Best Window Repair in Ridgeville, SC
Have you ever taken a moment to look at the exterior of your home or business? A quick glance reveals a number of different features with important functions. Your roof helps protect your family from falling branches and extreme temperatures. Your gutters help direct water off your roof and away from your home. But when was the last time you thought about your windows and your siding?
The siding on your house is an essential element that protects you and your home from outdoor elements and harsh weather conditions. One of its primary functions is to prevent leaks and water from seeping into your property, which can lead to mildew and mold growth. Siding also helps to insulate your house, which can save you money on energy bills.
Windows are equally important as the siding on your home or business. They allow natural light to brighten dull and dreary spaces, help regulate interior temperatures, and are key in turning a house into a home. Both features bring aesthetic appeal and functionality to your home or business - which is why keeping them well-maintained is of utmost importance.
That's where Empire Roofing & Remodeling steps in to provide professional window and siding repair in Ridgeville, SC when you need it most.
Service Areas
The Empire Roofing & Remodeling Difference
At Empire Roofing & Remodeling, we separate ourselves from other window and siding repair companies by putting the needs of our customers first. We understand how important it is to have quality siding and windows on your home or business. They aren't just conversation pieces - they are functional and necessary for healthy living and peace of mind. That's why we work so hard to provide the best repairs and installations possible to our valued clients.
Family Owned & Ready to Exceed Expectations
Empire Roofing & Remodeling is a family-owned and operated company with over 20 years of experience in the roofing and remodeling industry. Our team provides roofing and siding services in the Low Country and surrounding areas. We believe that the quality of our service is crucial to ensuring the satisfaction of our customers. Our aim is to deliver superior-quality work that meets our customers' requirements.
We specialize in the following services:
Now that you know a little more about our business and our goals, let's take a look at our window repair and siding repair services and why they're necessary for keeping your property in optimal shape.
Revamp and Revitalize Your Home with Window Repair in Ridgeville, SC
Windows play a significant role in enhancing the overall appeal of a home. They provide natural light, fresh air, mesmerizing views, and the convenience of peeking out from behind the curtains to observe the surroundings. There's no doubt that windows are essential for ensuring comfort and enjoyment in our homes and commercial properties. However, they can also cause plenty of headaches when they become damaged or deteriorated and need to be repaired.
In the Lowcountry and in other parts of South Carolina, dealing with damaged windows is more common than you might think. We live in a highly desirable region, but being close to the ocean means we have unique weather challenges to deal with, like tropical storms, tornadoes, hurricanes, and more. Our climate is also quite humid, which can lead to a number of window repairs over time. Whether your windows have been damaged by strong winds or have deteriorated gradually, Empire Roofing & Remodeling is here to help.
Our licensed, knowledgeable window repair experts work hard to handle difficult window issues for you with efficiency and effectiveness. That way, you can focus on enjoying your day rather than nursing a migraine.
With more than two decades of advanced window repair experience, we have the tools and training to repair a wide range of window styles and brands, including.
Empire Roofing & Remodeling Pro Tip:
If you have one or two windows that need to be fixed and the frame is still in good condition, repairing them can be a cost-effective option. Window repair in Ridgeville, SC can be much more cost-effective vs. new window installation, especially if the problem is a simple mechanical one. That's why going the repair route is often the best choice for small-scale projects. Another advantage of window repair is that it's a relatively quick and easy process, especially when you're working with licensed experts, like you'll find at Empire Roofing.
Curious whether the windows on your home or business need to be repaired? Contact our office today to consult with a specialist and schedule a window repair inspection.
Your First Choice for New Window Installation in Ridgeville, SC
Did you know that any type of gap or break in your siding presents an opportunity for long-term issues to manifest, like moisture incursion, air drafts, and unwanted heat transfer? Many times, these issues begin when windows deteriorate to the point that they need to be replaced. Hearing the news that you've got to replace your windows isn't exciting, but for many home and business owners in Ridgeville, SC, it's necessary. That's where Empire Roofing & Remodeling swoops in to save the day.
Installing new windows is a significant task that requires careful consideration. Whether your windows have been damaged or are out of fashion, there are several aspects to consider, and only an expert can help you achieve the best results. At Empire Roofing & Remodeling, LLC, we are one of the most dependable window installation companies in South Carolina. At Empire Roofing & Remodeling, LLC, we are one of the most dependable window installation companies in South Carolina. We work with integrity and honesty and offer cost-effective solutions that focus on the wellbeing of our clients.
Common Signs You Need New Window Installation in Ridgeville, SC
One of the most common questions we get from clients is whether or not they need new windows installed. That's a hard question to answer without an onsite inspection. However, there are a few telltale signs that you can keep an eye out for that will help you decide. If you notice any of the following signs, it's time to call Empire Roofing & Remodeling.
Protect Your Property's Exterior with Siding Repair in Ridgeville, SC
Empire Roofing & Remodeling recognizes that your home is more than just a building: It's a sanctuary for your family, a source of relaxation, and a representation of your individual style. That's why we take great pride in providing exceptional siding repair services to homeowners in Ridgeville, SC and nearby regions. The same goes for business owners, who work hard all year long to provide products and services that are essential in our communities.
Being a family-owned enterprise, we approach every project with a personal touch, treating your home or commercial property as if it were our own. We specialize in many siding repair services, including.
- Siding Repair Inspections
- Free Siding Repair Estimates
- Vinyl Siding Repair
- Fiber Cement Siding Repair
- Natural Stone Siding Repair
- Brick Veneer Siding Repair
- Engineered Wood Siding Repair
- Shingle or Cedar Siding Repair
When inspecting your home or business to see if it needs siding repairs, we take many factors into account, such as:
The Kind of Siding Damage You Have
Siding damage can take on many different appearances and forms. For instance, you may notice cracks or warping in certain areas, while other sections may be suffering from rot or fading. Water damage can also wreak havoc on your siding, leading to further complications. No two types of siding damage are ever the same, which is why we approach every siding repair job with a fresh pair of eyes and an open mind. That way, we can better ensure that your siding is restored to its former glory..
The Causes of Your Siding Damage
Siding damage can be caused by various factors, and it's important to understand the root cause to address the issue effectively. One of the most common causes is severe weather conditions, such as hail, wind, or heavy rain, which can cause dents, cracks, or even completely dislodge the siding. Poor installation is another common cause, as it can lead to gaps or improper attachment that can leave the siding vulnerable to damage from weather or pests. Aging is also a factor, as older siding may become brittle or weakened over time, making it more susceptible to damage. Pests can also cause siding damage by burrowing into wood and compromising its structural integrity. By recognizing the root cause of your siding damage, we can address any issues promptly and take preventative steps to avoid future siding repairs.
Your Budget
As a local business, we know that money doesn't grow on trees. Whether you need siding repairs for your home or for your business, you can rest easy knowing our pricing is reasonable. Our goal isn't to drain your bank account - it's to provide you with high-quality siding repair, so you can live at home or go to work without worrying.
Achieve Substance and Style with New Siding Installation in Ridgeville, SC
New siding can completely transform the appearance of your home or business. It can improve your curb appeal, boost your property value, and even enhance insulation and energy efficiency. There are several high-quality siding materials to choose from, giving you plenty of options to achieve the perfect design for your home. While vinyl siding is the most popular choice, we can install a range of other options, including hardy plank, fiber cement, and even real wood.
At Empire Roofing & Remodeling, our team will help you choose the best siding material for your desired look and purpose. Once your inspection is complete and you've selected the best siding for your home or business, our new siding installation experts will get to work using top-quality products and techniques.
Cracks, gaps, or holes in your cladding can be more than just an aesthetic issue. They can allow water to seep into the interior of your wall, where it can cause moisture-related problems such as rot, mold, and mildew. Repairing water damage can be frustrating and expensive - so much so that new siding installation in Ridgeville, SC is often preferred. Such damage not only jeopardizes the structural soundness of your house but can also pose a threat to your health. Gaps in your cladding also provide entry points for pests like rats and termites, which can cause similar problems for your house and family's wellbeing.
It's important to inspect your cladding from different angles because sometimes there may not be any visible holes or gaps, but the cladding can still warp. This means that certain sections may bulge outward or cup inward, which is a warning sign that something is not right underneath. Usually, this indicates moisture damage and needs to be addressed immediately.
Have you noticed an increase in your heating and cooling costs even though you haven't changed your usage? If you feel cool drafts near walls, windows, light switches, or electrical sockets, it's possible that damage to your siding is causing a spike in energy consumption. Consulting with a professional window installation company can help you determine the exact problem. If it's related to your cladding, replacing it with energy-efficient, insulated vinyl siding can save you a considerable amount of money in the long run.
It's important to keep an eye out for any fungus, mold, or other types of growth that may appear on your siding, especially near the seams. These substances tend to grow in areas where there is moisture, which could indicate that water is seeping into your siding. Although not all cases of fungus are alarming, it's definitely worth investigating further.
If your business or house has wooden siding, it's essential to keep a close eye on it for any signs of wood rot. Wood rot is a type of decay caused by fungi that eats away at the wood and requires a high moisture content to thrive. Since wooden siding is exposed to the elements, it's especially vulnerable to rotting. Regular inspections can help prevent serious issues, but new siding installation is almost preferred when your wood has been rotting for an extended time.
When Your Windows or Siding Needs New Life, Trust Empire Roofing & Remodeling
There's a reason why so many homeowners and business professionals choose Empire Roofing & Remodeling, LLC. Whether you have one or two foggy windows or your siding has been suffering from years of disrepair, our experts can help. We're proud to provide efficient, long-lasting window and siding installations and repairs that you can count on, no matter the season. The best part? We work hard and do it at a fair price that you can brag to your friends about.
Ready to get started? Contact us today to schedule an inspection or to get a personalized quote on our top-quality siding and window services in Ridgeville, SC.
Latest News in Ridgeville, SC
Pushing The Envelope Of What Industrial Parks Can Be
Jeffrey Steelehttps://www.forbes.com/sites/jeffsteele/2023/01/13/pushing-the-envelope-of-what-industrial-parks-can-be/
According to Merriam-Webster, an industrial park is “an area of a town or city that is designed especially for factories or offices.” Many industrial parks are just that and nothing more. But a select number of industrial parks nationwide are now pushing the boundaries of what such a development has been or could be. Two top examples are Camp Hall near Charleston, S.C. and MidAmerica Industrial Park near Tulsa, Okla.Camp Hall, located in Ridgeville, S.C., northwest of Charleston, has carved out its distinctive standing thr...
According to Merriam-Webster, an industrial park is “an area of a town or city that is designed especially for factories or offices.” Many industrial parks are just that and nothing more. But a select number of industrial parks nationwide are now pushing the boundaries of what such a development has been or could be. Two top examples are Camp Hall near Charleston, S.C. and MidAmerica Industrial Park near Tulsa, Okla.
Camp Hall, located in Ridgeville, S.C., northwest of Charleston, has carved out its distinctive standing through its commitment to the environment and the protection of wildlife. Almost 40 percent (2,600) of the industrial park’s 6,800 acres has been set aside as preserved acreage.
Efforts to maintain a natural coastal South Carolina habitat have included restoring wildlife habitats for native species, as well as establishing a ‘pollinator pathway” traversed by birds, bees and butterflies. A wetlands restoration project is underway, with the goal of restoring approximately 480 acres of wetlands.
Among the corporate tenants of the master-planned park is Volvo, which chose Camp Hall as the site of its first-ever U.S. manufacturing plant.
Volvo employees and others who work in the park benefit from a people-focused workforce design, which among other perks gives them access to a more than 15-mile trail system through the park. Another amenity is Avian Commons, a Wi-Fi connected collection of small businesses that includes a convenience store, dry cleaner, bank, fitness center and fuel center. It will eventually incorporate an event lawn and playfield for gatherings and celebrations.
“Camp Hall is unique in that it puts just as much emphasis on the area’s natural beauty and nature as it does on infrastructure and amenities,” said Charleston Regional Development Alliance Director of Global Business Megan Anderson. “Prospective companies have been blown away at the quality of place they could potentially offer their future employees.”
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Building workforce
In Pryor, Okla., 45 miles east of Tulsa, MidAmerica Industrial Park (MAIP) stands out for its evolution into what its chief executive officer calls “a multifaceted employment center.” Operating for almost six decades, MAIP encompasses 9,000 acres, is the largest industrial park in the Sooner State and one of the biggest in the U.S.
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It’s not only home to 80 companies that include Google, Chevron, Siemens and other Fortune 500 firms, but also offers health care services and is now building housing within the park. A robust workforce development component trains future workers. MAIP has forged strategic alliances with on-site educational partners delivering relevant programs and services the park’s employers require.
As well, MAIP has unveiled a new MidAmerica Career Center, a kind of one-stop shop for career guidance. It also links employers to crucial job resources accessed from state, tribal and corporate agencies.
Staying invested
“In today’s economic development market, the evolution of an industrial park into a multi-faceted employment center is a cornerstone to inclusive growth in jobs and people,” said David Stewart, MAIP’s CEO. “We continue to evolve, not only to remain relevant, but also to surpass the competition and meet the ever-changing demands of industry . . . Without the generations of hard work behind us, we would not have the experience necessary to compete as a top-tier site location for mega employers.”
MidAmerica Industrial Park has reaped enormous success in luring international companies like DuPont, Canoo and others.
Noted Arthur Jackson, senior vice president of economic development at the Tulsa Regional Chamber: “Not only does its size and central location make it an ideal place for businesses, but MidAmerica continues to invest in infrastructure and workforce development, positioning the park for future growth.”
Prehistoric whale bones uncovered in Ridgeville
Raymond Owenshttps://www.counton2.com/news/local-news/dorchester-county-news/prehistoric-whale-bones-uncovered-in-ridgeville/
RIDGEVILLE, S.C. (WCBD) – A giant prehistoric whale flipper was discovered buried under several feet of mud in Dorchester County this week.The owner of Palmetto Fossil Excursions, Schuyler Andrulat, said it was a first for her… the first time she had found a whale flipper. The bones were found at the bottom of a pond under refurbishment in the Ridgeville area.“We made an astounding discovery in that this is the flipper of a very large baleen whale, probably somewhere around 2.5 million years, since we are in ...
RIDGEVILLE, S.C. (WCBD) – A giant prehistoric whale flipper was discovered buried under several feet of mud in Dorchester County this week.
The owner of Palmetto Fossil Excursions, Schuyler Andrulat, said it was a first for her… the first time she had found a whale flipper. The bones were found at the bottom of a pond under refurbishment in the Ridgeville area.
“We made an astounding discovery in that this is the flipper of a very large baleen whale, probably somewhere around 2.5 million years, since we are in the Waccamaw unit,” she said.
“I opened up a small area, and the first thing I came down on was at the end of the humerus and the end of the ulna bones,” explained Andrulat.
Andrulat has been searching for fossils most of her life.
“When I was two years old, I found my first shark teeth on Edisto Beach walking with my mother. And as I got older, she took me hunting at different locations along the coastal plain of South Carolina.”
She is now co-owner of Palmetto Fossil Excursions; they take people on fossil hunts at the 100-acre pit down the road in Dorchester County.
When they learned this lake was going to be deepened, they asked the property owner if they could look for any fossils and even bring some of the dirt to their property to be sifted through.
The discovery was made on Monday. They plan to donate the bones to the museum at the College of Charleston if they want them. Several other whale bones were also found in the pond.
Millions of years ago, the area where these bones were discovered would have been a shallow part of the ocean floor.
“Take a look at the top of the pine trees, that’s the way I like to describe it to people – imagine standing on the ocean floor and the surface of the ocean is all the way up there, right around where the pine trees are,” said Andrulat.
If you are interested in going on a fossil hunt, you can click here to learn more about the excursions.
Google confirms it is behind Project Dawson data center campus in South Carolina
Dan Swinhoehttps://www.datacenterdynamics.com/en/news/google-confirms-it-is-behind-project-dawson-data-center-campus-in-south-carolina/
Google has confirmed it is behind a data center development project in Ridgeville, South CarolinaThe search and cloud company has also received permission to develop three more data centers in Belgium.Google confirmed to expand in South CarolinaGoogle has revealed itself to be behind the Project Dawson data center proposals in South Carolina.“The Dorchester County Economic Development (DCED) office, which serves to support economic growth in the county, confirms a relationship with G...
Google has confirmed it is behind a data center development project in Ridgeville, South Carolina
The search and cloud company has also received permission to develop three more data centers in Belgium.
Google confirmed to expand in South Carolina
Google has revealed itself to be behind the Project Dawson data center proposals in South Carolina.
“The Dorchester County Economic Development (DCED) office, which serves to support economic growth in the county, confirms a relationship with Google who recently closed on property in the county,” the DCED said this week.
“We are thrilled to welcome Google to Dorchester County and know they will be a long-term partner for our community, especially our schools,” said Dorchester County Council Chairman Todd Friddle. “Google has a history of strengthening local workforces and uplifting communities, and we look forward to Google making a positive difference here in Dorchester County.”
Campus specifications or project timelines haven't been shared.
According to the Post and Courier, the company aims to invest $510 million in the new campus – a 231-acre site along Research Center Drive and Highway 17A in Dorchester County’s Pine Hill Business Campus. The Dorchester County Council voted to change the site’s zoning earlier this month.
Google – previously reported as the company likely involved – has previously been conducting business around the project behind the Autumn Timber LLC and Mallard LLC company names. The search company had been referring to the site as Project Dawson.
“We have been proud to call South Carolina home for over fifteen years since we first put down roots in Berkeley County,” Google said in a statement. “Since then, we have partnered closely with local leadership, schools, and nonprofits to lift up the great work happening here. As we look to expand in the state, we have acquired property in Dorchester County for the development of a new data center campus. We look forward to growing our community here in South Carolina and will share details as this long-term project progresses.”
Google currently operates a South Carolina data center campus in Moncks Corner, around 20 miles east of Ridgeville. The company recently acquired another 140 acres in the area.
The Post and Courier also reports that Google, going by the aliases Project Evergreen and Gannett Enterprises LLC, has also is purchasing 206 acres for a proposed third data center near the county's Winding Woods Commerce Park along Pecan Tree Road and Highway 78, outside the town of St. George. The company was granted a $5.55 million purchase option for the land this month.
However, the company reportedly aims to focus on the Pine Hill campus for now, and will expand to the Winding Woods site as demand requires.
Google expands in Belgium
In Belgium, Google has been granted permission for a new data center campus.
The Walloon Region has issued an urban planning permit to the company for the construction of a new data center campus in the Hainaut municipality of Farciennes. The company is reportedly investing €600 million ($646m) in the project.
“The Walloon Region has just granted the permit for the installation of Google in Farcienne,” said Hugues Bayet, mayor of the municipality of Farciennes. “A new step in the realization of the digital giant's welcome in our region and above all the net creation of many jobs!”
Plans for the camps were first announced in July 2023. The campus will span some 53,000 sqm (570,500 sq ft). Previous reports suggested work would begin on the first phase – spanning around 7,500 sqm (80,730 sq ft) – would begin last year and launch in 2025.
More recent press suggests groundbreaking for the first 80MW phase is due to happen later this year.
Google acquired 53 hectares of land in the Ecopôle eco-business park, located across the municipalities of Farciennes, Aiseau-Presles, and Sambreville, in 2019. According to previous reports, energy firm Elia has confirmed that 200-300MW of capacity would be available on the site.
Belgium’s Saint Ghislain was the site of Google’s first data center in Europe. The company has built five data centers at its 90-hectare Saint-Ghislain site since 2009 as well as a solar plant. The company uses the shell company Crystal Computing for much of its dealings in Belgium.
2022 also saw Google acquire a 36-hectare site located in Ecaussinnes, in Hainaut province, in the Feluy industrial zone near La Louvière.
According to Raphael Stokis, a delegated official of the Walloon Region, the conditions attached to the permit will require on-site solar panels. Additionally, 90 percent of the energy consumed on the site must be carbon-free by 2025 and this must even be 95 percent by 2030.
Google will also have to opt for a more sustainable cooling system for the data centers in future – reportedly switching from systems that use water-consuming technology to air-cooling.
24-million-year-old fossilized whale bones unearthed near Ridgeville
Sophie Bramshttps://www.counton2.com/news/local-news/dorchester-county-news/24-million-year-old-fossilized-whale-bones-unearthed-near-ridgeville/
RIDGEVILLE, S.C. (WCBD)- Researchers have confirmed the discovery of fossils belonging to a 24-million-year-old whale in Dorchester County.The newly discovered bones belonged to Eomysticetus, an extinct ancestor of baleen whales, according to experts. A team from Palmetto Fossil Excursions unearthed the fossils earlier this month along the Chandler Bridge formation near Ridgeville.“It was extremely exciting knowing how rare Eomysticetes are and knowing that’s what we were pulling out of the ground,” Founder Sk...
RIDGEVILLE, S.C. (WCBD)- Researchers have confirmed the discovery of fossils belonging to a 24-million-year-old whale in Dorchester County.
The newly discovered bones belonged to Eomysticetus, an extinct ancestor of baleen whales, according to experts. A team from Palmetto Fossil Excursions unearthed the fossils earlier this month along the Chandler Bridge formation near Ridgeville.
“It was extremely exciting knowing how rare Eomysticetes are and knowing that’s what we were pulling out of the ground,” Founder Skye Basak said.
Basak and Thomas Gilpin first located the posterior end of the Eomysticete’s skull around 6:00 p.m. on March 29.
The following day, Basak and Gilpin were joined by Joshua Basak, Dr. Elizabeth Kane, David Ryan, Ken Pullen, Mike Bona, and Dr. Robert Boessenecker to continue the excavation process.
By nightfall, the team had expanded the hole to nearly 25 feet wide and 10 feet deep and discovered several more bones—one lower mandible, the sternum, 10 vertebrae, including the atlas, multiple ribs, a flipper bone, and multiple throat bones.
“That’s all that we were able to locate in the bottom of the hole as of last week, but the hole needs to be expanded…so we can look for the rest of the animal,” Basak said.
The lower mandible was finally freed from the hole by about 9:30 p.m. on March 31 and a few hours later the 6-foot-long, 2,000-pound block containing the skull was also freed, according to Basak.
Dr. Boessenecker, a research fellow at the College of Charleston’s Mace Brown Museum of Natural History and one of the world’s leading experts on Eomysticetes, called the specimen a rare find as less than 20 complete skulls exist worldwide.
“It is likely to be more complete than the original specimen of Eomysticetus that was discovered in the 1970s,” he explained. “The more complete a fossil is, the more you can tell about its functional anatomy and how it may have behaved in life.”
Eomysticetes were the largest living whales during the Oligocene Epoch which dates back about 33.9 million to 23 million years ago, according to the American Museum of Natural History. They are believed to have been between 25 and 35 feet long, which is much smaller than modern baleen whales.
Researchers also believe that while the whales may have already had baleen, a filter-feeding system, which allowed them to eat zooplankton. There is also evidence to suggest that Eomysticetes may have also had a few residual teeth, according to experts.
Remains of the extinct whales have primarily been found in South Carolina, New Zealand, Japan, Washington, and Oregon. But, Dr. Boessenecker said the first named specimen of Eomysticetus was discovered in Ladson.
“There’s some isotopic evidence that they perhaps underwent seasonal migration,” he said.
After experiencing machinery-related setbacks, Basak said she hopes the team will continue the excavation efforts in the coming weeks.
“Knowing what this specimen will do for science is kind of mind-blowing, especially if we’re able to locate the rest of the animal and bring it to a point where it’s the most complete specimen of its kind,” she continued.
If you find a fossil in the ground or on the beach in the Charleston area, you can reach out to the Mace Brown Museum for identification.
Concerns surround number of crashes on I-26 at Ridgeville, Jedburg Rd. exits
Emily Johnsonhttps://www.live5news.com/2024/02/28/concerns-surround-number-crashes-i-26-ridgeville-jedburg-rd-exits/
BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C. (WCSC) - On a stretch of Interstate 26 where construction has limited and changed the road temporarily, the number of accidents has significantly increased over the last year.The South Carolina Department of Transportation started construction on Interstate 26 between Exit 187 to State Highway 27 and Exit 194 to Jedburg Road in 2022. The project includes the widening of I-26, interchange improvements and two twin bridge replacements.Since construction began, some Lowcountry drivers say they are concerned a...
BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C. (WCSC) - On a stretch of Interstate 26 where construction has limited and changed the road temporarily, the number of accidents has significantly increased over the last year.
The South Carolina Department of Transportation started construction on Interstate 26 between Exit 187 to State Highway 27 and Exit 194 to Jedburg Road in 2022. The project includes the widening of I-26, interchange improvements and two twin bridge replacements.
Since construction began, some Lowcountry drivers say they are concerned about the number of crashes and problems the construction has caused.
On February 19, a crash near the construction involving 10 vehicles sent nine people to area hospitals and lanes closed for hours.
“The traffic is horrible. It takes me a good minute to get home when I leave here, and I’m working right across the road,” Michael Arana, who lives and works in the area, says.
Data for I-26 near mile marker 189 between the Ridgeville and Jedburg Road Exits shows a total of 398 crashes in the area in both 2022 to 2023, according to the South Carolina Department of Public Safety.
The total number of collisions in 2022 was 163 with that number continuing to increase to 235 in 2023. Over the last two years, 133 people have been injured in total with four fatal collisions.
South Carolina Highway Patrol Lance Cpl. Nick Pye says drivers need to take the initiative, day in and day out, to understand that driving is the most dangerous thing a normal person would do on a daily basis.
“There are times to where you might make an error, you might make that bad decision to send that text message or drive a little fast. When you’re in a construction zone, your margin for error is going to decrease. It’s not going to be as big as it would be on a normal roadway,” Pye says.
In 2023, the following numbers from the South Carolina Department of Public Safety break down the specifics surrounding the total number of collisions:
Looking at the reason for the collision is also something the department provided along with the previous data. Out of 235 total collisions, 164 involved a motor vehicle, whether it was moving, stopped or parked.
The other collisions involved embankments, moveable objects, guardrails, work zone maintenance equipment, trees and deer.
“Just the other morning, there was a wreck where a car was in the ditch and flipped over right here,” Arana says. “Around that corner, it’s very bad because it’s only two lanes; one going this direction, one going the other.”
“It’s horrible, I mean when you come around that curve, there’s nothing you can do. It’s going to be too late,” he adds.
Concrete barricades block the emergency lane on both sides, creating a tough situation for first responders to reach vehicles involved in accidents.
“A lot of times, there’s something that we have to respond to quickly in order to clear up, to make it safer, to make sure those secondary crashes don’t happen,” Pye says. “We also want to make sure that we provide safety to the workers as well.”
Construction for the project is not expected to be completed until the fall of 2026, which is why Pye says drivers need to remain aware and focused.
“There’s no surprise to when a construction zone is coming up. There’s plenty of signage out there saying, ‘Hey, construction zone two miles ahead,’” Pye says. “We ask that you always limit distractions, make sure you’re doing the speed limit, make sure you got your seat belt on and make sure you don’t drink and drive.”
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