News Summary
Beaufort County is seeking federal funding to support a significant six-lane expansion of the U.S. 278 corridor. The county council aims to secure $200 million through the Bridge Investment Program, complementing $300 million from local and state sources. This decision addresses increasing traffic concerns linked to population growth. A three-lane bridge alternative is also in consideration if federal funds are not approved. With rush hour congestion and pedestrian safety issues at stake, the council’s decision has both support and dissent from local representatives.
Beaufort – Beaufort County is taking significant steps to address growing traffic concerns by advancing plans for the U.S. 278 corridor project. The Beaufort County Council voted to apply for federal funding aimed at fully financing the six-lane expansion of this crucial infrastructure. This decision comes as the county grapples with increased traffic volume following population growth, particularly at key intersections along the route.
In a unanimous decision, the council has opted to pursue a federal grant through the Bridge Investment Program, which supports large-scale bridge projects that exceed $100 million in cost. If awarded, Beaufort County could secure up to $200 million, which would complement approximately $300 million already committed by local and state entities. This funding would cover the estimated $466.8 million necessary to complete the full six-lane project.
Despite this ambitious plan, the council is also considering a more modest option. County staff indicated they might proceed with building a smaller, three-lane bridge if the federal grant is not obtained. Recently, the South Carolina State Infrastructure Bank (SIB) approved plans for the three-lane bridge, which would cost an estimated $311.6 million. The SIB has already committed $120 million towards this scaled-back version, which follows the rejection of a $1 billion penny sales tax that was meant to fund the original project.
The county’s last referendum in 2024 on the penny sales tax failed, partly due to public dissatisfaction with previous projects and concerns surrounding government transparency. Community members expressed their mistrust in the local government while some, like resident Felicity LaMarca, suggested exploring alternative routes to alleviate traffic, particularly those heading to Hilton Head Island.
The approval for pursuing the federal grant was not without dissent. While the council’s decision passed, two members voted against the application. Council Member Tom Reitz, who represents Hilton Head Island, stated that there are divisions within his district regarding the larger bridge proposal, emphasizing that “bigger is not always better.” Currently, Hilton Head Island is serviced by four bridges connecting it to Bluffton, which are experiencing significant traffic congestion and pose pedestrian safety issues as highlighted by local officials.
As the council awaits a decision on the grant—anticipated within six to nine months—they will continue work on the three-lane bridge design, which is currently about 10% complete. The assistant county administrator remarked that advancing this preliminary design would help mitigate potential delays and reassure funding partners. Should the federal grant be secured, the county could shift focus back to the more advanced six-lane design.
The council has been working on the bridge project for over seven years, with the scope of the project evolving multiple times. Initial plans included extensive improvements to the corridor between Bluffton and Hilton Head Island, with a budget that neared $500 million. Following the disappointing revenue from the 2018 penny sales tax referendum, which only raised $146 million and completed merely 10% of planned projects, many related construction efforts remain on hold or are still in the design phase due to budget constraints.
Looking ahead, if all goes according to plan, the projected completion date for the final project is set for December 2030. As traffic congestion continues to grow, the urgency for a solution remains clear for Beaufort County’s leadership and community members alike.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Rising Concerns Over Traffic Safety Amid Multiple Fatal Accidents
Beaufort County Pursues Grant for U.S. 278 Corridor Project
Traffic Delays Anticipated Due to Construction in Beaufort
Hilton Head Island Moves Forward with Bridge Replacement
Funding Approved for U.S. 278 Corridor Project in Beaufort County
Funding Discussions for U.S. 278 Corridor Project in Beaufort
Major Infrastructure Project to Enhance I-95 in South Carolina
Beaufort County’s Proposal for Hilton Head Island Bridge Rejected
Beaufort County Faces Setbacks in U.S. 278 Corridor Project
Additional Resources
- Island Packet: Beaufort County Addresses Traffic Concerns
- Google Search: Beaufort County traffic concerns
- Post and Courier: Hilton Head Bridge Traffic Concerns
- Wikipedia: Hilton Head Island
- Island Packet: Local News on Traffic Solutions
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Traffic Congestion
- Island Packet: Traffic Updates for Beaufort Area
- Google News: Beaufort traffic updates
- Post and Courier: Hilton Head Bridge Funding Challenges
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.
