Are Lowcountry bridges and roads closing due to the snow storm? Here’s what SC DOT says
Editor’s note: A previous version of this story incorrectly stated the bridges to Hilton Head Island closed during a 2018 winter storm. Those bridges remained open, but the Charles E. Frazier Bridge — which crosses Broad Creek near the Spanish Wells area — closed for wintry conditions. (Updated 8:36 a.m. Jan. 22, 2025)
As the winter weather inches closer, travel and transportation in the Lowcountry may be impacted.
According to the South Carolina Department of Transportation, roads throughout the Lowcountry, Pee Dee and Grand Strand regions have been salted and brined in preparation for the winter storm.
On Sunday, Jan. 19, The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning for the area, with the Beaufort and Jasper counties still under a cold weather advisory.
Regarding road and bridge closures, SCDOT does not anticipate closing any of the roads as of 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 21. They state that they will continue to actively monitor the roads and will provide real-time updates through their website and social media.
The Cross Island Bridge — a portion of U.S. 278 that crosses the Broad Creek in central Hilton Head — closed for the bulk of two days after snow and freezing rainfall in January 2018, the last instance of wintry weather in Beaufort County. The bridges to and from Hilton Head did not close during the 2018 winter storm.
Updated forecasts show much of Beaufort and southern Jasper counties will experience a mix of snow and sleet. Rain falling in the early evening on Tuesday will likely turn to snow overnight.
The snow and freezing rain is expected to start from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, with the greatest impacts occurring from 8 p.m. Tuesday into early morning Wednesday.
The winter storm warning is expected to lift Wednesday at noon. The updated snow forecast shows an increase in the amount of snow the area is likely to experience. Much of the county can expect 2 to 3 inches of snow.
All roads within Beaufort and Jasper counties are monitored by the county and the SCDOT.
“Salt and brine has been spread over both Beaufort and Jasper counties. Our crews start with interstate and primary routes then move on to secondaries,” said SCDOT spokesperson Hannah Robinson.
The Island Packet will continue to update this story if roads and bridges do close over the following days.
Prepare early and it is recommended not to drive, especially on Wednesday, Jan. 22 unless you absolutely must to ensure the safety of all and facilitate the efforts of emergency services.
This story was originally published January 21, 2025 at 10:39 AM.
