5 p.m. update: Traffic jams extend into evening for drivers leaving Hilton Head
Traffic delays for drivers leaving Hilton Head Island extended into Thursday evening after a crash briefly shuttered all lanes of the highway hours earlier.
Traffic backups extended for over 3 miles down William Hilton Parkway and also bled south down Cross Island Parkway as of 5:15 p.m. Thursday, according to traffic data.
The three-vehicle collision occurred on westbound William Hilton Parkway (U.S. 278) near its intersection with C. Heinrichs Circle around 3 p.m. Thursday, according to the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office.
All westbound lanes of the highway were shut down following the crash but traffic began flowing again around 3:55 p.m., according to department spokesperson Lt. Daniel Allen.
Drivers should use caution and expect delays in the area.
This story was originally published January 15, 2026 at 3:57 PM.
