Highway Preservation
SCDOT takes a proactive approach to preserve our highway system by employing a set of planned pavement maintenance strategies.
We have separated our paving program into three primary elements:
Preservation
The pavement preservation program is a proactive approach to maintaining South Carolina's roads using low cost preventive maintenance treatments. Moving from a worst first strategy to one of preservation will ensure that we are getting the most from the limited resurfacing dollars available.
Chip SealingMicrosurfacing
Ultra-Thin Asphalt Overlay
Crack Sealing
Full Depth Patch
Additional information about pavement preservation can be found at the National Center for Pavement Preservation.
Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation projects extend the life of existing pavement structures either by restoring existing structural capacity through the removal and replacement of deteriorated pavement surface or by increasing pavement thickness to strengthen existing pavement sections to accommodate existing or projected traffic loading conditions.
Rehabilitation treatments are much more expensive than preventative maintenance, it is a cost effective technique to address failing pavements before they require reconstruction.
Reconstruction
Reconstruction usually requires the complete removal and replacement of the existing pavement structure. It is appropriate when a pavement has structurally failed and can no longer support the traffic demand. Reconstruction increases the structural capacity of the pavement to a level that is required for long term performance.
Utility Damage Prevention Act
Section 58-35-50
Per the Underground Utility Damage Prevention Act - Section 58-35-50, SCDOT is required to notify utility companies of preventive maintenance activities. The primary preventive maintenance activity that poses a threat to underground utilities is our shoulder and ditch program.
SCDOT Maintenance Operations
Vegetation Management Guidelines
The purpose of the SCDOT Vegetation Management Guidelines is to provide information necessary to maintain the Department's roadsides in a manner that will:
- provide a safe roadway
- protect the environment
- maintain visibility of traffic control
- reduce the risk of roadside fires
- protect pavement surfaces
- control noxious and invasive weeds
- prevent erosion
- limit storm water pollution
- protect sensitive species
- provide space for emergency use
- maintain adequate sight distance
- maintain integrity of roadside structures and appurtenances
- be aesthetically pleasing or improve aesthetics
Herbicide Operations Manual
The purpose of the SCDOT Herbicide Operations Manual is to provide information and guidance in promoting the safe and proper use of herbicides, thereby protecting the environment and the public health while performing indispensable highway maintenance and safety as part of the South Carolina Department of Transportation's Integrated Roadside Vegetation Management Program.
Guardrail Inspection and Repair Guidelines
The SCDOT Maintenance Division is presently responsible for the inspection, maintenance, and repair of over eight million linear feet of guardrail, over thirty-six thousand end anchor systems, 470 miles of median cable barrier and 150 crash attenuators presently located within the Department's rights-of-way. These guardrail inspection and repair guidelines provide direction for the inspection, maintenance, and prioritization of the repair of these systems.