Looking to the Future

Conservation of Historical Resources

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE

SCDOT continues to seek better ways to alleviate impact on the ecosystem.  Several examples of this are:

  • Warm Mix Asphalt (WMA) technology. This technology  is being studied by SCDOT for its economical and environmental advantages. Some of the major advantages are:

    • Asphalt mixes not being heating to 300° F, resulting in energy conservation; Asphalt  mix temperatures range from 220° to 275° depending on the process used by the contractor.

    • Incorporating more Recycled Asphalt Product in mixes for costs savings.

    • Fewer emissions from the asphalt plant.

    • Less odor around the plant and roadway

    • Lower construction costs

  • Possible development of a Geographic Information System(GIS) that can be used as an environmental screening tool to improve the transportation decision making process.  A GIS web server is being considered as means to improve

  • Investigation in the use of other Materials and Products in various projects:

    • Shredded Tires – used as loose mulch and sidewalk in landscaping applications- this is already being used in some locations.

    • Rubber Modified Asphalt – the Asphalt Rubber Technology Service (ARTS) at Clemson University provides research into the use of scrap tire rubber in civil engineering  applications- such as paving and resurfacing.

    • Use of native grasses that require low maintenance.

  • Old Cooper River Bridges pilings used at a new park in the area of the former Cooper River bridge interchange.  The highlight of the park is a 1,200-foot pier constructed upon the foundations of the old bridge.  SCDOT partnered with the town of Mount Pleasant to accomplish this.

Land utilization:  Land from the old Cooper River bridges was used in a manner that would re-connect the neighborhood separated by the old bridges.  Housing, drainage improvements and parks will highlight this area.  SCDOT partnered with the city of Charleston to accomplish this.