News Summary
The Beaufort County Council has approved a proposal to apply for federal funding aimed at a full six-lane expansion of the U.S. 278 corridor. This decision comes in response to increased traffic due to the county’s growing population, with the potential for a grant of $200 million from the Bridge Investment Program, supplementing existing funds. There is also consideration for a smaller three-lane project, which has already received preliminary state approval. Community members are concerned about the focus on a larger bridge while suggesting alternative traffic solutions.
Beaufort, SC — The Beaufort County Council has taken steps to address rising traffic concerns by voting to apply for federal funding aimed at a full six-lane expansion of the U.S. 278 corridor project. The decision follows an increase in traffic at local intersections attributed to the county’s growing population, which has resulted in more vehicles on the roads.
In the council meeting, members approved the proposal to seek funding from the Bridge Investment Program, which is designed to support large-scale bridge projects exceeding $100 million. If successful, the grant could provide Beaufort County with as much as $200 million, supplementing approximately $300 million already secured from various stakeholders. This combined funding would exceed the estimated $466.8 million needed for the complete six-lane project.
However, the council is also exploring a smaller alternative option—a three-lane bridge project. This potential design has already received preliminary approval from the South Carolina State Infrastructure Bank, which has allocated $120 million towards it following the defeat of a controversial $1 billion sales tax referendum aimed at the larger project. The referendum was rejected by voters largely due to escalating costs, frustrations over project delays, and concerns regarding transparency in government dealings.
The state bank has recently approved a scaled-back, three-lane eastbound bridge project, estimated to cost $311.6 million. This decision comes in the wake of the failed sales tax referendum, which may appear on the ballot again as early as November 2026, pending community interest and approval.
Despite the council’s plans, some community members, like resident Felicity LaMarca, have raised concerns regarding the council’s focus on pursuing a larger bridge proposal. LaMarca and others have suggested that alternative solutions should be considered to better address the existing traffic issues on U.S. 278.
Assistant County Administrator Jared Fralix emphasized the importance of advancing the design for the three-lane bridge to avoid delays and additional expenses while waiting for the grant decision, which is anticipated within six to nine months. Currently, the three-lane bridge design is in the early stages, with only 10% of the planning complete.
Should the federal grant be awarded, the targeted completion date for either project is set for December 2030. While the council move passed with a majority vote, there was dissent, reflecting a broader community division on the viability of a larger bridge. Council Member Tom Reitz expressed concerns shared by some residents who oppose the larger plan, questioning whether bigger always equates to better.
The discussions surrounding U.S. 278 corridor improvements have been ongoing for several years. These improvements include addressing significant congestion and structural concerns regarding the MacKay Creek Bridge, which has been in place since 1956. Enhancements along this corridor are critical to increasing safety and improving traffic flow in a region grappling with population growth and heightened commuter activity.
As Beaufort County moves forward with its plans, the dual path of pursuing both a comprehensive six-lane expansion and a smaller three-lane option may serve to balance community interests while addressing the pressing demands of increased traffic in the area.
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Additional Resources
- Island Packet: Beaufort County Council Seeks Funding for U.S. 278 Expansion
- Wikipedia: Traffic Congestion
- Post and Courier: Traffic Concerns on Hilton Head Bridge
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Transportation
- Island Packet: Local Traffic Updates
- Google Search: U.S. 278 Traffic Beaufort
- Island Packet: Beaufort County Infrastructure Plans
- Google News: Beaufort County Traffic Concerns
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