News Summary
Beaufort County officials are exploring a federal grant opportunity to revive the six-lane U.S. 278 corridor project amid growing traffic challenges due to population growth. The project could receive up to $200 million from the Bridge Investment Program, leveraging local funding commitments. With traffic and pedestrian safety concerns rising, especially for Hilton Head Island, the county aims for a cohesive solution to address wider infrastructure needs.
Beaufort County, SC – Beaufort County officials are responding to escalating traffic concerns in the region by eyeing a new federal grant opportunity to support the revival of the six-lane U.S. 278 corridor project. This initiative comes as the county faces significant population growth and increased traffic volumes, particularly at major intersections, leading to a pressing need for infrastructure improvements.
The announcement of the potential grant surfaced during a recent Beaufort County Council workshop, where officials discussed the project’s future amidst challenges in securing funding. The South Carolina State Infrastructure Bank has already committed $120 million towards a scaled-back three-lane eastbound bridge project, which is estimated to cost approximately $311.6 million. This adjustment follows the rejection of a $1 billion penny tax by voters that was intended to cover rising project costs.
The federal grant opportunity is part of the Bridge Investment Program, which focuses on supporting bridge projects that exceed $100 million. If awarded, Beaufort County could receive up to $200 million, leveraging an existing pledge of $300 million from local and state entities to meet the total projected project cost of $466.8 million.
However, the county’s application for this grant hinges on continuous backing from the State Infrastructure Bank. A council vote on the grant application is required by July 14 to align with an August 1 application deadline, and officials have acknowledged that they will face competition from various applicants nationwide.
During the council meeting, the timing of the grant announcement caught several officials by surprise. Assistant County Administrator Jared Fralix clarified that the completion of the three-lane bridge plan would not be delayed nor would it incur additional costs if the application for the grant is submitted. Should the grant be awarded, the county would have the option to revert to the original six-lane bridge design, which is more advanced in the design phase.
Both designs are targeting a completion date of December 2030. The pressing need for this new infrastructure arises from the deteriorating state of the eastbound bridge over Mackay Creek, which has been cited as requiring immediate replacement due to its poor condition. Traffic and pedestrian safety have become central concerns, particularly for Hilton Head Island, where officials, including Mayor Alan Perry, have called for broader traffic improvements in addition to bridge reconstruction.
State Senator Tom Davis has shown support for the project while emphasizing the importance of the bridge’s design being aligned with community needs. He has advocated for local officials to finalize a master plan that comprehensively addresses the traffic challenges along the entire U.S. 278 corridor, aiming for a more cohesive solution rather than a piecemeal approach.
The county’s intent behind simplifying the project stems from previous community pushback regarding the initial extensive design for the bridge. Leadership is aiming to engage more cooperatively with the State Infrastructure Bank through a new intergovernmental agreement that seeks to resolve concerns and secure necessary funding for the replacement of the bridge.
If all goes according to plan, construction for the new bridge could commence as early as early 2028, provided that both funding and planning processes are executed without delays. The ongoing discussions and plans reflect the county’s commitment to addressing growing traffic issues while navigating the complexities of funding infrastructure in a rapidly developing region.
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Additional Resources
- Island Packet: Beaufort County Traffic Concerns
- Wikipedia: Infrastructure
- Post and Courier: Hilton Head Bridge Replacement Grant
- Google Search: Hilton Head Bridge
- Island Packet: Beaufort County Council Workshop
- Google Scholar: Beaufort County Infrastructure
- Post and Courier: Bridge Traffic Concerns
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Traffic Congestion
- WNCT: Beaufort County Schools Grant
- Google News: Beaufort County Funding
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.
