Traffic study reveals urgent need for improvements at Squire Folk Road intersection

During the Town Council Meeting on April 16, 2025, significant discussions centered around traffic management and safety at a critical intersection on Hilton Head Island. The meeting highlighted the urgent need for improvements to alleviate congestion and enhance safety for both vehicles and pedestrians.

Traffic experts presented data indicating that the current intersection is operating at nearly full capacity, with approximately 2,800 vehicles attempting to exit the island during peak afternoon hours. The analysis revealed that while an unimpeded lane can handle about 1,800 vehicles per hour, the introduction of traffic signals and turning movements reduces this capacity to around 1,200 vehicles per hour. Current measures have managed to increase this to about 1,300 vehicles per hour, but this still falls short of optimal traffic flow.

A major concern raised was the high volume of vehicles turning right and left onto Squire Folk Road, which adds to the congestion. With around 400 vehicles per hour trying to make right turns and 125 attempting left turns, the existing yield signs are insufficient to manage this demand effectively. The intersection's design, featuring only two departure lanes for off-island traffic, has been identified as a critical bottleneck.

To address these issues, several recommendations were discussed. One proposal included adding two right turn lanes on Squire Folk Road, which could reduce the capacity ratio but still not below the desired threshold. Another suggestion involved creating a free-flowing right turn that merges upstream, although this option poses challenges due to potential impacts on nearby residential properties.

The most promising long-term solution discussed was the widening of the roadway from four to six lanes, which would significantly improve traffic flow. However, this plan also raises concerns about safety, particularly for left-turning vehicles, which may face increased difficulty navigating across multiple lanes of traffic.

Council members acknowledged the complexity of the situation, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach that balances traffic efficiency with community safety and residential impacts. As discussions continue, the council is committed to exploring viable solutions to enhance the intersection's functionality and ensure safer travel for all road users.