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Beaufort County outlines SC 170/278 corridor work as county sales‑tax funding is allocated
Summary
County staff updated the transportation committee on near‑term configuration and paving work at the SC 170/US 278 interchange and explained that the county has earmarked $120 million from a revised local sales‑tax package toward the 'triangle' project; staff said they are coordinating with SCDOT and the State Infrastructure Bank to close remaining funding gaps.
Chairman Gordon convened the county Transportation Committee on July 17, 2024, where county staff described active and planned improvements along the SC 170/US 278 corridor, including asphalt placement near the 278/170 interchange, an R‑cut intersection south of the interchange, ramp paving and night work and multiple temporary signal installations to improve local access.
Jared, a county transportation staff member, told the committee the county had secured a $120,000,000 allocation for the triangle project from a revised 10‑year, $950,000,000 local sales‑tax program. "That sales tax got adjusted in the final months," Jared said, describing the reduction of the overall package from an earlier 15‑year $1.6 billion proposal to its current 10‑year form and the priority placed on the triangle project.
Jared said the county and its partners are installing temporary signal poles (not mast arms) at several intersections while long‑term mast‑arm installations are planned as part of larger SCDOT projects. He also said Hardeeville and Jasper County are coordinating nearby signal projects and that Jasper County is advancing its own sales‑tax ordinance that may contribute funds to projects that abut Beaufort County.
The county indicated remaining funding gaps for the overall program remain, and staff said they are engaging the State Infrastructure Bank and SCDOT to identify additional sources. "We're currently working with the State Infrastructure Bank and DOT, our other two funding stakeholders, to help us close that gap," Jared said.
Why it matters: Improvements in this corridor are intended to address safety and congestion issues at high‑volume intersections that affect travel between Beaufort and Jasper counties, and the sales‑tax allocation represents a significant local funding commitment that will determine how and when large design and construction phases proceed.
Next steps: Jared said that, if SCDOT’s commission accepts projects into its STIP and federal funding eligibility follows, Beaufort County will apply for a Local Public Agency (LPA) grant to start planning and design work for both the triangle and the US 278 widening project.
