S.C. Code Ann. § 49-17-1040

In the construction of the work the contractor may enter upon the lands necessary for this purpose and may remove private or public bridges or fences and cross private lands in going to or from the work. In case the right of way of the improvement is through timber the owner thereof may remove it, if he so desires, before the work of construction begins and in case it is not removed by the landowner it may be removed by the contractor.