News Release

SCDOT and Beaufort County hosting drop-in public information meetings on U.S. 278 bridge and corridor

October 22, 2025

As a courtesy, the Town of Hilton Head Island is sharing details on two upcoming public meetings about the U.S. 278 corridor and the proposed U.S. 278 Eastbound Bridge Project. Residents are encouraged to attend, learn more and share feedback on the possible impacts of these projects on the Island.

U.S. 278 Eastbound Bridge Replacement Project
Drop-in, Open House Public Information Meeting
Thursday, Oct. 30 from 4 pm to 7 pm
Hilton Head Island Recreation Center Gym, 20 Wilborn Road

Hosted by the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) and Beaufort County, the meeting is being held to:

• Introduce the U.S. 278 Eastbound Bridge Replacement project and key differences in the U.S. 278 Corridor Improvements project.
• Share the anticipated schedule and next steps.
• Gather public feedback on possible social, economic and environmental effects of the project including historic and cultural resources.

The proposed project would replace the eastbound bridges over Mackay and Skull Creeks with a single, three-lane bridge, improve access to Pinckney Island, and maintain access to Hog Island and Mariners Cove. The purpose of the project is to eliminate structural and/or operational deficiencies and to provide new bridge and roadway approaches that meet current SCDOT standards.

The U.S. 278 Eastbound Bridge Replacement is moving forward as a separate project from the U.S. 278 Corridor Improvements project — and it is being designed to fit seamlessly into future corridor upgrades should funding become available.

The eastbound bridge over Mackay Creek is aging. Built in 1956, it has weathered decades of saltwater and storms. While the bridge is still safe for daily use, it takes more time and money to maintain and is nearing the end of its useful life. Replacing it now helps avoid future problems and ensures the bridge continues to support emergency response, deliveries, and storm evacuations — in addition to daily traffic.

SCDOT and Beaufort County representatives will be available at the meeting to discuss the proposed project with members of the community. There will be no formal presentation. All the materials are available now on SCDOT278BridgeReplacement.com for public review and input. The public is encouraged to review and make comments through Nov. 15, 2025.

Comments may be submitted online, by email to info@SCDOT278BridgeReplacement.com, or by mail (SCDOT, Attn. Craig Winn, PE, P.O. Box 191, 955 Park Street, Room 401, Columbia, SC 29202-0191). Comments must be postmarked or submitted electronically by Nov. 15, 2025.

To request an accommodation, or for inquiries about accessibility, please contact Ginny Jones at 803-737-1276. A Spanish translator will be available at the meeting.

U.S. 278 Corridor Study Public Meeting Open House
Tuesday, Nov. 4 from 4 pm to 6 pm
Hilton Head Island Public Library Large Conference Room, 11 Beach City Road

The Lowcountry Area Transportation Study (LATS) is conducting a corridor study on U.S. 278 between I-95 and Sea Pines Circle. The public is invited to a meeting, hosted by LATS and Beaufort County Engineering, to review the existing conditions along the corridor and future growth volumes.

For more information on the corridor study, please contact Kevin Sullivan, Beaufort County Engineering Transportation Planner, at kevin.sullivan@bcgov.net or 843-255-2711.