Innovative concrete pavement project recently completed in S.C.

Aug. 3, 2010

Three exits on South Carolina’s I-385—SC 308 (Exit 2), SC 49 (Exit 5) and State Road 23 (Metric Road, Exit 10)—that had been closed during the rehabilitation project were scheduled to open on July 23 ahead of schedule. The contractor’s original completion date was Aug. 15.

Three exits on South Carolina’s I-385—SC 308 (Exit 2), SC 49 (Exit 5) and State Road 23 (Metric Road, Exit 10)—that had been closed during the rehabilitation project were scheduled to open on July 23 ahead of schedule. The contractor’s original completion date was Aug. 15.

The I-385 rehabilitation project consisted of the milling of some of the existing asphalt interstate and its replacement with approximately 10 in. of high-strength concrete. The interstate was widened toward the median to add shoulders where needed, provide a finished typical section that has a 4-ft inside paved shoulder, two 12-ft travel lanes and a 10-ft outside paved shoulder. The flyover bridge that connects I-26 westbound to I-385 northbound also was replaced.

The project was a showcase for integrated concrete pavement technologies. It included the 50-year design, 10-in. concrete pavement overlay on existing asphalt. The outside shoulders were placed with roller-compacted concrete.

In addition, to bring the route up to modern interstate standards, South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) paved the mainline 30 ft wide to include the inside shoulder with the same pull as the driving lanes.

The road closures started in January 2010. By maintaining southbound traffic and rerouting northbound travel, the project time was reduced from the typical three years to eight months. Closing northbound lanes saved SCDOT more than $30 million and provided the opportunity to replace the flyover bridge.

The road was costing the state of South Carolina up to $1 million a year in asphalt repair.

Sponsored Recommendations

The Science Behind Sustainable Concrete Sealing Solutions

Extend the lifespan and durability of any concrete. PoreShield is a USDA BioPreferred product and is approved for residential, commercial, and industrial use. It works great above...

Powerful Concrete Protection For ANY Application

PoreShield protects concrete surfaces from water, deicing salts, oil and grease stains, and weather extremes. It's just as effective on major interstates as it is on backyard ...

Concrete Protection That’s Easy on the Environment and Tough to Beat

PoreShield's concrete penetration capabilities go just as deep as our American roots. PoreShield is a plant-based, eco-friendly alternative to solvent-based concrete sealers.

Proven Concrete Protection That’s Safe & Sustainable

Real-life DOT field tests and university researchers have found that PoreShieldTM lasts for 10+ years and extends the life of concrete.