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Beaufort County Council Reviews U.S. 278 Corridor Funding

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Aerial view of U.S. 278 Corridor busy with traffic.

News Summary

The Beaufort County Council is evaluating funding options for the U.S. 278 Corridor project, which has seen its costs rise significantly from an initial $292 million to $488 million. With a $190 million funding gap remaining before the March 31 deadline, councilors are exploring various alternatives to ensure the ambitious project moves forward. Residents are hopeful for improvements that will alleviate increased traffic strains. Upcoming meetings are set to outline the next steps in this crucial planning process.

Beaufort County Council Takes a Close Look at U.S. 278 Corridor Funding

In a recent workshop, the Beaufort County Council evaluated various funding options for the much-anticipated U.S. 278 Corridor project. Excitement is in the air as residents are looking forward to improvements that will ease traffic and enhance their daily commute. However, some challenges lie ahead as the council scrambles to address a significant budget shortfall in this ambitious project.

Costs on the Rise

What started as an estimated $292 million project has now ballooned to an eye-popping $488 million. To put it into perspective, that’s nearly double the original estimate! The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) facilitated the workshop and provided six funding alternatives that ranged from a modest $89 million to an astounding $467 million.

The current reality is that while Beaufort County has secured about $298 million in funding, there remains a daunting $190 million gap that officials need to fill. The clock is ticking, as a deadline has been set by the SCDOT for March 31. If the county cannot rally a viable funding plan before then, the SCDOT may pull the plug on the project and shift its focus solely to replacing the eastbound Mackay Creek Bridge.

What’s on the Table?

The proposed funding options are diverse and aimed at meeting various community needs:

  • $257.7 million: A lifeline option without a multiuse pathway featuring a three-lane bridge with breakdown lanes.
  • $319.3 million: A lifeline option with a multiuse pathway, providing a three-lane bridge and a protected pathway.
  • $273.7 million: Another lifeline option devoid of a multiuse pathway featuring three eastbound lanes from Moss Creek to Spanish Wells.
  • $340.8 million: A lifeline option that integrates a multiuse pathway along with three eastbound lanes.
  • $466.8 million: The full project cost anticipated for 2024.
  • $88.6 million: Just a replacement of the Mackay Creek eastbound bridge.

It’s noteworthy that options three and four could face delays in moving through the necessary planning and construction phases, so the pressure is certainly on to make these funding decisions as soon as possible.

Looking Ahead

A joint meeting is slated for February 12 at 5 p.m., aiming to outline the next steps in this intricate planning puzzle. Residents are holding their breath, as construction is tentatively set to kick off in 2027, contingent on securing a solid funding framework.

Since 2017, Beaufort County and SCDOT have been hard at work trying to widen Highway 278 to accommodate the steady population growth in the area. The increasing traffic has put a strain on the corridor, making improvements not just necessary but urgent.

Bridging the Gap

The last inspection of the Mackay Creek Bridge left little room for optimism, as it was rated as “poor.” This rating highlights the urgent need for repairs and upgrades. Furthermore, rising costs and the prior failure of a sales tax referendum have made it more difficult to secure the funds needed for this important infrastructure project.

As the council members navigate these troubling waters, they are considering alternatives to bridge the funding gap, such as possible federal grants and future voter referenda.

Assistant County Administrator Jared Fralix noted that inflation is dealing a tough hand in inflating project costs significantly since the original proposals. The community is hopeful that with diligent planning and collaboration, a solution will emerge, bringing necessary improvements to the U.S. 278 corridor. Let’s keep our fingers crossed for a bright road ahead!

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Beaufort County Council Addresses U.S. 278 Corridor Funding
Urgent Meeting on MacKay Creek Bridge Project in Hilton Head
Confusion at Busy S.C. 170 and U.S. 278 Intersection
Beaufort Businesses on High Alert for Prop Money Use
Beaufort City Council Plans for Tourism and Infrastructure in 2025
Ongoing Traffic Improvements and Road Closures in Beaufort County
Beaufort County Council Updates Meeting Schedule for Residents
Hilton Head Town Council Faces Scrutiny Over U.S. 278 Project
Senator Tom Davis Proposes Funding for Traffic Solutions in Beaufort County
Beaufort County’s Tax Referendum Fails Amid Leadership Concerns

Additional Resources

Beaufort County Council Reviews U.S. 278 Corridor Funding

HERE Beaufort
Author: HERE Beaufort

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