A by-the-numbers look at SC's highway needs

Posted: 01.25.2013 at 5:18 PM

The state Department of Transportation estimates needing an additional $1.5 billion yearly over 20 years to bring roads to "good" condition. / FILE

   COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- The state Department of Transportation estimates needing an additional $1.5 billion yearly over 20 years to bring roads to "good" condition. It's responsible for maintaining:

   -- 41,444 highway miles: 851 interstate miles, 9,475 miles of federal and state highways, and 31,118 miles of secondary roads. Nearly 70 percent of secondary roads aren't eligible for any federal funding.

   -- 8,383 bridges

   -- 9 welcome centers

   -- 19 rest areas

   -- mowing of 128,000 roadside acres

   -- 20 million feet of sidewalk

   -- 1,700 miles of guardrail

   -- 5,600 traffic signals and flashers

   -- 643,000 traffic signs

   -- 23 million feet of curbs and gutters

   Of those nearly 8,400 bridges:

   -- 7 are closed

   -- 420 have weight restrictions for crossing

   -- 886 are rated in poor condition

   -- 777 are considered functionally obsolete, due to outdated designs

   Of those nearly 41,500 highway miles:

   -- 53 percent of secondary roads rate in "poor" condition; 36 percent are "fair," and 11 percent are "good"

   -- 47 percent of federal and state highways rate "poor;" 40 percent "fair," and 13 percent "good"

   -- 8 percent of interstate miles are "poor," 23 percent "fair," and 69 percent "good"

   Source: SC Department of Transportation

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