Can Sen. Tom Davis’ proposal save the U.S. 278 Corridor Project? His plan explained
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Sen. Tom Davis presented a plan to eliminate the roughly $190 million shortfall for the U.S. 278 Corridor Project at a Hilton Head Town Council workshop Thursday afternoon. His proposal focused on completing critical portions of the project within the existing almost $300 million budget, avoiding property tax increases and preserving other traffic initiatives.
The project, originally designed to replace the aging eastbound Mackay Creek Bridge and improve traffic flow between Moss Creek Drive and Spanish Wells Road, has faced delays due to rising costs and a failed sales tax referendum. The total project cost is estimated at $488 million, leaving a significant funding gap.
Davis — who represents Beaufort and Jasper Counties and played a key role in securing initial funding — outlined a plan at the workshop to reallocate $250 million in state funds, including contributions from the State Infrastructure Bank, the South Carolina Department of Transportation and existing local funds, to construct a new three-lane eastbound bridge. This new structure would replace the structurally deficient sections of the existing eastbound span, extending from Moss Creek on the mainland to Windmill Harbor on Hilton Head Island.
The structurally sound westbound spans, which he said are expected to remain in good condition for another 20 or more years, would continue to serve traffic leaving the island. The reconfiguration could then create three lanes heading onto the island and two lanes heading off, with the possibility to adjust the direction of traffic in one lane based on demand, he added.
By using state funds for the new eastbound bridge, $40 million in local funding would be freed up for improvements to the section of the corridor from Windmill Harbor to the Cross Island Parkway, Davis said. This area has been the subject of debate, with differing opinions on whether to include overpasses to eliminate traffic lights or to keep the current configurations. Davis said his plan prioritizes fixing the most urgent infrastructure needs first while allowing local stakeholders to focus their discussions on this area.
The specifics of this master plan must be provided and finalized by the county and Town of Hilton Head no later than March 31 in order to understand how the plan may impact the new three-lane eastbound span, according to a Jan. 9 letter sent out by Davis to County Administrator Michael Moore and Town Manager Marc Orlando.
Davis emphasized the importance of adopting a clear plan to avoid losing state funding. He referenced a situation in Charleston, where a traffic plan failed after a similar referendum was rejected. When local officials were unable to secure additional local funding and requested more from the SIB, Davis said the request was not only denied but the money previously allocated for the project was also taken away.
State may walk away
SCDOT has warned that if no progress is made for the corridor project by March 31, the state may withdraw its financial support and proceed with a limited solution, such as constructing a two-lane bridge for $90 million. This alternative would not address the long-term needs of the corridor, Davis said.
Davis has discussed the plan with representatives from Beaufort County, Hilton Head and local groups, with opinions ranging from some wanting to agree to move forward with Davis’ plan to others believing more information is required. The next steps involve refining cost estimates and holding follow-up meetings to finalize funding to define the project’s parameters.
Who from the county attended?
The county and town of Hilton Head have each undergone leadership transformation since the November election with Alice Howard replacing Joe Passiment as council chair in January and Alex Brown becoming Hilton Head town council’s mayor pro-tempore in December. The county reelected District 1 Gerald Dawson, District 3 York Glover and District 7 Logan Cunningham and the town elected two newcomers, Melinda Tunner from Ward 6 and Steve DeSimone from Ward 3.
From the county council, Howard, vice chair Tab Tabernik, councilwoman Paula Brown, councilman Tom Reitz and councilman Larry McElynn were present. Howard, who has promised more transparency and open government after an array of controversies with spending done under then administrator Eric Greenway. More recently a conflict occurred over a “secret meeting,” where selected elected officials were included in a handpicked working group to discuss the corridor project.
In Thursday’s meeting, Howard pledged that all parties “have her commitment” to working together to take the next steps in the project.
How did the public react?
The public meeting saw a packed room, with residents expressing concerns about safety, budget overruns and the need for transparency. Many also emphasized the importance of considering repairs over full replacement and acting decisively.
Clapping erupted at points when transparency was discussed, particularly regarding a controversial Dec. 6 “secret meeting” between select council members and Hilton Head Town Council representatives to discuss a path forward with the corridor project after the failed referendum.
Another point of contention was made with Big Stoney, a historic Gullah neighborhood along U.S. 278. Many in the community opposed the project, citing potential increased traffic congestion and encroachment on their land.
What’s next?
The next county council meeting on the project is scheduled for Jan. 21, followed by a town council meeting on Jan. 28. Key decisions include confirming funding, refining cost estimates and determining the scope of the project through Big Stoney and the main corridor. Council members must also decide whether to include breakdown lanes or adjust lane configurations.
This story was originally published January 10, 2025 at 8:22 AM.
