Major intersection upgrades leaving Okatie drivers ‘confused.’ Are changes a good thing?
The intersection of S.C. 170 and U.S. 278 remains confusing for drivers, despite recently completed changes designed to improve it.
The intersection, one of the busiest in Beaufort County, recently underwent significant changes with the installation of a new traffic light and median. Two months later, key signage has not been fully installed — increasing concerns among residents.
The project, which was completed in November, aimed to reduce congestion, improve safety and streamline traffic flow in an area historically known for confusion and frequent accidents. However, some residents have voiced concerns about the changes and their implementation.
“People, they don’t know or haven’t gotten used to it yet,” Okatie resident Jim Gainey said. “I’ve almost seen a couple wrecks. I don’t know if it’s going to cause more accidents, but I think it’ll cause more confusion.”
The intersection is listed among the top 10 most dangerous intersections in Beaufort County from the last two years, according to an Island Packet analysis.
The project introduced a free-flow lane at S.C. 170, allowing drivers to enter U.S. 278 without merging. Signal upgrades at the intersection of Argent Road and 170, as well as at the intersection of S.C. 462 and 170, were also completed. These improvements were designed to reduce collisions and ease traffic, Assistant County Administrator Jared Fralix said.
“Any change takes a little time for residents to learn and drivers to learn,” Fralix said. He added that the new traffic pattern “helps with the safety and the travel speed in that intersection.”
Despite the upgrades, key signage for the new traffic patterns has not been fully installed, which has left some drivers unsure of directions. County Director of Engineering Bryan Bauer attributed the delay to supply chain issues, adding that contractors are still working on installing two cantilevers — one on U.S. 278 and one on S.C. 170 — and shoulder signs that will provide clearer directions for drivers.
This part of the project is expected to be completed in the next couple of weeks, he said, noting that drivers should remain cautious at the intersection as construction workers will still be present on the roads.
Mixed reactions from residents
Residents have expressed a range of opinions about the changes. Some believe the improvements will enhance safety, while others remain skeptical.
Sara McCunn, an Okatie resident who works at the nearby New River Center, said as a lifelong resident familiar with the intersection, she wasn’t overly concerned about the changes.
“I think the one lane where it blocks off to get onto the roundabout to 278 is probably going to trip some people up because they can’t get over anymore,” McCunn said. “I’ve seen a lot of people come down 170 and then do a U-turn. But other than that, I do think it’s helpful. It’s a lot bigger too, which is nice.”
Gainey, who frequently travels through the intersection, voiced frustration over the new configuration.
“It’s terrible,” he said. “ It’s made it really difficult to make a U-turn or turn out of certain places…it’s really inconvenient.”
Both McCunn and Gainey pointed out the absence of adequate lighting along Okatie, which they believe is another safety concern as the area grows.
“Lighting is a bigger issue. It’s not just Okatie, it’s really county wide,” Fralix said. “I think there hasn’t been an initiative behind that and funding to go along with the initiatives.”
Data show danger
The intersection between 170 and 278 is ranked sixth for total number of traffic collisions in Beaufort County when compared to other top 10 dangerous county intersections from January 2020 to July 22, 2024, according to the analysis done from South Carolina’s Department of Public Safety data. From August 2021 to mid-July 2024, there have been a total of 79 collisions. One person was seriously injured in an accident at this intersection within the same time frame.
Further data shows the intersection saw 32 collisions in 2024, including one fatal crash, four injury-related accidents, and 27 incidents resulting in property damage. Most of these occurred before the new traffic light and median were installed, but it’s too early to determine if the changes have reduced accidents overall.
What’s next?
Improvements to the intersection are only part of the overall S.C. 170 Near Term Improvements Project, a joint venture between Beaufort County, the South Carolina Department of Transportation, Jasper County and the City of Hardeeville.
While the improvements so far address short-term goals, mid- and long-term projects are planned to further enhance safety and capacity along the corridor. This includes more signal improvements and road widening opportunities, Fralix said.
The Triangle Project, which includes S.C. 170, has secured some funding to start the initial design for the mid- to long-term projects; however, there are no funds for construction due to the failed sales tax referendum last November.
