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Administrator: SCDOT sets March deadline; eastbound 278 bridge may require replacement, not repair
Summary
County administrator reported a meeting with Hilton Head counterparts and said SCDOT and the State Infrastructure Bank want a decision by March 31, 2025; SCDOT told staff rehabilitation would cost about $50 million and likely add only about 10 years of life, raising possibility of replacement.
Beaufort County Administrator Mr. Moore told the council Dec. 9 that county staff met with Hilton Head Island officials and SCDOT about Highway 278 and that the State Infrastructure Bank has set an administrative deadline of March 31, 2025 for a decision on the project.
Moore read the DOT's assessment that the 278 eastbound bridge is at risk of being load limited in the future and noted DOT's view that rehabilitation is an undesirable option. He cited a DOT estimate that roughly $50,000,000 would be needed to extend the bridge's life by approximately 10 years, a measure DOT said it prefers not to pursue.
Moore said county staff will reach out to DOT to better understand replacement cost estimates and any alternative options, and that information will be shared with council for future deliberation. He also said county leadership and staff plan to release a joint press statement with the town of Hilton Head and that more formal discussions with DOT will follow.
Council members asked whether the state could simply fix the bridge; Moore said DOT had explained the $50 million rehab would not add much life and that replacement or other options must be explored. Council requested staff return with cost estimates and options for the council to consider.
