US 278 bridge project to Hilton Head gets legislative approval
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The South Carolina Joint Bond Review Committee unanimously approved the scaled-back plan for the U.S. 278 Corridor project Tuesday afternoon, finalizing the review process required for any modification to an intergovernmental agreement.
The revised plan replaces the original nearly $500 million six-lane bridge with a $311.6 million three-lane span over Mackay Creek and Skull Creek. The bridge will also be striped for two lanes but designed to accommodate temporary four-lane use during emergencies or when the westbound bridges are replaced in the future.
With hurricane season underway, the aging 1956 eastbound bridge has become increasingly vulnerable. Officials warn that without intervention, the structure could require weight restrictions after 2031, potentially limiting access for emergency vehicles and other heavy traffic before a replacement is complete.
The three-lane bridge plan is being developed simultaneously with Beaufort County’s application for a federal grant through the Bridge Investment Program, a competitive initiative under the Federal Highway Administration that funds large-scale bridge projects over $100 million. If awarded, the county could receive up to $200 million, which would join roughly $300 million already committed by the county, the town of Hilton Head, the state Department of Transportation and the State Infrastructure Bank — enough to fully fund the original $466.8 million six-lane plan.
While awaiting a decision on the grant, expected in six to nine months, the county will continue developing the three-lane bridge design, which is about 10% complete as of July. Advancing that version ensures the project can move forward without delay or added cost, Assistant County Administrator Jared Fralix said. If the grant is awarded, the county could return to the six-lane plan, which is already further along in design. Either way, Fralix said, the target completion date remains December 2030.
Sen. Tom Davis, who traveled to Columbia to attend the JBRC meeting, told committee members that state Department of Transportation Secretary Justin Powell and State Infrastructure Bank Chair John White deserved recognition for going out of their way to help reach a solution for the project.
What’s in the revised plan?
The revised project would replace the aging bridge along a key section of U.S. 278, from the Bluffton Parkway flyover to the Windmill Harbor intersection, according to county documents.
Improvements include:
- Replacement of the two eastbound bridges over Mackay Creek and Skull Creek, while retaining the existing two-lane westbound bridges.
- Construction of a three-lane eastbound bridge without a multi-use pathway.
- Striping the new bridge for two lanes, with only necessary road tie-ins included.
- Designing the bridge width to accommodate temporary four-lane use in the future if westbound bridge replacement is required.
- Full and direct access to Pinckney Island from the new eastbound bridge and the existing westbound bridges.
- The new eastbound bridges will be designed to avoid the subaqueous water line, eliminating the need for relocation.
- Removal of the eastbound Mackay Creek Bridge.
- Construction of a Hog Island connector road/bridge to provide access to Mariner’s Cove, Blue Heron Point and Hog Island, linking back to US 278 at the Windmill Harbor intersection.
- Retention and improvement of the Windmill Harbor traffic signal with mast arms.
How much will the project cost?
The total estimated cost of the project is $311.6 million, with funding drawn from a mix of local, state and regional sources:
- Beaufort County 2018 Sales Tax Funds: $80 million
- Beaufort County Road Impact Fees: $21 million
- SCDOT (LATS) Guideshare Funds: $2 million
- SCDOT Interstate/NHS Bridge Funds: $88.6 million
- SC Transportation Infrastructure Bank (pending approval): $120 million
What is the timeline?
According to county and state documents, the project is tentatively scheduled to follow this timeline:
- June 2025: Finalize funding plan
- June 2026: Approval of revised environmental documents under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
- Mid–Late 2026 to 2027: Final design, permitting, right-of-way acquisition and utility coordination
- End of 2027: Construction advertisement and contractor selection
- Early 2028: Begin construction
- December 2030: Project completion (34-month construction timeline plus a one-year contingency period for delays)
This story was originally published August 19, 2025 at 4:20 PM.
