News Summary
Beaufort County will commence daytime road resurfacing projects on July 14, focusing on improving local infrastructure to ease traffic congestion. Motorists should expect lane closures and are advised to drive cautiously around work zones. The projects include a 3-mile section along US 278 and enhancements to critical intersections. Future projects aim to expand capacities on I-95 in response to regional growth, with a total investment of over $163 million. Community members are encouraged to be patient as these improvements take place.
Beaufort County to Begin Daytime Road Resurfacing and Various Road Improvement Projects Starting July 14
Beaufort County will kick off daytime road resurfacing projects starting Monday, July 14, with operations running daily from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Funded by the Beaufort County Transportation Committee, these projects aim to improve local road conditions amid growing traffic congestion due to an increasing population.
Motorists are advised to expect lane closures, road cones, and signage during the construction to help manage traffic safely. Residents and drivers are encouraged to exercise caution when approaching work zones to ensure their safety and that of the construction crews.
The specific area targeted for resurfacing includes a 3-mile section on US 278, Fording Island Road, stretching from mile point 7 to mile point 11. Work schedules for certain road construction projects are still being developed, depending on the readiness of each project.
All construction activities are contingent on weather conditions, highlighting the need for flexibility in scheduling to accommodate unforeseen setbacks.
Upcoming Projects and Funding
The road improvement efforts follow partnerships confirmed with the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT). The pavement program focuses on reconstructing and rehabilitating essential roads across South Carolina. Selected improvements are based on objective criteria set forth by SCDOT, with the current pavement improvement program expanding to 727 miles of roadway, adding to over 8,800 miles of ongoing roadwork statewide.
SCDOT has allocated $719 million to the existing pavement improvement fund, totaling more than $4.3 billion available for road maintenance and enhancement across the state. Federal funding is distributed by county to ensure equitable support for road projects statewide.
Safety Improvements and Future Plans
A significant project planned for Beaufort County involves enhancing the intersection of Laurel Bay Road and Stanley Farm Road. This undertaking will create a single-lane roundabout, a design chosen due to high crash rates reported through the Highway Safety Improvement Program. Roundabouts are statistically proven to reduce total accidents by up to 75%, with serious crashes decreasing by as much as 79%.
The Laurel Bay Road project is expected to commence in early 2026 and is anticipated to take approximately 18 months to complete, with a projected cost of $2.5 million.
In addition, a crucial project aimed at improving I-95 capacity and mobility is on the horizon, impacting a 13-mile stretch of the interstate from US 278 (Exit 8) to SC 336 (Exit 21). This expansion project is motivated by the anticipated growth in the Lowcountry region, which has led to increased traffic demands.
Public discussions regarding the I-95 project were held on January 30, and further planning updates will continue until spring 2026. Groundbreaking for this project is not expected until early 2027, with an estimated total cost of about $163 million.
Conclusion
With these upcoming road improvement initiatives, Beaufort County aims to enhance transportation infrastructure to accommodate the growing needs of its residents. As construction begins, stakeholders are urged to remain vigilant and patient as necessary improvements unfold in the area.
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Additional Resources
- WTOC: Daytime Road Resurfacing Projects Beaufort County
- Wikipedia: Road Resurfacing
- WSAV: Beaufort County to Begin Road Resurfacing
- Google Search: Road Improvement Projects South Carolina
- Island Packet: Beaufort County Road Projects
- Google Scholar: Beaufort County Infrastructure
- WTOC: Overnight Road Resurfacing US 278
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Transportation
- Island Packet: Beaufort News
- Google News: Beaufort County Transportation

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.

