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Beaufort County approves joint resolution to scale US 278 (William Hilton Parkway) project, sets funds for bridge, waterline relocation and Stony neighborhood
Summary
County and town adopted a joint resolution that scales the US 278 corridor project to current funding: it will replace one failing span, build an eastbound structure designed for three lanes (striped as two), set aside funds for PSD waterline relocation and allocate $5 million for Stony neighborhood improvements to be administered by Hilton Head.
Beaufort County Council approved a joint county–town resolution to redefine the US 278 Corridor/William Hilton Parkway project to align the scope with available funding.
County staff (Jared) and town staff (Hank) summarized the changes discussed at a recent joint workshop. The original concept — a six‑lane replacement with an estimated $500 million price tag — has been scaled to a bridge project focused on replacing one deteriorating span. The new eastbound structure will be designed to carry three lanes but initially striped for two; it also will be built to allow a future expansion if additional funding becomes available.
Jared said the budget estimates assume a construction baseline (example figures discussed by staff included a $200 million baseline for funding calculations) and that the county will hold contingency funds and be the fiscal agent responsible for overruns. He explained that PSD (public service district) waterline relocation is necessary because a 24‑inch water main runs through the area and that relocation is being included in the funding plan so the line is protected during construction. "PSD" was explained to the council as the public service districts that supply water and sewer on Hilton Head Island and that roughly 40% of the island's water is served through the pipe system in question.
The joint resolution also includes a $5 million set‑aside for improvements in the Stony neighborhood; the town of Hilton Head will administer those local improvements. Council members asked for a plain‑language summary of the project components and for clarity on where cost overruns would be funded; staff said overruns would come from reserve funds if necessary and that project documents specify which funds may be used for each component.
Members discussed access to Pinkney Island (federal land) and how design changes will affect local access; staff said some access patterns will change and additional engineering and public input meetings are planned. After discussion and questions, council approved the joint resolution by show of hands.
