Goodbye

Its my last day as an intern and its a bittersweet feeling. These 9 weeks have flown by and I've had the privilege to work with some of the greatest people in the world. Life is about taking chances and I just want to thank Scott Park for taking that chance with me and allowing me to be a part of the FLATS Team. I've learned a lot about the transportation industry and just want to applaud everyone because it isnt as easy as it looks. These individuals above
have taught me to let down my barriers as a person and just how a team works together. I think I've grown so much as a person because of them and just want to tell them thank you.

Signing out one last time,

Dana Washington

Check Out The Signs On Lynches River

The South Carolina Scenic River signs are up!

In an earlier blog, I told you that small "blue" trees signs would be posted at County maintained

boat landings and poster size signs would be posted at seven various landings (locations listed in earlier blog). Last Friday afternoon, the Planning Services Department hung the blue tree sign at Bunk Road Landing. This landing is between Effingham and Coward off Old Georgetown Road. Here we are enjoying the moment!

This is one of the poster size signs that's up at Highway 15 Landing in Lee County.

Here's Mary Crockett with DNR! She just put this sign up at Highway 76 Landing in Sumter County. Thank you Mary for all of your hard work on this project.

Sorry, still no details on a dedication for this portion of The Lynches Scenic River Water Trail. I'll be meeting with the Lynches Scenic River Advisory Committee next week, so stay tuned for more info.

Check out the signs this weekend!

WEEKLY ROAD CONSTRUCTION REPORT

• Ashby Rd. and McIver Rd. (Intersection Improvement) - Periodic lane closures are expected during the week.
• Ebenezer Road and Pineneedles Road. (Roadway construction; construct 272’ bridge over I-95) - Periodic lane closures are expected during the week.
• US Highway 378 over the Great Pee Dee River, near Johnsonville (Bridge replacement and roadway construction) - Periodic lane closures are expected during the week.
• I-95 from north of SC 327 in Florence County to north of SC 9 inDillon County (Rehabilitation: Seal joints on I-95 from I-20 to north of SC 327) - Nighttime three mile lane closures are expected onnorthbound and southbound I-95 from milepost 171 to 193 every calendar day. Closures begin at 7:00 PM and end at 10:00 AM. Alternate routes should be considered. Detour signs are in place for motorists seeking alternate routes in these areas.

Hazardous Materials

IM BACKKK!!! So my time is almost up here with my FLATS family. I have seven days left and everyday I've been here has been interesting. I love these guys and hate to leave :( . But on to my topic of the day. I bet many of you reading this dont know exactly what is transported on the highways right beside you as you drive. Well dont worry. Dana's here to give you the info that you need and with help from a recent study conducted in Florence County I am able to do so. According to the study the 3 most transported Hazardous Materials are: (DRUM ROLL INSERTED)

1. Gasoline

2. Corrosive

3. Flammable

These 3 are the most transported so that means that most likely the truck you're darting in front of or the one you're complaining is moving to slow is transporting one of these 3 items. I bet you guys wont be so quick to complain now or jump in front of one now. That was just a little humor to make you smile. But if you want to see this (See Image Above) keep driving recklessly and you will get your wish. Slow it down and enjoy your drive no matter how slow someone is going in front of you.

Weekly Road Construction Report

• Ashby Rd. and McIver Rd. (Intersection Improvement) - Periodic lane closures are expected during the week.
• Ebenezer Road and Pineneedles Road. (Roadway construction; construct 272’ bridge over I-95) - Periodic lane closures are expected during the week.
• US Highway 378 over the Great Pee Dee River, near Johnsonville (Bridge replacement and roadway construction) - Periodic lane closures are expected during the week.
• I-95 from north of SC 327 in Florence County to north of SC 9 inDillon County (Rehabilitation: Seal joints on I-95 from I-20 to north of SC 327) - Nighttime three mile lane closures are expected onnorthbound and southbound I-95 from milepost 171 to 193 every calendar day. Closures begin at 7:00 PM and end at 10:00 AM. Alternate routes should be considered. Detour signs are in place for motorists seeking alternate routes in these areas.

A Piece of the PIE

What kind of PIE you ask... the Priority Investment Element of the Comprehensive Plan. Didn't you know?

This Element is a requirement of the Priority Investment Act signed into law in 2007 by the Governor of SC. The purpose of this Act is to enhance quality of life and to also preserve it. It's all about better planning while encouraging affordable housing and traditional neighborhood design.

The Priority investment Element will define current inventories and analyze funding for infrastructure and facilities throughout the County for the next ten years. Remember the old saying "two heads are better than one"? This Element will involve the coordination between local governments and consultation with counties, municipalities, public service districts, school districts, public and private utilities, transportation agencies and other public entities. I'm sure there will be many others.

We can't just look at a crystal ball for answers. We have to plan ahead and work towards our goals. We need to evaluate our needs, estimate our costs, analyze our funds and adopt policies. We definately have our work cut out for us.

Maybe this Element will be the initial step in developing a Capitol Improvement Plan (CIP) for Florence County. Now that's a piece of PIE!!

New Regular Report: Road Construction

We have started receiving the road construction log for the Florence area. In an effort to distribute to commuters and area drivers, we'll offer it here every Friday.

Please avoid the following construction spots listed below:

• Ashby Rd. and McIver Rd. (Intersection Improvement.) - Periodic lane closures are expected during the week.
• Ebenezer Road and Pineneedles Road (Roadway construction.) Construct 272’ bridge on S-577 over I-95. - Periodic lane closures are expected during the week.
• US 378 over the Great Pee DeeRiver (Bridge replacement and roadway construction.) - Periodic lane closures are expected during the week.
• I-95 from north of SC 327 in Florence County to north of SC 9 in Dillon County (Seal joints on I-95 from I-20 to north of SC 327.) - Nighttime three mile lane closures are expected on northbound and southbound I-95 from milepost 171 to 193 every calendar day. Closures begin at 7:00 PM and end at 10:00 AM. Alternate routes should be considered. Detour signs are in place for motorists seeking alternate routes in these areas.

Safe motoring!