**List of U.S. Highways in South Carolina**
**Definition**
The List of U.S. Highways in South Carolina comprises all United States Numbered Highways that traverse the state, providing critical routes for regional and interstate travel. These highways form part of the national network managed in coordination with the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT).
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## List of U.S. Highways in South Carolina
The U.S. Highway System in South Carolina consists of several primary and auxiliary routes that facilitate transportation across the state and connect South Carolina to neighboring states. These highways serve as vital corridors for commerce, tourism, and daily commuting, complementing the state and interstate highway systems.
### Overview of U.S. Highways in South Carolina
South Carolina’s U.S. Highways are integral to the state’s transportation infrastructure. They link major cities such as Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, and Spartanburg, and provide access to rural areas and coastal regions. The highways vary in length and traffic volume, with some routes serving as major thoroughfares and others functioning as connectors or alternate routes.
The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) is responsible for the maintenance, signage, and improvements of these highways within the state. Coordination with the Federal Highway Administration ensures compliance with national standards and facilitates funding for highway projects.
### History of U.S. Highways in South Carolina
The U.S. Highway System was established in 1926 to create a standardized network of roads across the United States. South Carolina was among the states to receive designated U.S. Highways early in the system’s development. Over the decades, the routes have been realigned, extended, or truncated to accommodate changes in traffic patterns, urban growth, and the construction of the Interstate Highway System.
Many original U.S. Highways in South Carolina have been supplemented or partially replaced by Interstate Highways, but they continue to serve important roles in local and regional transportation. Historic routes such as U.S. Route 17 and U.S. Route 1 remain prominent corridors.
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## Primary U.S. Highways in South Carolina
### U.S. Route 1 (US 1)
**Length in South Carolina:** Approximately 170 miles
**Southern Terminus in SC:** Near North Augusta (Georgia state line)
**Northern Terminus in SC:** North Carolina state line near Rock Hill
U.S. Route 1 is a major north-south highway that runs along the western part of South Carolina. It connects the Augusta metropolitan area with Columbia, the state capital, and continues northeast toward Charlotte, North Carolina. US 1 serves as a key route for commuters and freight traffic, passing through several counties and urban centers.
### U.S. Route 17 (US 17)
**Length in South Carolina:** Approximately 230 miles
**Southern Terminus in SC:** Georgia state line near Savannah
**Northern Terminus in SC:** North Carolina state line near Little River
U.S. Route 17 is a significant coastal highway running parallel to the Atlantic Ocean. It connects the Lowcountry region, including Charleston and Myrtle Beach, with neighboring states. US 17 is heavily used for tourism and commercial traffic, providing access to beaches, ports, and historic sites.
### U.S. Route 21 (US 21)
**Length in South Carolina:** Approximately 150 miles
**Southern Terminus in SC:** Charleston
**Northern Terminus in SC:** North Carolina state line near Rock Hill
U.S. Route 21 runs from Charleston northward through the central part of the state. It serves as an important corridor linking the coast with inland cities and towns. The highway passes through areas of historical significance and supports both local and through traffic.
### U.S. Route 25 (US 25)
**Length in South Carolina:** Approximately 140 miles
**Southern Terminus in SC:** Augusta, Georgia state line near North Augusta
**Northern Terminus in SC:** North Carolina state line near Travelers Rest
U.S. Route 25 traverses the western part of South Carolina, connecting the Augusta area with Greenville and the Upstate region. It is a key route for industrial and commercial transportation, passing through mountainous terrain and urban centers.
### U.S. Route 27 (US 27)
**Length in South Carolina:** Approximately 120 miles
**Southern Terminus in SC:** Georgia state line near Fair Play
**Northern Terminus in SC:** North Carolina state line near Landrum
U.S. Route 27 runs through the western portion of South Carolina, serving rural and suburban communities. It provides access to recreational areas and supports regional economic activities.
### U.S. Route 29 (US 29)
**Length in South Carolina:** Approximately 110 miles
**Southern Terminus in SC:** Georgia state line near Hartwell
**Northern Terminus in SC:** North Carolina state line near Blacksburg
U.S. Route 29 is an important east-west corridor in the Upstate region, connecting Anderson, Greenville, and Spartanburg. It facilitates commuter traffic and links to Interstate highways.
### U.S. Route 76 (US 76)
**Length in South Carolina:** Approximately 150 miles
**Western Terminus in SC:** Georgia state line near Westminster
**Eastern Terminus in SC:** Charleston
U.S. Route 76 runs east-west across the northern and central parts of South Carolina. It connects the Upstate with the Lowcountry, passing through Greenville, Columbia, and Sumter. The highway supports both local and long-distance travel.
### U.S. Route 78 (US 78)
**Length in South Carolina:** Approximately 140 miles
**Western Terminus in SC:** Georgia state line near North Augusta
**Eastern Terminus in SC:** Charleston
U.S. Route 78 parallels Interstate 26 and serves as an alternate route between Augusta and Charleston. It passes through Columbia and other mid-state communities.
### U.S. Route 176 (US 176)
**Length in South Carolina:** Approximately 120 miles
**Western Terminus in SC:** North Carolina state line near Spartanburg
**Eastern Terminus in SC:** Charleston
U.S. Route 176 connects the Upstate with the coast, running through Spartanburg, Columbia, and Charleston. It serves as a secondary route complementing Interstate highways.
### U.S. Route 301 (US 301)
**Length in South Carolina:** Approximately 80 miles
**Southern Terminus in SC:** Georgia state line near Allendale
**Northern Terminus in SC:** North Carolina state line near Dillon
U.S. Route 301 runs through the eastern part of South Carolina, providing a north-south corridor parallel to Interstate 95. It serves smaller towns and rural areas.
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## Auxiliary and Special U.S. Highways in South Carolina
### U.S. Route 278 (US 278)
**Length in South Carolina:** Approximately 110 miles
**Western Terminus in SC:** Georgia state line near North Augusta
**Eastern Terminus in SC:** Hilton Head Island
U.S. Route 278 is an east-west highway that connects the western border of South Carolina with the coastal resort area of Hilton Head Island. It is a major route for tourism and local traffic.
### U.S. Route 321 (US 321)
**Length in South Carolina:** Approximately 140 miles
**Southern Terminus in SC:** Georgia state line near Toccoa
**Northern Terminus in SC:** North Carolina state line near Chester
U.S. Route 321 runs north-south through the western part of South Carolina, connecting rural areas with urban centers such as Chester and York.
### U.S. Route 501 (US 501)
**Length in South Carolina:** Approximately 80 miles
**Southern Terminus in SC:** North Carolina state line near Marion
**Northern Terminus in SC:** Myrtle Beach
U.S. Route 501 is a key route to the Grand Strand, serving as a primary access road to Myrtle Beach and surrounding tourist destinations.
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## Role and Importance of U.S. Highways in South Carolina
U.S. Highways in South Carolina play a crucial role in the state’s economy and mobility. They provide essential links for freight movement, support tourism by connecting coastal and inland attractions, and facilitate daily commuting in urban and suburban areas. Many of these highways predate the Interstate system and continue to serve as vital alternatives or complements to faster, limited-access roads.
The highways also contribute to regional development by improving access to markets, healthcare, education, and recreational opportunities. Their maintenance and improvement remain priorities for state and federal transportation agencies.
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## Maintenance and Management
The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) oversees the maintenance, signage, and improvement projects for U.S. Highways within the state. This includes pavement repairs, bridge maintenance, traffic management, and safety enhancements. Funding for these activities comes from a combination of federal and state sources.
SCDOT coordinates with local governments and the Federal Highway Administration to ensure that U.S. Highways meet national standards and effectively serve the needs of South Carolina’s residents and visitors.
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## Future Developments and Improvements
South Carolina continues to invest in upgrading its U.S. Highway network to accommodate growing traffic volumes and enhance safety. Projects include widening lanes, improving intersections, constructing bypasses around congested areas, and upgrading signage and lighting.
Emerging transportation technologies and increased emphasis on multimodal connectivity also influence planning for U.S. Highways. Efforts to integrate these routes with public transit, bicycle infrastructure, and pedestrian facilities are ongoing in urban areas.
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## Summary Table of U.S. Highways in South Carolina
| U.S. Highway | Approximate Length (miles) | Southern/Western Terminus in SC | Northern/Eastern Terminus in SC | Major Cities Served |
|————–|—————————-|———————————|———————————|————————————|
| US 1 | 170 | Georgia state line near North Augusta | North Carolina state line near Rock Hill | North Augusta, Columbia, Rock Hill |
| US 17 | 230 | Georgia state line near Savannah | North Carolina state line near Little River | Charleston, Myrtle Beach |
| US 21 | 150 | Charleston | North Carolina state line near Rock Hill | Charleston, Orangeburg, Rock Hill |
| US 25 | 140 | Georgia state line near North Augusta | North Carolina state line near Travelers Rest | North Augusta, Greenville |
| US 27 | 120 | Georgia state line near Fair Play | North Carolina state line near Landrum | Anderson, Greenville, Spartanburg |
| US 29 | 110 | Georgia state line near Hartwell | North Carolina state line near Blacksburg | Anderson, Greenville, Spartanburg |
| US 76 | 150 | Georgia state line near Westminster | Charleston | Greenville, Columbia, Sumter |
| US 78 | 140 | Georgia state line near North Augusta | Charleston | North Augusta, Columbia |
| US 176 | 120 | North Carolina state line near Spartanburg | Charleston | Spartanburg, Columbia |
| US 301 | 80 | Georgia state line near Allendale | North Carolina state line near Dillon | Allendale, Dillon |
| US 278 | 110 | Georgia state line near North Augusta | Hilton Head Island | North Augusta, Hilton Head Island |
| US 321 | 140 | Georgia state line near Toccoa | North Carolina state line near Chester | Chester, York |
| US 501 | 80 | North Carolina state line near Marion | Myrtle Beach | Marion, Myrtle Beach |
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## See Also
– South Carolina State Highways
– Interstate Highways in South Carolina
– South Carolina Department of Transportation
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**Meta Description:**
This article provides a comprehensive list and overview of U.S. Highways in South Carolina, detailing their routes, significance, and role in the state’s transportation network.