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The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) Commission has approved a change in the appearance of the signs that are used to identify South Carolina highway route numbers. The current black & white signs will gradually be replaced with blue & white signs that also display an outline of the state, the Palmetto Tree & Crescent state symbol. In addition, “South Carolina” will be spelled out on the sign.

           Members of the SCDOT Commission agreed that the change is an improvement in identifying state roads. The addition of the state outline, state symbol and the spelling out of the state’s name will clearly indicate to travelers that they are in South Carolina. The signs will gradually appear on state routes. Signs that identify highways that are U.S. primary routes and interstate highways will not change.

          The use of the new state route signs will not incur any additional costs. The state signs will not be changed until the existing signs reach their normal lifespan, which is between seven and ten years. However, signs that are damaged or stolen will be replaced with the new version as soon as possible. In addition, the change from black ink to blue will not cause a price increase. The shade of blue being used for the new state signs is the same ink used for interstate highway shields, and is already in stock at the SCDOT sign shops.

          The SCDOT Commission took this action at its monthly meeting on June 19 in Columbia.

          PHOTO INFORMATION:

Images of the old and new designs are available at the following links:

 New design:

http://www.scdot-transfer.org/SCDOTPhotos/SignSC215NewDesign.jpg

Old design:

http://www.scdot-transfer.org/SCDOTPhotos/SignSC215OldDesign.jpg