News Summary
Residents of Beaufort are facing significant traffic delays along Boundary Street due to ongoing construction by the SCDOT. The construction work follows damage to a drainpipe and is blocking the northbound lane between Starbucks and the Beaufort County Government Center. Additionally, overnight road resurfacing on U.S. Highway 278 is in progress. Local authorities urge residents to expect delays and to stay informed about traffic conditions as various infrastructure projects are planned to improve roadways in the area.
Beaufort – Local authorities have issued a warning to residents regarding anticipated severe traffic delays along Boundary Street due to ongoing construction work. The affected area is situated near the intersection of Boundary Street and Ribaut Road. The construction, managed by the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT), involves road paving after a drainpipe was damaged earlier this month.
SCDOT Spokeswoman Hannah Robinson confirmed that the right northbound lane of Boundary Street is currently blocked between Starbucks and the Beaufort County Government Center. As of 9:30 a.m., traffic was backed up approximately a quarter mile, extending from Starbucks toward Highway 170. In response to the delays, many drivers have been rerouting onto Marsh Road, which runs behind the county jail, in efforts to bypass the construction and reach Ribaut Road more smoothly.
Residents are advised to expect significant delays for the duration of the construction. Additionally, Beaufort County has commenced overnight road resurfacing on U.S. Highway 278, starting from the Okatie River bridge and extending to the Hampton Parkway light. This work began on Sunday, May 11, and is scheduled to take place nightly from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. for approximately two weeks, pending favorable weather conditions. The resurfacing project is financially supported by the Beaufort County Transportation Committee.
The increased traffic volume at local intersections is linked to the area’s growing population and a rising number of vehicles. Traffic congestion alongside road construction has been identified as a primary concern for both residents and visitors in Beaufort. To address these issues effectively, upcoming construction projects are being planned with the aim of managing traffic flow more efficiently.
Roads selected for improvement are chosen based on a fair and objective set of criteria established by SCDOT. This ongoing infrastructure initiative marks the eighth year of the state’s pavement improvement program and is part of broader efforts to enhance roadwork throughout South Carolina.
Among future construction projects, a planned roundabout at the intersection of Laurel Bay Road and Stanley Farm Road is designed to enhance safety and reduce crash rates. This project is expected to commence in early 2026 and will take about 18 months to complete, with an estimated cost of $2.5 million.
Another significant project is the I-95 improvement initiative, which aims to enhance capacity and operational efficiency along a 13-mile stretch of the interstate. This project is currently in the design phase, with construction anticipated to begin in early 2027. The overall goal is to alleviate traffic delays through the year 2050.
A separate U.S. 278 Corridor Project is pending approval and is estimated to cost $311 million, with construction expected to start in early 2028 and be completed by December 2030. This project will involve the replacement of two aging bridges and the construction of a new connector road.
To manage the potential for cost overruns, SCDOT has developed a contingency plan, ensuring commitment to facilitate the project despite possible funding challenges. Local officials are collaborating on strategies to tackle traffic issues, extending beyond bridge replacement projects to include a comprehensive approach to improving area roadways.
With ongoing construction, residents are encouraged to remain vigilant for updates regarding traffic conditions and construction timelines to navigate Beaufort’s roads efficiently.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Hilton Head Island Moves Forward with Bridge Replacement
Funding Approved for U.S. 278 Corridor Project in Beaufort County
South Carolina Proposes Relief for Businesses Affected by Hardscrabble Road Construction
Funding Discussions for U.S. 278 Corridor Project in Beaufort
Beaufort County Residents Prepare for Road Closures During Juneteenth Parade
Winter Weather Advisory Issued for Columbia, South Carolina
Columbia Prepares for Potential Winter Weather
Fatal Collision in Beaufort County Claims One Life
Bluffton, Beaufort County Sees Fatal Six-Car Collision
Beaufort County Organizes ‘No Kings’ Rally and Food Drive
Additional Resources
- Island Packet: Beaufort News
- Wikipedia: Traffic Congestion
- WTOC: Overnight Road Resurfacing US 278
- Google Search: Beaufort traffic updates
- Island Packet: Local Article
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Infrastructure
- WITN: Beaufort County Traffic Pattern
- Google News: Beaufort road improvements
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.
