners in homes for In 1945, the National Council of was placed at appropriate locations and By-Way markers were added cilities and gardens. sons and daughters away at war, as Garden Clubs adopted the program along the way. to the Highway Markers, to be The Blue Star became an icon well as churches and businesses. Retirement lunch held at Cherokee Maintenance for Donald Rumpf

Cherokee RME Stephen Ellis, right, presents Donald Rumpf a framed certificate and card signed by all members of Cherokee Maintenance. Donald Rumpf brought along his wife, Loretta, to enjoy his retirement lunch at Cherokee Maintenance on June 1, recognizing his six years of service on the Cherokee Maintenance Sign Crew. 28 SCDOT l THE CONNECTOR l SPRING/SUMMER 2011 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

Adopt-A-Highway District 5 prepares for hurricane season recognizes District 5 volunteers

1 2

Mike Jackson, Marion Maintenance, recently received a certificate for his 20th year as an Adopt-A-Highway coordinator. In addition, he was awarded the Recycling Initiative Award in 2009 for his excellent work.

3

n preparation for the upcoming Hurricane season, 1 Cones along the highway mark 2 Darlington Maintenance District 5 employees practice the progress of a crew near the Employees assist in setting out Dorothy Johnson was recently Ithe lane closures through Marion Highway 501 Bypass off ramp. cones. recognized as 2nd place Adopt-A- County on Highway 501. Highway Coordinator of the Year. Scientists have predicted a very Marion Maintenance employees She also was recognized with a 2011 active Hurricane season, and 3 continue setting out cones. Outstanding Achievement Award. everyone needs to be prepared! SCDOT l THE CONNECTOR l SPRING/SUMMER 2011 29 District 6 News Got Beaufort, Berkeley, Charleston, Colleton, Dorchester and Jasper counties news? Contact Angelia District Engineer: Robert Clark (843) 740-1665 Savage at : 843-740-1667 ext. FAX (843) 740-1663 116 or by emailing her at SavageAD@ District 6 welcomes soldier home from Afghanistan scdot.org Welcome Home Soldier! Angelia Savage ll of us here at District 6 would like to welcome back one of our soldiers, Ben Sawyer Swing Bridge AArnold Blanding. Blanding re- cently returned to his Assistant Replacement Wins National Award District Maintenance Engineer position after a one year tour in Afghanistan. Blanding is a Major in the Army National Guard where he proudly serves as a decorated Field Artillery Officer. His military career has included a tour in Iraq and two tours to Afghanistan. After speaking with Bland- ing, it wasn’t his rank, number of tours or even his years of ser- The 2010 National Design Build Award trophy sits atop a vice that impressed me the most. bridge rail on the Ben Sawyer Bridge. It was his modesty. He said, “Military is simply a way of life for me. I can’t think of anything ing support, the employers that more honorable than to answer maintain vacancies for deployed the call to support and defend employees and coworkers that our national defense. However, carry the work load in their ab- the real heroes are the spouses sence.” How impressive! and loved ones that sacrifice so Thank you for fighting to much in the mist of providing protect our country, our freedom their servicemen overwhelm- and our way of life.

.C. Secretary of Getting acquainted with District 6 Transportation Rob- ert J. St. Onge Jr. recentlyS spent time visit- ing District 6. During his visit, St. Onge spent time From left, Kimwood Partenheimer, Clay Bodiford, Curtis in Berkeley, Colleton, Brice and Jeff Rajabi pose by the recently replaced Ben Dorchester and Charles- Sawyer Swing Bridge. ton counties. he Ben Sawyer Swing Bridge Replacement Project District Construction won the 2010 Transportation Under $50 Million Engineer Tim National Design-Build Award. Henderson took T According to Design-Build Institute of America, this Secretary of project included the replacement of the swing span, super- Transportation St. structure replacement, modifications to the substructure, Onge on an equipment a complete mechanical and electrical overhaul, replace- demonstration at ment of the operator house, widening and modification to Charleston Maintenance the approach slab, as well as the replacement of the fender (at left) and on a tour system. of the Arthur Ravenel Remarkably, the bridge was only closed to vehicular Bridge. traffic for 10 days while the structural components were put into place. 30 SCDOT l THE CONNECTOR l SPRING/SUMMER 2011

District 7 News Got news? Contact Deborah Berry 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 Deborah FAX (803) 531-6854 Berry Blood donors honored at community event he Blood Assurance staff fellowship and received awards top 10 Community Organiza- of The Regional Medical for their blood donations during tions. SCDOT Golf Tournament Center had their 37th An- 2010. Please contact your local Tnual Blood Assurance Program Blood Assurance Coordinator blood banks to give during this Awards Banquet on April 12 at Shea Woodward awarded the SC- critical time of shortage, as all the Cinema in Orangeburg. DOT Bamberg and Orangeburg blood types are needed. It may be Employees and retirees from Units with Certificates of Ex- your life or the life of a loved one the Bamberg, Calhoun and Or- cellence for Outstanding Blood that is saved. Sincere thanks to all angeburg areas enjoyed food and Drive Participation as part of the who give.

Meet Gracie Gregory

Name: Graciela Gregory Title: Administrative Assistant Location: Allendale Maintenance Service: 5 months

raciela “Gracie” Gregory is the new administrative

assistant for Allendale Maintenance. Gregory and Photo by Alana Felder her husband of 17 years, Timothy, reside in Fairfax. G They are members of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Jim Porth, Mark ‘Fish’ Felder and Charles Jones represented Hampton and St. James AME Church in Barton. She enjoys District 7 in the SCDOT Golf Tournament on May 14 at Lake reading, the outdoors, helping people, and spending time Marion/Santee Cooper Resort. Porth placed 3rd in the 6th Flight. with family and friends. Jones won the Championship in the B Flight. Felder is the overall District 7 welcomes Gracie Gregory! Champion. ‘Finally made it to the top of the mountain,’ said Felder.

Retirements In Remembrance

larendon Maintenance employee Carlisle R. Dubose passed away on CJune 1. He worked on the Sign Crew for seven years as a trades spe- cialist II. He was married to Pat M. Dubose and together they have two sons, Craig and Steven. Dubose was a member of Herbert Gladden, foreman Bonnie Martin, Joyce Wier, Administrative First Baptist Church in Manning of the shoulder crew retired Administrative Assistant Assistant of Hampton where he enjoyed singing in the from Calhoun Maintenance of Calhoun Maintenance Maintenance retired in choir and with the praise team. in March. He had 33 years retired in June. She had 33 June. She had 12 years with He will be missed by his with SCDOT. years with SCDOT. SCDOT. SCDOT family. Carlisle R. Dubose SCDOT l THE CONNECTOR l SPRING/SUMMER 2011 31 VIEWPOINTS

By Robert J. St. Onge Jr. We have, as an example, begun hiring of our beautiful state. Secretary of Transportation to give our road and shop crews the people Allow me to end the column with some they need to safely and effectively per- thoughts on the most important topic we have continued my quest to visit form the tasks we ask of them every day. share: Safety! I cannot remind our employ- CAUGHT with our teams and our teammates My visits with districts and counties have ees enough that we are in the high traffic throughout South Carolina and the given me tremendous insights into our col- and the extreme weather seasons. If you Iregions. I have thoroughly enjoyed visit- lective requirements. I will rely on those work the roads, please be especially cau- DOING ing our leaders, workers, and facilities in insights as we present our preliminary tious. Setting up, working in, and taking all 46 counties. I realize that I haven’t met budget request to the governor, and then down work zones is especially hazardous GOOD! everyone on the SCDOT team, but I am to the legislators for the 2012-2013 budget this time of year. still working on it. cycle beginning later this summer. Know the proper work zone configura- I am impressed with our leaders and rec- As I write this column we are eagerly tions. To that end, SCDOT has been work- ognize the challenges that they deal with awaiting the results of the Washington de- ing with Clemson University to develop every day. I thank you for your efforts to bate on re-authorization of the federal trans- and conduct work zone training for our resolve problems at your level, although portation bill. employees. There are two levels of training: citizens and legislators may ask for SCDOT I have met many of our state and fed- The Level 1 course is an awareness and ba- services which you may not always be able eral partners, and sense that we enjoy a sic/intermediate level training course. The to provide. Your courteous and professional well-earned reputation for being an open, Level 2 course is designed for foremen, etc. manner in responding is much appreciated cooperative agency trying to do the right who will be designing traffic control in the by all, especially by me. thing. Our Columbia-based Environmental field. Each district is currently scheduling It is my task to provide you with the re- Engineering staff, for example, has forged classes throughout the state. sources you need to do your jobs, within our solid relationships with the Army Corps of Remember to stay hydrated! The combi- budget constraints and balanced across all Engineers and with a host of other state and nation of hot summer weather and asphalt the elements of expense: facilities, equip- federal offices charged with protecting the can be debilitating. ment, labor, materials, and contracts. We environment. They work together to ensure will strive to achieve that balance as we be- our road and bridge work has minimal ad- Robert J. St. Onge Jr. gin to execute our new budget in July. verse impact on the waters, flora and fauna Secretary of Transportation

Dr. Arlene Prince

r. Arlene Prince, who runs our SCDOT office for Busi- ness Development and Spe- Dcial Programs, has been selected as the Chairperson for the Southern Transportation Civil Rights Ex- ecutive Council. This organization involves eight southeastern states. Among their many activities, they host an annual Training Sympo- sium. SCDOT will host the sympo- sium in 2013. Dr. Prince administers the Dis- advantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program for SCDOT. This federal program facilitates the se- lection, training and certification of small, disadvantaged businesses and assists them in competing for and performing work in the trans- portation sector. There are over 760 DBEs in our South Carolina Uni- fied Certification Program. Thanks, Arlene, and CON- GRATULATIONS! Robert J. St.Onge Jr. 32 SCDOT l THE CONNECTOR l SPRING/SUMMER 2011

VOLUME XXIV NO. II SOUTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION SPRING/SUMMER 2011

INSIDE THIS ISSUE I-26 Widening in Charleston...... 6 Traffic Signal Crews ...... 15-17 I-85 Bridge damaged Safe Routes to School...... 8 SCDOT Softball Tourney...... 19 by firey crash...... 1 Hurricane Drill...... 9 Roadside Memorials...... 20 Crews clean up after storms...... 3 Retirements...... 12 District Pages...... 23-30 I-385 uses new ramp...... 5 Promotions...... 13 Viewpoints...... 31 Letters we liked Dear SCDOT: Dear SCDOT: 2007. Thank you for the great job you are doing I just wanted to say thank you for all the I believe that number has dropped to only in response to incident on I-85, mile marker hard work the folks in the Spartanburg County 3 in 2010 in this area. 75% reduction is pret- 93, Cherokee County! I had to travel that sec- Maintenance Office have done over the past ty impressive by putting up signs and put- tion of the road today, not knowing at the time couple of years. Their efforts in making the ting down paint. Their efforts in doing this PERMIT NO 108 COLUMBIA, SC

what had happened. The overhead signs were roadways more user friendly by replacing it makes enforcement of traffic laws easier US POSTAGE my first warning of what to expect. worn out, missing and damaged signs along because speed limits are easier to enforce be- PRSRT STD While I hate stalled traffic, everything was with keeping the roadway pavement markings cause the roadway is properly posted to be PAID handled so great that I didn’t mind. I was im- more visible and getting the pot holes repaired in compliance with 56-5-950(B). Pavement pressed that there were coolers near all the quickly has made a positive difference in the markings and warning signs give drivers the officers/worker I saw. Once again, I was im- county. Traffic fatalities have decreased over- necessary guidance to traverse the roadways pressed and thanks for a job well done! all and especially in the northeastern part of safely. Thank you again for your hard work Peggy Chitwood the county that used to average a dozen or Spartanburg Maintenance Crew. more fatal collisions a year back in 2006 and William Meyer

SCDOT films public transportation video

ROB THOMPSON/THE CONNECTOR The landscaping around SCDOT headquarters is done by “Flower Man” Ernest Jones. Jones, a 20-year employee in Building Maintenance, writes the Flower Man column (see page 22) where he offers gardening advice for employees. The hibiscus flower shown above is called ‘Rose of Sharon’ and was collected off site by Jones and planted around the headquarters building. Jones regularly trades native South Carolina plants with employees and plants them around the building. The native plants work well because they can withstand heat and cold.