SCDOT is Prepared for Second Winter Storm

Public urged to avoid traveling in snow and ice conditions

Robert P. Kudelka, SCDOT Spokesperson — With forecasts calling for a second winter storm in less than a week, workers of the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) are prepared to work around the clock and use all available resources to ensure motorists are as safe as possible when traveling on our state’s roads and bridges.

“SCDOT has transitioned from clearing roads from the winter storm this past weekend to preparing for a new winter storm in the forecast,” Secretary of Transportation Christy Hall said Thursday, Jan 20, 2022. “SCDOT again is prepared for the worst possible conditions. We advise the motoring public to plan ahead and not to drive in areas impacted by snow and ice.”

In addition to having approximately 2,500 workers working around the clock, SCDOT will once again have contracts with private companies to position wreckers along interstates to help avoid potential lengthy backups. Forty-four SCDOT SHEP trucks will be on duty around the clock to help stranded motorists. Call *47 for SCDOT SHEP assistance. In a winter weather emergency, SCDOT employees follow a designated plan in each county. Interstate highways are the first priority, followed by primary routes and areas near medical facilities and emergency shelters. SCDOT has agreements with contractors and local governments to provide additional equipment and manpower when needed. SCDOT also shifts crews from non-impacted areas of the state to help with storm operations in affected counties. SCDOT employees work 12-hour shifts of pre-emptive ice treatments, snow plowing, and spreading salt and other materials to achieve safer, improved road conditions. SCDOT crews work until all roads are clear. All counties are fully stocked with salt supplies. SCDOT reminds drivers to avoid traveling during winter weather events as snow and ice can make conditions hazardous on our roadways.

In addition to having approximately 2,500 workers working around the clock, SCDOT will once again have contracts with private companies to position wreckers along interstates to help avoid potential lengthy backups. Forty-four SCDOT SHEP trucks will be on duty around the clock to help stranded motorists. Call *47 for SCDOT SHEP assistance.

In a winter weather emergency, SCDOT employees follow a designated plan in each county. Interstate highways are the first priority, followed by primary routes and areas near medical facilities and emergency shelters. SCDOT has agreements with contractors and local governments to provide additional equipment and manpower when needed. SCDOT also shifts crews from non-impacted areas of the state to help with storm operations in affected counties.

SCDOT employees work 12-hour shifts of pre-emptive ice treatments, snow plowing, and spreading salt and other materials to achieve safer, improved road conditions. SCDOT crews work until all roads are clear.

All counties are fully stocked with salt supplies.

SCDOT reminds drivers to avoid traveling during winter weather events as snow and ice can make conditions hazardous on our roadways.