News Release

Town of Hilton Head Island Takes Charge of Main Street: Immediate and Future Enhancements Planned

December 7, 2023

The Town of Hilton Head Island now owns and will care for Main Street, from Hospital Center Boulevard to Wilborn Road.

The Town recently accepted ownership responsibilities from the Main Street Commercial Property Owners’ Association for the Main Street segment from Whooping Crane Way near the Hilton Head Plantation entrance to Wilborn Road, including side streets - Central Avenue, Museum Street, Merchant Street, and Meeting Street. This is in addition to the segment already owned by the Town, running from Hospital Center Boulevard to the Whooping Crane Way Circle.

 "Town Council voted to acquire rights of way from property owners. Subsequently, the Town staff and the POA members have diligently worked on securing ownership and finalizing this transfer. With this process now concluded, we are ready to restore Main Street and adjacent side streets," said Shawn Colin, Assistant Town Manager - Community Development.

In the next several weeks, the Town will begin addressing many of the most pressing maintenance issues along this busy roadway and adjacent side streets, including Central Avenue and Merchant, Museum, and Meeting streets. A contractor has been engaged and will commence work in January 2024 and continue for approximately six to eight weeks, depending upon the weather. This initial round of repairs includes the following:

• Repair all potholes with a full-depth patch.
• Mill and asphalt overlay areas with damaged road surface.
• Repair issues caused by tree roots under the road and fixing the damaged road.
• Make spot repairs to curb and gutter.
• Replace damaged concrete drainage flumes.
• Replace any road markings that might get removed during the work.

Access to structures, driveways, and businesses will remain available throughout the maintenance construction. However, motorists are advised to be on the lookout for construction warning signs. On-site workers will manage traffic.

Future endeavors will involve collaborating with local stakeholders to devise a conceptual design for streetscape enhancements, such as pathways, sidewalks, landscaping, and lighting. Additionally, intersection improvements at Wilborn Road and Hospital Center Boulevard and enhancements to pedestrian and vehicular signage are in the pipeline.

"This is a project that has been on the wish list of citizens and businesses for a long time," said Hilton Head Island Mayor Alan Perry. "We appreciate the support of those who work along Main Street in helping make this change happen. We look forward to creating a new chapter and improved Main Street corridor, which will only enhance that area now and in the future."

For additional information, please contact Bryan McIlwee, PE, Director of Public Projects & Facilities, at BryanM@hiltonheadislandsc.gov.