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Traffic Disruption Caused by Truck Accident on U.S. 278

Traffic congestion on U.S. 278 due to an accident and ongoing road work.

News Summary

All eastbound lanes of U.S. 278 have reopened after a truck accident this Tuesday caused significant traffic delays. The accident involved a tow-behind car hauler that tipped over on the overpass at S.C. 170, leading to advised detours via Okatie Highway. While there were no injuries reported, authorities are monitoring the situation as upcoming resurfacing work on U.S. 278 is set to begin soon. Motorists are reminded to exercise caution during their commutes amidst ongoing road work and closures due to flooding in other areas.

Hilton Head Island, SC — All eastbound lanes of U.S. 278 have reopened as of 1:45 p.m. on Tuesday following a traffic disruption caused by a truck accident earlier in the day. The incident involved a tow-behind car hauler that tipped over on the overpass at S.C. 170 around noon, as reported by the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO).

By 12:50 p.m., traffic backups had extended significantly, with delays stretching west towards Hardeeville and east into the Bluffton town limits. Motorists experienced additional slowdowns as the on-ramp from S.C. 170 to Fording Island Road was also closed due to the accident.

Authorities advised drivers to seek alternative routes, highlighting Okatie Highway as a viable option during the delays. As of 12:40 p.m., police stated there were no reported injuries stemming from the crash, which helped to contain concerns about the incident’s scale.

Looking ahead, overnight road resurfacing on U.S. Highway 278 is set to begin starting Sunday, May 11. The road work will cover the section from the Okatie River bridge to the Hampton Parkway light, taking place from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. daily, and is expected to run for two weeks, contingent on weather conditions. This project is funded by the Beaufort County Transportation Committee.

Drivers are encouraged to prepare for travel by allowing extra time and to exercise caution when traveling through the work zones.

In addition to the U.S. 278 disruptions, SC 3 and U.S. 278 in Allendale County remain closed and detoured due to flooding. A map of the road closures is available, and drivers are urged to avoid driving through any standing water to ensure safety. Reports have confirmed that a road near Allendale-Fairfax High School has suffered significant washout damage.

Significant flooding and subsequent road closures in Jasper County were linked to the damage caused by Tropical Storm Debby in August. Grays Highway (U.S. 278) was reopened on April 28 following extensive repairs, which included the construction of a new bridge. Ongoing road paving projects related to damages from the storm are still in progress in the region.

The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) is currently engaged in various other projects, including pavement improvement on SC 462, expected to wrap up in May, and a rural road safety project along U.S. 321. Public feedback is encouraged for any road-related issues through SCDOT’s Engineering Department, along with updates on ongoing projects available on their website and social media.

As traffic patterns continue to be affected by both the recent accident and ongoing road work, motorists are reminded to stay vigilant during their commutes and adhere to local traffic advisories.