News Release

Beaufort County Applauds SIB Vote to Fund US 278 Corridor Project with $120 Million Investment

June 24, 2025

Note: Beaufort County government shared the news release below on Monday, June 23. As a courtesy, the Town is sharing this information to keep Hilton Head Island residents updated on the U.S. 278 Corridor Project.

The South Carolina State Transportation Infrastructure Bank (SIB) has voted to award $120 million in funding for the US 278 Corridor Project, ensuring long-awaited improvements to the bridge system connecting Hilton Head Island to the mainland. This decision charts a decisive course forward for the project and marks a significant milestone in this generational infrastructure improvement.

“Beaufort County is grateful for the State Infrastructure Bank’s vote today to approve funding for the US 278 Corridor Project,” stated Beaufort County Council Chair Alice Howard. “This is a monumental moment for Beaufort County residents and visitors, both present and future.”

The US 278 Corridor Project will replace aging bridge spans, improve safety, and ensure hurricane evacuation reliability. With the SIB’s commitment, the County and its project partners, including the South Carolina Department Of Transportation (SCDOT) and the Town of Hilton Head Island, can move forward into final design and construction phases.

Beaufort County would like to extend its gratitude to the SIB Board, SCDOT, the Town of Hilton Head Island, and all the community members who made their voices heard throughout this process. We'd also like to thank our Legislative Delegation, especially Senator Davis, for their support and coordination with the SIB on our modified project proposal. Beaufort County will now begin work to proceed through the environmental document process with SCDOT. Final design work is expected to begin mid-2026, with construction anticipated to begin in 2028.

Beaufort County Council will hold a public workshop on Thursday, June 26 at the Bluffton Public Library (map) to discuss the 2018 Sales Tax Referendum project list, status updates, and priorities. The workshop will begin at 10 a.m. and will also be livestreamed via BCTV.