SCDOT Chief Warns Growth Outpacing Road Improvements

South Carolina transportation chief says state's rapid population growth presents challenges for road planning and congestion relief.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 10:07pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

South Carolina Secretary of Transportation Justin Powell told business leaders in Spartanburg that the state's fastest-in-the-nation growth is making it difficult for road planners and engineers to keep up with infrastructure needs. Powell cited major interstate construction projects, rural road safety improvements, and bridge upgrades since a 2017 gas tax hike, but said population growth and inflation have created new challenges.

Why it matters

South Carolina's booming population growth, especially in suburban and coastal areas, is straining the state's transportation network and creating worsening traffic congestion that impacts businesses and residents. The SCDOT is grappling with how to fund and implement road improvements to keep pace with the rapid growth.

The details

Powell said that while the state has ramped up road spending in recent years, the combination of population growth and inflation has made it difficult to fully address a "30 years of deferred maintenance." He noted that suburban areas like the Upstate, Rock Hill, and the Midlands are seeing the most growth and traffic, making it hard to ease congestion on key corridors like Interstate 85. The SCDOT is looking at innovative, cost-effective solutions like adjusting traffic signals to keep traffic moving.

  • In 2017, South Carolina lawmakers passed a gas tax to fund road improvements after "30 years of deferred maintenance."
  • Between July 1, 2024 and July 1, 2025, South Carolina added 79,958 more people.

The players

Justin Powell

The Secretary of Transportation for the state of South Carolina, leading the South Carolina Department of Transportation since 2024.

Henry McMaster

The Governor of South Carolina, who has proposed an additional $1.1 billion in his 2026 executive budget to fund road construction work.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We have made progress in the state, and there is a tremendous amount of work happening.”

— Justin Powell, Secretary of Transportation

“The joke that 'Greenville is an hour away from Greenville' isn't really a joke anymore.”

— Justin Powell, Secretary of Transportation

What’s next

Powell said the state will need to find new ways to fund road projects, as gas tax revenues have been relatively flat despite more drivers on the roads, due to improved fuel efficiency and the rise of electric vehicles.

The takeaway

South Carolina's rapid population growth, especially in suburban and coastal areas, is outpacing the state's ability to improve its roads and highways, creating worsening traffic congestion that impacts businesses and residents. The SCDOT is grappling with how to fund and implement the necessary infrastructure upgrades to keep pace with the state's booming growth.