Beaufort County Continues Negotiations for Hilton Head Bridge

Hilton Head Island, SC

On May 19, 2025, the Beaufort County Council voted 8-3 to continue negotiations with the State Infrastructure Bank (SIB) regarding the Hilton Head Island bridge project, a critical infrastructure endeavor aimed at improving transportation connections between Hilton Head Island and Bluffton. This decision is aimed at preserving a $120 million state grant that is now at risk following the SIB’s rejection of a previous project proposal on May 12, 2025.

Project Funding and Scope

The bridge project is estimated to require approximately $300 million in total costs. However, due to budget constraints, the original plans have been revised and scaled back significantly. Continuing the negotiations with SIB will allow the county to maintain some measure of control over the project and its funding. Council members were faced with two choices: proceed with negotiations to keep the $120 million in funding or abandon talks, which would result in losing the grant.

The SIB has expressed concerns about the revised project scope and its alignment with the original funding agreement. If Beaufort County does not adequately address these concerns within a few weeks, the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) will move to replace the existing Mackay Creek bridge with a simpler two-lane structure instead of pursuing the larger, more comprehensive project.

Financial Breakdown

The $120 million grant from the SIB is notable as the second-largest in the bank’s history, having been approved in 2020. The total funding for the bridge project is composed of multiple sources: Beaufort County’s allocation of $80 million, $12.3 million from road impact fees, $7 million in general obligation bonds, $3.35 million from Hilton Head Island in right-of-way dedication, $4.2 million from federal funds, and $65.5 million from SCDOT. This collective funding totals just over $292 million.

Urgent Infrastructure Needs

The current Mackay Creek bridge is over 60 years old and recently received a “poor” rating during a January 2024 inspection, highlighting the need for immediate upgrades and improvements. The existing bridge functions as the primary route for traffic between Hilton Head Island and Bluffton, currently featuring two lanes for eastbound and westbound traffic.

Political and Community Context

State Senator Tom Davis has emphasized the necessity of resolving the SIB’s concerns to avoid the risk of the project being handed over to the DOT, which could lead to further delays. Recent discussions have indicated that the funding sequence proposed by the county conflicted with existing agreements, highlighting the need for a commitment to address potential cost overruns and provide clear construction timelines.

The original plan for the project included the construction of a new six-lane bridge and improvements along the corridor connecting Bluffton and Hilton Head. However, community opposition necessitated changes to the proposal’s scope, leading to the current revision efforts.

Next Steps for Negotiation

The SIB has requested that Beaufort County submit further revisions to the bridge project by May 27, 2025. Addressing the SIB’s inquiries regarding funding and project execution will be crucial in ensuring that the project remains on track and avoids unnecessary delays. The ongoing negotiations represent a critical juncture for the future of infrastructure on Hilton Head Island and its surrounding areas.