News Summary
A significant traffic accident near Moss Creek Drive in Bluffton has caused major delays for eastbound travelers on U.S. 278. The eastbound lanes were closed, resulting in traffic back-ups extending three miles. Authorities advise motorists to use caution and consider alternate routes. This incident compounds previous accidents in the area, raising ongoing safety concerns for the busy highway connecting Bluffton to Hilton Head Island.
Bluffton Sees Major Traffic Delays Following Accident on U.S. 278
A significant traffic incident occurred just before 4 p.m. on Saturday near Moss Creek Drive in Bluffton, causing major delays for eastbound travelers on U.S. 278 heading towards Hilton Head Island. The eastbound lanes were entirely shut down, prompting the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office to advise drivers to expect extended delays on this busy highway.
Master Sgt. Bob Herlong of the Sheriff’s Office reported at approximately 4:10 p.m. that traffic was backed up for approximately three miles, extending to Malphrus Road near a local Chick-fil-A. As of the latest updates, no further details regarding the specifics of the accident or the number of vehicles involved have been released. Authorities have stated that they will provide updates as more information becomes available.
Additional Incidents Compound Traffic Issues
This recent accident is not an isolated incident. Earlier this week, a separate event on Wednesday morning involving a horse contributed to lane closures along U.S. 278. The horse escaped from a nearby stable and ran onto the highway, ultimately colliding with a pickup truck. The impact resulted in significant injuries to the horse, which had to be euthanized on-site due to a broken leg. Fortunately, the driver of the pickup truck was unharmed.
In addition, another accident was reported on Tuesday afternoon around 1:20 p.m. near the same area of Moss Creek Drive. This collision blocked the right eastbound lane leading off the bridge toward Bluffton, further exacerbating traffic conditions. Traffic delays were already considerable on that day due to ongoing construction work near Spanish Wells Road, which had begun earlier that morning.
Current Traffic Conditions
Background Context
U.S. 278 is a crucial transportation route in the Lowcountry region of South Carolina, linking Bluffton and Hilton Head Island. This highway is often busy, especially during weekends and peak vacation seasons, as it provides access to resorts, beaches, and residential areas. The frequency of accidents and incidents along this stretch highlights ongoing safety concerns for both drivers and pedestrians who use the roadway.
Authorities remain vigilant in monitoring the situation and are likely to increase visibility and traffic management efforts in light of recent events. It is essential for drivers to stay informed on current conditions and to observe all traffic regulations to minimize risks while traveling in this heavily trafficked area.
Stay tuned for updates as more information regarding these incidents becomes available from local authorities.
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Additional Resources
- Island Packet: Major Traffic Delays
- Wikipedia: U.S. Route 278
- WJCL: Bluffton Crash Involving Animal
- Google Search: Bluffton traffic accident
- Island Packet: More on Recent Accidents
- Google Scholar: Traffic Safety U.S. 278
- AOL: U.S. 278 Crash Incident
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Traffic Safety
- WJCL: Deadly Crash on U.S. 278
- Google News: Bluffton traffic
Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD
The HILTON HEAD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHiltonHead.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hilton Head Island, Beaufort County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the RBC Heritage golf tournament, Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival, and the Gullah Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, plus leading businesses in tourism and hospitality that power the local economy such as Sea Pines Resort and Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
