Issue
The South Carolina Department of Transportation has proposed revisions to its standard specifications that would eliminate thermoplastic and aluminum pipe for storm drainage on all interstate roadways and evacuation routes. This proposal would reverse years of policy by allowing only reinforced concrete pipe – restricting competition, increasing taxpayer costs, doubling construction time and stifling innovation.
Save the Pipe!
Proven success
Based on a landmark study by the University of South Carolina in 2004, the Department expanded its standards for drainage pipe materials, endorsing thermoplastic pipe for interstates and evacuation routes. Since then, thermoplastic pipe has performed successfully on hundreds of miles of South Carolina highways and on roadways in every state.
Let your voice be heard. Save the pipe!
Support the use of thermoplastic on all South Carolina roadways. Use the form below to let state decision-makers know you oppose legislation to prevent the use of thermoplastic pipe on interstate roadways.
What you should know
South Carolina is one of 29 states that approve the use of thermoplastic pipe for all or portions of interstate roadway applications. Every state approves it for local roads. That’s because thermoplastic pipe:
Significantly lighter than reinforced concrete, making it safer to handle, install, and field cut.
Structurally designed to easily handle heavy highway loads.
Superior joint performance, resistant to weatherability effects and validated by third-party research to have a design service life of 100 years.
Installs twice as fast as traditional materials.
Reduces installed costs for storm drainage as much as 30% over reinforced concrete.
ADS’ I-385/I-85 Gateway and Hugh Leatherman Terminal projects recognized by the Plastic Pipe Institute as Projects of the Year.
Structurally designed to easily handle heavy highway loads.
Infrastructure resiliency
Resiliency is the ability of a structure to mitigate, resist and rapidly recover from intense environmental conditions to protect public safety and minimize economic disruption. Thermoplastic pipe meets these criteria as follows:
Mitigation
ADS is the largest user of recycled HDPE in North America, which reduces greenhouse gases, protects our water and helps stabilize the environment. ADS keeps 550 million pounds of plastics out of landfills annually.
Resistance
Thermoplastic pipe withstands harsh environments due to its material properties and innovative design. It can withstand punishment for up to 100 years.
Recovery
ADS thermoplastic pipe ensures quick and safe recovery through statewide availability, faster installation, and construction flexibility.
South Carolina Projects
Performing well for over 10 years.
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2017 PLASTIC PIPE INSTITUTE PROJECT OF THE YEAR
Interstate 85-385 Gateway Project Greenville, SC: 2020
Contractor: Flatiron-Zachry
Diameter: 41,000’ of 12”-48” N-12 Polyethylene Pipe
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2019 PLASTIC PIPE INSTITUTE PROJECT OF THE YEAR
Hugh Leatherman Terminal Charleston, SC: March 2020
Contractor: Banks Construction
Diameter: 28,440’ of 12”-60” HP Storm Polypropylene Pipe
  1. 1
    I-20 Interstate Widening Lexington County, SC
  2. 2
    I-85/385 Interstate Interchange & Widening Greenville County, SC
  3. 3
    I-85 Interstate Widening Spartanburg County, SC
  4. 4
    I-85 Interstate Widening Cherokee County, SC
  5. 5
    Highway 51 Widening Florence County, SC
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    Highway 707 Widening Horry County, SC
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    I-85/385 Gateway Project Greenville County, SC
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    Hugh Leatherman Terminal Charleston County, SC
Benefits of Plastic Pipe in South Carolina
I-85 Cherokee County Project Example:
Similar benefits are common on other projects when open material competition is promoted.
Number of Installation Days
40%
Reduction
123 Fewer Install Days
Number of Truckloads
66%
Reduction
139 Fewer Install Days
Total Installed Costs
32%
Reduction
$504,792 Cost Savings
South Carolina Partners
ADS has a local presence throughout South Carolina and has worked for more than 1,000 people at more than 260 business locations.