By PSA Newsroom Staff
COLUMBIA, S.C. — South Carolina lawmakers are weighing a wide-ranging proposal that could significantly change how roads are owned, funded, and maintained across the state.
A legislative committee this week reviewed a draft plan to modernize the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT). The proposal follows months of public hearings held by an ad-hoc transportation committee, where residents, local leaders, and transportation experts raised concerns about congestion, aging infrastructure, and funding gaps.
The plan is still in draft form, but lawmakers say it reflects growing pressure to rethink how South Carolina manages one of the nation’s largest state-maintained road systems.
Turning Some State Roads Over to Counties
One of the most impactful ideas under discussion would allow certain state-maintained roads to be transferred to counties or municipalities, if local governments agree to accept them.
Supporters argue that local control could speed up repairs and make it easier to prioritize roads that matter most to residents. Critics warn counties may struggle to afford long-term maintenance without additional funding.
Similar concepts have been debated in recent years. For example, House Bill 4610 from the 2023–2024 session addressed how roads can be transferred between the state and local governments and clarified maintenance responsibilities.
Legislation reference: https://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess125_2023-2024/bills/4610.htm
Lawmakers say any future bill would likely include safeguards to ensure local governments are not forced to take on roads they cannot maintain.
Restructuring the SCDOT
The proposal also calls for changes to how SCDOT operates, with the goal of making the agency more responsive to population growth, congestion, and regional needs.
South Carolina maintains more lane miles than any other state, despite being mid-sized by population.
Lawmakers say that structure, combined with rapid growth in areas like the Midlands, Upstate, and Lowcountry, has strained the system.
SCDOT officials have acknowledged the challenge, noting that current funding sources struggle to keep up with rising construction costs and increased traffic demands.
Possible Expansion of Toll Lanes
Another element under discussion is the expanded use of toll lanes or toll roads in high-traffic corridors.
South Carolina has limited tolling today. Interstate 185 in Greenville County uses the Palmetto Pass system, while tolls on the Cross Island Parkway were removed in 2021 after construction costs were paid off.
Lawmakers say tolling is being considered as a way to fund major projects without raising the state gas tax, which remains a primary revenue source for road improvements.
Any expansion of toll lanes would require legislative approval and public input.
Why This Is Happening Now
Committee members say the discussions are driven by clear public feedback.
Residents across the state have voiced frustration over traffic congestion, deteriorating roads, and delays in long-promised projects. At the same time, South Carolina’s population continues to grow, increasing pressure on infrastructure built decades ago.
Lawmakers say the goal is to modernize the system so it can support future growth, economic development, and public safety.
What Comes Next
The proposal has not yet been filed as legislation. Lawmakers are expected to turn the committee’s recommendations into one or more bills during the current legislative session.
Any bill would need to pass both the House and Senate and be signed by the governor to become law.
Residents can follow transportation legislation through the South Carolina Legislature’s official website:
Bottom Line
• Some state roads could shift to local control
• SCDOT may undergo structural and operational changes
• Toll lanes could become a larger part of transportation funding
Lawmakers stress that no final decisions have been made, and public input will continue as proposals move forward.
