Project Updates

The widening of US 17 ACE Basin expands into Colleton County. Segment 2A consists of 1.7 miles between the Combahee River and the four-lane roadway at Lightsey Plantation. The existing two lanes will be widened to a four-lane causeway. Design for Segment 2A began in March and construction is scheduled to be complete in the Fall of 2010.
Travelers along US 17 ACE Basin Parkway near Big Estate Road can envision how much wider the new roadway will be as crews prepare subgrade for the additional two lanes and shared bike and pedestrian path.

Earthquake drains are being put in place on bridge approaches to provide an outlet for groundwater to dissipate. Solid soils in and along wetlands saturated by water can liquefy, or become like liquid when shaken by an earthquake. Dissipating the water from the approaches keeps the earth dry to minimize earth movement and damage during an earthquake. The South Carolina Department of Transportation has adopted some of the most progressive standards for earthquakes in the country.
Pile caps are now being placed on Bridge 1 and pile driving continues on Bridge 3.
When it is not raining, earthwork continues for the northbound lanes between the US 21 and Big Estate Road. Preparation is underway for construction to begin for the widened embankments adjacent to the existing roadway for the widened southbound lanes.

Project Approach