In 1980, the William Earle Berne Beltway was named in recognition of Dr. Berne’s distinguished service during three terms as a member of the Highway Commission representing the Fifth Highway District of Richland and Kershaw Counties from 1960 to 1964, 1968 to 1972, and 1976 to 1980, and three terms as chairman in 1964, from 1970 to 1971, and from 1979 to 1980. In 1980, he was also named Honorary Chairman for life. Dr. Berne was one of several individuals whose efforts were instrumental in the allocation to South Carolina of 75 miles of I-77 in 1968 and in the designation in 1976 of a portion of the Southeastern Beltway as part of the Interstate Highway System.