A Day in the Life: SCDOT Bridge Inspector

Day in the Life - Bridge Inspection Supervisor Spencer Cox

Let’s visit the coast for a “day in the life” of Bridge Inspection Supervisor Spencer Cox. Covering the inland and coastal counties of SCDOT’s District 5, Cox and his crew inspect close to 1,600 bridges yearly. Learn what it takes to manage a team and get a behind-the-scenes look at the life of an SCDOT bridge inspector.

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In Their Own Words: SCDOT Employees Who Love Their Jobs

We recently had an opportunity to sit down with some incredible SCDOT employees from around the state to find out what inspires them about working for SCDOT. We heard about the ability to learn and grow, the chance to work alongside some of the best in the business while serving our community members around the state, and the opportunity to do work that feels like more than just a job.

We offer a work environment that is fast-paced, collaborative and full of opportunity. Find where you fit and apply for jobs at scdot.org.

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Rolling Work Zone Safety: Perspective Changes Everything

A rolling work zone is a convoy of vehicles and workers. When you see rolling work zones out on South Carolina roads, slow down and pay attention to keep SCDOT workers safe.

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SCDOT is Working Hard to Fix I-26

I-26 helps connect communities large and small across South Carolina, serving our state as we experience tremendous population growth and a booming economy. From the Midlands Connection and Carolina Crossroads projects, to the Orangeburg area and I-95 interchange, all the way down to Charleston - SCDOT is working hard to fix I-26.

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Congratulations to the SCDOT LEAD Class of 2023

Last week, SCDOT hosted the graduation ceremony for the LEAD Class of 2023. This talented group of leaders spent a year refining their skills, learning about every facet of our agency, and developing a program for improving employee recruitment and orientation that they presented to the Executive Leadership Team. During a ceremony where friends, family and colleagues joined to celebrate, Secretary Hall and other senior leaders made remarks and presented them with their awards. Class President Jennifer Gruber and Vice President Joshua Johnson gave a presentation and made remarks to honor and commemorate their cohorts.

Join us in congratulating all of these incredible leaders on this hard earned and well deserved achievement!

View names and photos of 2023 LEAD graduates.

Two SCDOT employees honored for 50+ years of service

Two SCDOT employees from District 4 were recognized for 50-plus years of service. Resolutions honoring the employees were read during the SCDOT Commission meeting on July 20, 2023.

Mike Bagley of District 4 Pavement was recognized for 50 years of service. Click here to read the resolution.
James B. Powers of Lancaster Maintenance was recognized for 53 years of service. Click here to read the resolution.

SCDOT Commissioners and Secretary of Transportation Christy A. Hall, P.E. thanked both employees for their years of dedicated service.

The SCDOT Summer Intern Experience

At SCDOT, we’re proud of our robust summer internship program. We hire at least 100 college students each summer to gain real, hands-on work experience in a wide range of disciplines. We sat down with 2023 summer interns to discuss their experience working at the South Carolina Department of Transportation.

Click here to watch the video.

See the list of SCDOT 2023 summer interns.

Tony Magwood Receives S.C. Highway Patrol Challenge Coin for Role in I-77 Bridge Rehab Project

On July 14, Colonel Chris Williamson presented Richland County Resident Maintenance Engineer Tony Magwood with a Highway Patrol Challenge Coin for his work on the I-77 bridge rehabilitation project. The Challenge Coin, personalized by Col. Williamson, is a symbol of a job well done. The two phases of the I-77 bridge rehabilitation project were both completed a day ahead of schedule.

“We are very happy that Tony agreed to accept the additional responsibilities as the project lead for the I-77 Bridge Deck Rehab,” said Acting Interim Deputy Secretary for Engineering Andy Leaphart. “Tony’s knowledge and experience, coupled with his commitment, communication and connections made him the ideal leader.”

Learn How to Navigate a Roundabout

Roundabouts. They can seem intimidating but in reality, these circular intersections reduce severe crashes by an average of 80 percent—according to the Federal Highway Administration. South Carolina has more than 50 roundabouts completed or under construction statewide. Let's talk about how to navigate them!

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Sandy Island: SCDOT's role in preserving a Georgetown County coastal wetland system

The Sandy Island Preserve in Georgetown County is a 16,825-acre former mitigation bank SCDOT was involved in preserving, managing and monitoring.

In 1996, SCDOT entered into an agreement with several other agencies including the Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to obtain mitigation credits to compensate for construction activities in the Coastal Plain.

The goals of the mitigation bank included promoting wildlife habitats, increasing wildlife, and enhancing the wetland system. Sandy Island is the largest protected freshwater island on the East Coast, according to The Nature Conservancy. SCDOT transferred Sandy Island to The Nature Conservancy in 2011.

See a timeline of Sandy Island preservation.

SCDOT is Replacing 7 Bridges Along U.S. 301 in Orangeburg County

SCDOT is Replacing Seven Bridges Along U.S. 301 in Orangeburg County

If you drive through Orangeburg County along U.S. 301, you’ll encounter four bridge projects in various stages. These bridge projects replace a total of seven bridges along U.S. 301. Watch the video here.