COLUMBIA - Transportation Secretary H. B. "Buck" Limehouse Jr. unveiled a unique solution to a long-standing situation on I-95 in Clarendon County.

The situation centers on a 200-foot-long drainage pipe located at milepost 103. The steel pipe is 84 inches in diameter. The repair has been needed for several years to prevent the pipe from collapsing.

Several years ago, two estimates for relining the pipe using two different methods were presented. Both of these estimates came in at approximately $500,000 at that time. No funding had been ide.jpgied for this project, so it was postponed.

Several months ago, SCDOT engineers met with representatives of Sekisui SPR Americas, headquartered in Atlanta. The firm expressed an interest in performing a demonstration project with minimal cost to SCDOT. Sekisui SPR Americas uses a technique for culvert rehabilitation that SCDOT engineers have not utilized before. The firm uses a pipe-lining method that is trench-less, and the liner is installed from the ends of the pipe, which means there is practically no disruption to traffic on this major highway.

In addition to reinforcing the pipe, Sekisui SPR Americas reports that its liner will improve the flow of drainage. This method is environmentally friendly and has a life expectancy of 50 years.

The firm has agreed to rehabilitate this site for only the cost of materials, which is approximately $98,000.

Limehouse praised SCDOT engineers for finding a solution to a problem that has lacked funding for many years. "This arrangement between SCDOT and Sekisui SPR Americas is an example of the new direction SCDOT has now taken."

"We must find innovative ways to solve problems on our highways, while at the same time saving money for the taxpayers," Limehouse said. "A public-private partnership such as this one that will be used in Clarendon County is just one of the cost-saving avenues that we must pursue."

SCDOT will be responsible for securing any permits required by the project, and for any traffic control that is needed while the work is in progress.

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