August 5, 2025

Road and Infrastructure Improvements Planned for Beaufort and Jasper Counties

News Summary

The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) plans to undertake significant road improvement projects in Beaufort and Jasper counties as part of its 2026 Pavement Improvement Program. The initiative focuses on local highways and neighborhood streets, with enhancements determined by a thorough ranking system. Additionally, major sewer and water infrastructure upgrades are set to be implemented to accommodate growing demand, while the new South Atlantic Logistics Terminal project in Hardeeville aims to bolster local economic development.

Beaufort, South Carolina – The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) is set to launch significant road improvement projects in Beaufort and Jasper counties over the next year, as part of its 2026 Pavement Improvement Program. This initiative, approved in May, aims to enhance the state’s infrastructure by improving a total of 732 miles of roadway across South Carolina.

The upcoming improvements will primarily focus on local highways, secondary roads, and neighborhood streets, marking SCDOT’s ninth year of implementing the Pavement Improvement Program. The projects are determined based on a thorough ranking system that pulls from the state’s Transportation Asset Management Plan, which assesses various factors including highway safety, bridge integrity, road resurfacing needs, and interstate capacity.

Essentially, each project is scored and prioritized using a combination of engineering assessments, scoring systems, and local knowledge amassed by SCDOT. The urgency levels range from 1, indicating the most urgent needs, to 3, which represents lower priority items. The types of improvements planned include preventive maintenance, rehabilitation, and reconstruction, with Beaufort and Jasper counties specifically set to undergo rehabilitation and reconstruction work.

Funding for these infrastructure projects has been sourced from the New Gas Tax Trust Fund, which was established in 2017 following a gas tax increase of 12 cents over six years. This measure has enhanced spending transparency, and since its initiation, SCDOT has invested over $4.8 billion in improving pavement conditions statewide.

Sewer Infrastructure Expansion

In tandem with road improvements, the Beaufort Jasper Water and Sewer Authority (BJWSA) will be investing $21 million to expand sewer capacity in the Bluffton area, responding to growing demand from residents and businesses. The project involves upgrading two pump stations located at Buck Island Road & Baylor Drive and Malphrus Road & Pine Forest Drive, with planned enhancements expected to increase flow rates by nearly 80%.

As part of this initiative, BJWSA will also construct an 850,000-gallon below-ground storage tank aimed at improving capacity and flow, particularly during periods of heavy rain. Nearly half of the sewer project’s cost will be covered by a $10 million grant from the Rural Infrastructure Authority’s South Carolina Rural Infrastructure Investment Program. The contractor handling the sewer enhancements is Wharton-Smith, Inc. While there will be no service interruptions during the construction phase, local traffic may be affected until March 2025.

Water Supply Improvements

Additionally, a new water tower, with a capacity of 1.5 million gallons, is planned for Bluffton to bolster the water system’s capabilities, which are increasingly strained by population growth and higher demand. The anticipated total cost for this water tower project is projected at $28 million, with its location designated for the intersection of Buckwalter and Bluffton parkways.

Economic Development in Hardeeville

Further contributing to regional development, construction is also expected to commence on the master infrastructure for the new industrial project known as South Atlantic Logistics Terminal (SALT) in Hardeeville. This development is anticipated to create more than 550 jobs while expanding warehouse and industrial space in the area, fostering further economic growth.

In summary, with significant road and sewer infrastructure improvements underway, both Beaufort and Jasper counties are set to experience transformation in their transportation and utility services. These initiatives aim to enhance safety, accommodate population growth, and stimulate economic development, contributing to a stronger infrastructure foundation for the future.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Beaufort County to Begin Daytime Road Resurfacing and Improvements
Beaufort County to Begin Daytime Road Resurfacing on US 278
Beaufort County Pursues Grant for U.S. 278 Corridor Project
Beaufort County Council Approves New Budget Allocation
Beaufort City Council Passes $73 Million Budget
Traffic Delays Anticipated Due to Construction in Beaufort
Funding Approved for U.S. 278 Corridor Project in Beaufort County
Funding Discussions for U.S. 278 Corridor Project in Beaufort
Beaufort County Moves Forward with New Lady’s Island Middle School
South Carolina Proposes $150 Million for Industrial Site Improvements

Additional Resources

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.

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.

Stay Connected

Would You Like To Add Your Business?

Submit