Years of extensive planning, study and work occur before the S.C. Department of Transportation ever begins building a roadway.

The in-depth, six-phased process begins with SCDOT assisting municipalities and regions to develop long-term plans that identify area transportation needs and priorities.

Once a project is programmed for funding, SCDOT initiates studies and the project enters into a development phase – a process that includes getting feedback from the public and analyzing how a proposed road might affect people living and working in the area as well as its impact on the environment.

Once development is complete and engineers have determined how and exactly where a road will be built, SCDOT typically begins acquiring any necessary property to accommodate the project and then awards a construction contract. During this time, existing utilities in conflict with the proposed design are moved.

Only then does construction begin.

Throughout the process, SCDOT's Value Management Office ensures the department responsibly and efficiently uses resources and funding.