Funding Denied for Hilton Head Island Bridge Project

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Overview of the Mackay Creek bridge on Hilton Head Island with traffic

News Summary

The State Infrastructure Bank (SIB) board has unanimously denied a funding proposal for the Hilton Head Island bridge project, marking a significant setback. Despite efforts from Beaufort County Council to address previous concerns, discrepancies and design limitations raised by the SIB led to this decision. With an estimated cost of $300 million, the project seeks to replace the deteriorating eastbound bridge over Mackay Creek but now faces an uncertain future. Local officials stress the urgency for an effective solution to address traffic management and infrastructure needs.

Hilton Head Island

The State Infrastructure Bank (SIB) board voted unanimously on May 12, 2025, to deny a critical funding plan for the Hilton Head Island bridge project, leaving its future uncertain. This decision marks a significant setback for efforts aimed at addressing the deteriorating state of the bridge, which has been deemed “poor” by state inspectors.

In an attempt to address previous concerns, Beaufort County Council submitted a scaled-back proposal to the SIB in response to warnings issued by the S.C. Department of Transportation (DOT). Despite these efforts, the board raised issues regarding discrepancies in funding sources, ambiguous cost estimates, and a lack of adherence to original agreements related to the project’s design and scope.

The proposed project involves tearing down the existing eastbound bridge over Mackay Creek and constructing a new bridge to Jenkins Island. The estimated cost of the project stands around $300 million, a significant reduction from the initial projections that nearly reached $499 million before undergoing extensive revisions.

Key points of contention from the SIB included the plan’s provision for only two lanes going in one direction, which deviates from the originally agreed design of a two-lane bridge accommodating traffic in both directions. This limitation is expected to further exacerbate the current congestion problems faced by commuters and residents on Hilton Head Island.

Senator Tom Davis expressed concerns that any delay in addressing the SIB’s feedback could result in the DOT intervening to replace only the deficient section of the bridge. This would jeopardize the comprehensive nature of the project and may lead to an incomplete solution to the traffic issues experienced in the area.

The Mackay Bridge is under increasing scrutiny, as it was placed on a statewide priority list after receiving a poor rating during its inspection in 2024. Such a classification typically indicates an urgent need for bridge repairs or replacement, which underscores the importance of a well-thought-out and adequately funded plan.

Originally, the project was envisioned to incorporate various enhancements, including pedestrian pathways and additional lane expansions to better accommodate the growing volume of traffic. However, these enhancements were eliminated in the revised plan, significantly reducing the project’s scope and perceived benefits.

In addition to the challenges posed by the SIB’s funding denial, a recent proposal involving a $950 million sales tax referendum aimed at financing the bridge project was rejected by 55% of voters in the county. This outcome complicates existing efforts to secure funds necessary for the project moving forward.

The county now faces a critical window of 60 to 90 days to address the SIB’s concerns and rework the funding proposal before potential funding is completely withdrawn. If a viable plan does not materialize promptly, anticipated traffic congestion could further deteriorate on and off Hilton Head Island during whatever construction may be needed in the future.

The outcome of the SIB’s decision not only affects the bridge project but also has broader implications for traffic management and infrastructure development in the region. Local officials stress the urgent need to act effectively to reach a satisfactory resolution that addresses both immediate safety concerns and the long-term needs of Hilton Head Island’s residents and visitors.

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Additional Resources

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