The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) proposes replacing the existing S-30 (Simms Reach Road) Bridge over the Black River in Williamsburg County. New right-of-way will be needed for the proposed improvements. Doc Kellahan Rd needs to be realigned in order to meet sight-distance requirements ensuring safe means of ingress and egress on and off S-30. The majority of the right-of-way acquisition consists of property owned by the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism (SCPRT). The property is proposed to become part of the new Black River State Park (See image below). A minor amount of right-of-way would be required within areas proposed for future park facilities. SCDOT is proposing to acquire 1.5 acres out of SCPRT owned 143.22 acres.

Measures to minimize harm to the proposed park have been included and discussed with the SCPRT. SCPRT, as the resource official with jurisdiction, must concur in writing the project would not adversely affect the qualities, activities, features, or other attributes of the proposed park qualifying it for protection and ongoing coordination is continuing with them to reach this conclusion.

The proposed project is an action that is subject to the U.S. Department of Transportation Act of 1966 (49 U.S.C. 303) and 23 U.S.C. 138. Section 4(f) of this legislation seeks to protect publicly owned public parklands, recreation areas, waterfowl and wildlife refuges, and significant historic sites from impacts (“use” of these resources) by U.S. Department of Transportation actions. After an evaluation of the impacts of an action upon Section 4(f) resources, a finding must be made whether the proposed action would have an adverse effect upon the resource. If no adverse effect is found, a finding of de minimis impact can be made. Based on the project’s use of the proposed Black River State Park, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) will also have to agree to make a Section 4(f) de minimis finding for the project.

Any interested person may provide comments with respect to any possible social, economic, and environmental effect on the proposal. All comments must be received by the Department no later than 03/04/2026

Additional information regarding this project may also be obtained by calling Program Manager Michael Pitts at SCDOT Headquarters in Columbia at (803) 737-2566.