COLUMBIA — The S.C. Department of Transportation returned to normal operations at 9 a.m. Saturday following Tropical Storm Hermine’s departure from the state.

Secretary of Transportation Christy Hall expressed her thanks and appreciation to the hundreds of SCDOT workers who inspected and cleared roads and bridges, keeping the number of closures very low during the storm.

The agency reported that all but four roads that were temporarily closed by standing water, downed trees and other debris are clear and have been reopened. The remaining four roads will be opened later today after the utility companies clear downed power lines.

“Our workers in every county spent the better part of the week preparing their equipment for storm damage, either in their own counties, or made preparations to assist other counties that needed additional help,” said Hall.

She noted that staff at SCDOT Headquarters and in the seven District Offices around the state also spent the week ensuring those working on the roads had the equipment, supplies and staff schedules needed to get the job done.

SCDOT workers provided traffic control and motorist assistance, while others provided the public with real-time road conditions and other information.

Deputy Secretary for Engineering Leland Colvin reported that highway workers responded to many calls during the storm.

• 2,000 employees were in the field while Hermine was approaching and passing through the state.

• Crews removed 161 downed trees on highways.

• Crews responded to 50 locations on the state’s roads that had standing water.

• Crews also spent many hours prior to and after the storm clearing drainage ditches to prevent flooding on other roads.

Colvin added that SCDOT will continue to keep watch on the highways and bridges. “Our on-call crews will remain on stand-by should any problems develop over the weekend,” Colvin said.

Hall urged the motoring public to continue to drive with caution.

“We ask drivers to be wary of trees on saturated ground that might fall into the roadway and similar situations this weekend,” said Hall.

SCDOT suggests that motorists use the agency’s web site, social media sites and the 511 Traveler service at: www.511sc.org for road conditions and travel information.

This story courtesy of the S.C. Department of Transportation.