There are over 41,000 miles of roadways and 8,442 bridges that make up our state highway system. This extensive transportation network connects South Carolinians to all aspects of their everyday life – including education, employment, social services, health care, consumer services, and retailers.
Our roads and bridges also serve South Carolina’s manufacturing, agricultural, and commercial industries who utilize the transportation network for commerce and need to move freight in a timely and efficient manner.
A state’s quality of life and economic competitiveness can be directly linked to the condition, reliability, and efficiency of its transportation system. We depend on our interstates, rural roads, and bridges for a lot, and with this dependence comes expectations.
- Commuters expect to reach their destinations in a reasonable time frame.
- Consumers expect immediate access to goods, whether reaching for them on a store shelf or delivered to their doorstep.
- Companies located in South Carolina (or considering coming to SC) expect to move goods in a timely manner and easily access qualified workers.
Many factors play a role in meeting these expectations; however, the foundation begins with state and local governments having the necessary resources to maintain and improve infrastructure in a timely manner.
This is why SCFOR works to educate the public and our elected officials about how South Carolina is putting dollars to work, and the importance of being proactive about infrastructure needs and investments.
Infrastructure investments not only improve our roads and bridges, but can be directly linked to successful economic development, job creation, and an overall improved quality of life.