Beaufort County, August 20, 2025
News Summary
Beaufort County has approved a revised $311.6 million U.S. 278 Corridor project to address rising traffic concerns due to population growth. The new plan outlines a three-lane bridge while securing potential federal funding. The aging eastbound bridge, built in 1956, poses significant concerns for emergency services. Local officials also face financial challenges in managing infrastructure improvements, especially after a failed transportation referendum.
Beaufort County has recently taken significant steps to address rising traffic concerns tied to its growing population by approving a revised version of the U.S. 278 Corridor project. The changes come amid increasing traffic volumes at critical intersections, prompting local officials to seek a viable solution.
The South Carolina Joint Bond Review Committee has approved a scaled-back plan that significantly alters the original proposal for the U.S. 278 Corridor, initially estimated at nearly $500 million for a six-lane bridge. The revised plan outlines a $311.6 million three-lane bridge to span Mackay Creek and Skull Creek. This new design incorporates two striped lanes alongside an adaptable setup for temporary four-lane use during emergencies or potential future westbound bridge replacements.
One of the main driving forces behind these changes is the aging eastbound bridge that has been in place since 1956. As hurricane season approaches, officials have expressed unease regarding the bridge’s vulnerability. Without timely intervention, projections indicate that the bridge could be subjected to weight restrictions by 2031, a scenario that could severely limit access for emergency services and heavy vehicles.
Amidst these concerns, the three-lane bridge plan is being advanced with the help of a federal grant application under the Bridge Investment Program. This program is designed to provide funding for large-scale bridge projects, with the potential for the county to secure up to $200 million in federal assistance, complementing the approximately $300 million already pledged by local and state entities.
If the funding is successfully obtained, it could pave the way for revisiting the initial six-lane bridge proposal, which is already in a more advanced design stage. Currently, the design of the three-lane bridge is approximately 10% complete as of July 2025, and the anticipated completion date for the project remains set for December 2030.
This revised U.S. 278 project aims to improve the corridor from the Bluffton Parkway flyover to the Windmill Harbor intersection. An analysis has indicated that over 53,000 homes and apartments have been approved for development in the Hardeeville area, further exacerbating the strain on local infrastructure. A recent study estimates that up to $423 million will be required for critical infrastructure improvements to effectively manage expected traffic congestion.
The financial challenge remains prominent as short-term intersection enhancements are estimated to cost around $35.6 million, while broader roadway projects could reach up to $123 million. Local officials are particularly concerned about funding these necessary projects after a failed transportation referendum in November. Discussions have begun regarding the possibility of placing another sales tax measure on the 2026 ballot that could potentially generate around $650 million for capital improvements.
As traffic patterns continue to evolve, disruptions are anticipated in the Beaufort area, especially with students moving into the University of South Carolina Beaufort this weekend. Commuters are advised to consider alternate routes to alleviate potential delays.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the U.S. 278 Corridor project?
The U.S. 278 Corridor project is an infrastructure initiative aimed at improving traffic flow and safety along the U.S. 278 highway in Beaufort County, particularly at critical intersections.
What changes were made to the original bridge proposal?
The original nearly $500 million six-lane bridge proposal was scaled back to a $311.6 million three-lane bridge, designed to accommodate emergency traffic with potential future four-lane use.
What are the financial implications of this project?
The project requires about $423 million for infrastructure improvements, and local officials are considering a sales tax measure to generate approximately $650 million for capital projects after a previous transportation referendum failed.
What concerns do officials have about the current eastbound bridge?
The aging eastbound bridge could face weight restrictions after 2031, which would limit access for emergency vehicles and heavy traffic, further intensifying the need for infrastructure improvements.
When is the project expected to be completed?
The targeted completion date for the U.S. 278 Corridor project remains set for December 2030, regardless of funding outcomes.
Key Features of the U.S. 278 Corridor Project
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Original Proposal | Nearly $500 million six-lane bridge |
| Revised Proposal | $311.6 million three-lane bridge |
| Federal Funding Potential | Up to $200 million from the Bridge Investment Program |
| Aging Bridge | Eastbound bridge vulnerable, built in 1956 |
| Projected Completion Date | December 2030 |
| Development Impact | 53,000 new homes approved in Hardeeville |
| Infrastructure Improvement Costs | $423 million estimated for traffic management |
| Sales Tax Measure | Proposal for 2026 ballot to raise $650 million |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Transformative Southpoint Project Unveiled in Hardeeville
Tragic Collision Claims Life of Pedestrian in Bluffton
Road and Infrastructure Improvements Planned for Beaufort and Jasper Counties
Serious Accidents Cause Traffic Disruptions in Beaufort County
Driver Killed in Collision with Tree on Hilton Head Island
Fatal Collision in Hilton Head Claims Driver’s Life
Fatal Car Accident on Hilton Head Island
Beaufort County to Begin Daytime Road Resurfacing and Improvements
Beaufort County Advances U.S. 278 Corridor Project Funding
Rising Concerns Over Traffic Safety Amid Multiple Fatal Accidents
Additional Resources
- Island Packet: U.S. 278 Corridor Project
- Wikipedia: Transportation in South Carolina
- Island Packet: Beaufort County Politics
- Google Search: Beaufort County traffic
- Post and Courier: Traffic Costs in Beaufort County
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Transportation
- Island Packet: Local Traffic Issues
- Google Scholar: Traffic Congestion Solutions
- Island Packet: Weather Impact on Traffic
- Google News: Beaufort County infrastructure
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.
