May 11, 2009

The South Carolina Department of Transportation will assist Aiken County with debris removal along the right-of-way on state highways. The Beech Island, New Ellenton and Silver Bluff areas were hit hard by the April 10 tornado, but damage extended through the county. Due to county resources being stretched then by the storms, Governor Sanford requested that SCDOT assist.

SCDOT crews were in the area immediately after the storm removing debris and clearing right-of-ways. Since that time however, a lot of debris has been brought to the roadside.

The following are the details on SCDOT activity in the area:

- Continuing removal of accumulated storm debris on Thursday, May 14, 2009.
- Clearing operations will take place on a 5.5 mile section of US 278 from Circle Drive to SC 302 (Silver Bluff Road).
- Removal of debris will continue until completed or until May 29, 2009.

SCDOT will only remove vegetative storm debris such as tree limbs, branches, damaged shrubbery, etc. from the highway right-of-way from adjacent residences on this section of US 278.

SCDOT does not have the permits to pick up construction debris such as shingles, lumber, vinyl, household trash, concrete, bricks, blocks, etc., so do not leave these items on the right-of-way.