Beaufort County council approves revised US‑278 bridge plan and funding amendment with SCDOT and SIB

Beaufort County Council on May 27 approved a resolution redefining the US‑278 corridor project — also called the William Hilton Parkway Gateway Corridor — to align the scope with available funding and a revised schedule.

The council’s action followed a presentation by county administration describing a reduced project scope that retains a new eastbound span (scribed for three lanes but initially configured for two), preserves the existing westbound structure for access to Pinckney Island and narrows earlier, larger proposals. County administrator Mike Moore said the total project estimate is $311,600,000 with county contribution of $101,000,000, SCDOT contribution of $90,600,000 and a $120,000,000 commitment from the State Infrastructure Bank (SIB). Moore said $13,070,000 has already been spent on the effort.

The council also passed a late amendment that clarifies how cost overruns will be shared: SCDOT will be responsible for a pro‑rata share not to exceed 29.08% of total overruns based on its $90,600,000 share of the $311,600,000 estimate; the county will provide the remainder. That amendment passed on a roll‑call vote, and the main motion as amended also passed on roll call.

Why this matters: the corridor and bridge project has been the most discussed item in Beaufort County for years. Residents and Hilton Head elected officials told council repeatedly that replacing the structurally deficient Mackay Creek span is necessary for safety but that wider…