SC 153 Extension, Pickens County

SC 153 was being extended from US 123 to Saluda Dam Road. Design and construction challenges included bridge widening and ramp reconfiguration; modifying alignments to avoid rock outcrops, a potentially hazardous brownfield site; designing and constructing two bridges on horizontal curves; obtaining a railroad permit; avoidance of an historic farm property; and coordinating an environmental mitigation plan.

The solution? To develop, evaluate and compare four alternatives. Important factors considered in identifying and evaluating alternatives were impacts to homes, businesses, cultural resources, natural resources, special flood hazard areas, wetlands, streams, traffic noise and hazardous material sites. There was an effective and extensive coordination effort with SCOOT, the City of Easley, Pickens County, numerous environmental resource agencies, utility companies, and the public.