News Summary
The causeway to Sands Beach in Port Royal has opened for public vehicular access, improving access to one of Beaufort County’s few vehicle-friendly beaches. The project included a new wooden causeway constructed for both vehicles and pedestrians, enhancing the area’s amenities. While the majority of the beach is now accessible by car, a section near the water remains roped off for safety. The project was funded by federal COVID-19 relief, demonstrating a commitment to local infrastructure improvements despite mixed feedback from the community regarding its design.
Port Royal, South Carolina – The causeway leading to Sands Beach in Port Royal is now open for public vehicular use, enabling easier access to one of Beaufort County’s few beaches where vehicles are permitted. The newly constructed wooden causeway opened to vehicles on Friday, June 6, 2025, following a three-month construction period.
Prior to the official opening for vehicles, a pedestrian section of the causeway became accessible at the end of May 2025, allowing visitors to explore the new pathway earlier. This key feature measures 150 feet long and 24 feet wide, designed specifically to accommodate both vehicle traffic and pedestrians. The project is strategically situated where Battery Creek meets the adjacent marsh, enhancing amenities for beachgoers.
Constructed on 25-foot deep pilings, the causeway includes a concrete and rubberized stabilization foundation, ensuring durability and support for long-term use. It can handle up to 20 tons of weight and has been leveled using sand at both approaches. While the majority of Sands Beach is accessible for vehicles, a small section near the water’s edge remains roped off for safety reasons.
Sands Beach is popular among the local community not only for its scenic views and stunning sunsets but also for activities such as dolphin watching and searching for shark teeth. Open from dawn until dusk, this beach provides a recreational space that caters to both families and individual visitors looking to enjoy the outdoors.
The causeway’s construction was financed by $1.5 million in federal COVID-19 relief funds, reflecting a commitment to improving local infrastructure in response to community needs. The announcement of the causeway’s opening created a buzz on social media, garnering over 600 likes, 60 shares, and more than 100 comments, with reactions primarily leaning toward positivity.
However, not all feedback was wholly positive, as some community members expressed concerns regarding the causeway’s width, suggesting that it may only be sufficient for single-lane traffic. This concern points to the necessity for ongoing assessments of the infrastructure to ensure safety for all users. The construction was carried out by Greenway Bridge Company based in St. Augustine, Florida, following community requests for improved access to the beach rather than opting for alternative solutions, such as piping water away from the area.
The causeway’s opening marks a significant milestone for the Port Royal community, reinforcing the beach’s status as a welcoming destination for residents and visitors alike. The enhancements brought by this infrastructure project illustrate a broader effort to improve access to natural spaces within the region while ensuring safety and functionality for diverse beach activities.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Transportation Options for Seniors in South Carolina’s Lowcountry
Additional Resources
- Your Island News: Sands Beach Causeway Now Open for Vehicles
- Wikipedia: Port Royal, South Carolina
- Island Packet: Beaufort News Article
- Google Search: Port Royal beaches
- Explore Beaufort SC: New Year’s Day Pirate Plunge
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Sands Beach
- WSAV: Port Royal Makes Changes to Accommodate Growth
- Google News: Port Royal infrastructure
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.
