Trucks carrying dirt from nearby mines causing damage to roads in Dorchester
DORCHESTER, S.C. (WCBD) – Residents in one small Dorchester County community are frustrated with large trucks destroying their roads. They hope the county will address the problem.
Trucks have been hauling loads of dirt from nearby dirt mines six days a week, causing major damage to Salem Road and other streets in the area.
“It’s in horrible shape. It’s the worst road amongst the three that I mentioned; Zion, Sandridge, and Salem,” said Terry Taylor, who lives in the Town of Dorchester.
Taylor said she has emailed everyone serving on Dorchester County Council regarding the issue.
Councilwoman Harriett Holman spoke with a neighbor about the problem over the weekend. “We did contact Mr. Robbie Robbins, our South Carolina House Representative, and we had him out here yesterday,” she said. “He did say that he would do whatever he could to get this situation corrected.”
Portions of the roadway were destroyed down to the dirt. Even parts of the road that were recently repaired are torn up again, with deep holes and ruts.
Taylor said the Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) temporarily closed the roadway because it was so hazardous.
The county said this is an ongoing problem and the sheriff’s office has issued multiple warnings and citations.
“Additionally, in response to Salem Road which is partially maintained by the County. The DOT closed their portion of Salem Road to make repairs and detoured truck traffic onto the County’s portion. This was done without the approval of Dorchester County and has been addressed with Tim Henderson, SCDOT District 6 DEA. While the traffic was detoured onto the County’s portion, the trucks destroyed a segment of roadway which caused the County to close our portion so that we could make emergency repairs. Dorchester County staff is also currently working on an ordinance that would give the County authority to restrict truck access on certain routes in order to address this issue.
The County also spends most of its transportation money on federal and state roads to be part of the solution,” said Dorchester County officials.
Dorchester County is working on an ordinance that would give them authority to restrict truck access on certain routes to address this issue.
“It was a peaceful, serene place to be. It is so not that anymore,” said Taylor.
