Shortening Time, Not Lives: SCDOT Attacks Accelerated Construction Project with Heightened Safety Measures

I-385 is currently one of the largest components of a program of accelerated highway improvements. This program will provide in just seven years what would normally take 27 years to plan and construct through traditional means. The I-385 Improvement Project is widening 5.8 miles of interstate between I-85 and downtown Greenville, S.C. I-385 averages more than 60,000 vehicles per day. Engineers are expecting a 50% increase to over 92,000 by 2020. By adding more lanes and upgrading the interchanges, SCDOT will provide the needed capacity for I-385 to operate more safely and efficiently. The widening project also includes the installation of double concrete median barriers to prevent crossover collisions and to provide for a landscaping planter, enhancements to the intelligent transportation system (ITS) and new permanent electronic message boards. Traffic control and work zone considerations were a major part of the early planning for the project. The I-385 project has had no worker injuries related to motorist intrusions into the work zone. Protective barriers prevented worker injuries or fatalities several times during the first two years of construction.