News Summary
A significant advancement has been achieved in the replacement of Hilton Head Island’s eastbound bridge span, with a $120 million grant reapproved by the State Infrastructure Bank. The new three-lane bridge will replace the aging 1956 structure, addressing critical safety concerns. The overall project cost is estimated at $311.6 million, with work expected to commence in 2028 and conclude by December 2030. The agreement stipulates that Beaufort County will repay the grant if project timelines are not met, underscoring the urgency and importance of this infrastructure development.
Hilton Head Island – A crucial step forward has been made in the long-sought replacement of Hilton Head Island’s eastbound bridge span, as the State Infrastructure Bank reapproved a $120 million grant on June 23, 2025. This funding marks a significant milestone in a project that has encountered numerous challenges over the years, including extensive negotiations between Beaufort County and the South Carolina Infrastructure Bank.
The overall estimated cost for the bridge replacement project totals approximately $311.6 million. The plan involves replacing the aging bridge with a new three-lane structure that will extend from Moss Creek to Pinkney Island and on to Windmill Harbor. While the initial proposal was for a six-lane bridge, feedback from residents and cost considerations prompted a revision to the simpler, current design.
The existing bridge, built in 1956, has been rated as “poor,” raising serious safety concerns among both local residents and businesses. The bridge serves as the only vehicular access point to Hilton Head Island, underlining its importance for daily traffic and emergency response efforts. If the construction timeline proceeds as anticipated, work is set to begin in early 2028, with a target completion date aimed for December 2030.
One critical stipulation of the new intergovernmental agreement is that if the project fails to meet the completion deadline of December 2031, Beaufort County will be liable for repaying the grant. This adds additional pressure on the county to ensure timely progress on the project, ahead of an already fragmented history plagued with delays related to rising costs and public response.
The project previously encountered setbacks, most notably a failed $950 million sales tax referendum that saw 55% of voters opposing the initial funding approach. Earlier funding proposals were also denied by the State Infrastructure Bank in March 2025 due to concerns about the project’s financial scope and execution timeline. However, the revised project plan addresses these issues, incorporating significant adjustments designed to curb costs while minimizing disruptions, particularly to an existing waterline that currently supplies about 20% of the island’s drinking water.
Funding for the bridge replacement will come from a combination of local, state, and regional sources. This includes $21 million sourced from Beaufort County road impact fees alongside $2 million earmarked from South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) guideshare funds. The proposal has garnered strong support from state officials including Governor Henry McMaster, as well as local House members, furthering its chances of successful implementation.
The construction timeline has been revised to span 34 months, and includes an additional one-year contingency period to account for potential delays. Any budget savings resulting from the project will be returned to the State Infrastructure Bank, while the South Carolina Department of Transportation will manage any cost overruns that exceed the established reserve.
The replacement of Hilton Head Island’s eastbound bridge is not only a transportation upgrade, but it also represents commitment to the safety and infrastructure of the area. As work on the project progresses, it is anticipated to bring new life and improved accessibility to Hilton Head Island, a key destination for both residents and visitors alike.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Funding Discussions for U.S. 278 Corridor Project in Beaufort
Beaufort County’s Proposal for Hilton Head Island Bridge Rejected
Beaufort County Faces Setbacks in U.S. 278 Corridor Project
Additional Resources
- Island Packet: Hilton Head Island Bridge Replacement
- Google Search: Hilton Head Island Bridge Replacement
- Post and Courier: Hilton Head Island Bridge Replacement Grant
- Wikipedia: Hilton Head Island
- WSAV: Hilton Head Town Council Approves Plans for HWY 278
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hilton Head Island
- Island Packet: Update on Hilton Head Island Bridge
- Google News: Hilton Head Island Bridge
Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT
The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
