News Summary

Beaufort County Public Works has announced a temporary closure of the handicapped parking area at C.C. Haigh Jr. Boat Landing on Hilton Head Island due to paving and accessibility improvements. This closure is expected to last until March 5, 2025. Although the boat landing will remain accessible, all vehicles must be relocated for safety. Additionally, the Hilton Head Island Town Council is set to vote on a new bridge that will impact access to Pinckney Island, raising concerns among local officials.

Hilton Head Island: Temporary Closure for C.C. Haigh Jr. Boat Landing Upgrades

Beaufort County Public Works has announced the temporary closure of the handicapped parking area at the C.C. Haigh Jr. Boat Landing on Hilton Head Island. This closure is part of a paving and accessibility improvement project.

Key Details:

• The handicapped parking spaces will shut down until March 5, 2025.
• All vehicles must be relocated for safety and equipment unloading.
• The boat landing will remain accessible, with the paving project expected to last about two days, weather permitting.

For questions or further information, residents can contact Beaufort County Public Works at (843) 255-2800.

Upcoming Town Council Vote on New Bridge

In related news, the Hilton Head Island Town Council is preparing to vote on a joint resolution concerning the construction of a new eastbound bridge that affects access to Pinckney Island.

Projected Impact:

• The construction process is expected to span several years.
• After the new bridge is built, motorists from Bluffton will lose direct access to the public boat landing for the Daufuskie Island ferry.
• Alternatives include making a U-turn or turning left at the Windmill Harbor intersection.

Concerns have emerged regarding access to Pinckney Island, with town and county officials expressing mixed feelings about the project. The upcoming vote is pivotal; Council member Steve DeSimone has indicated he will oppose the resolution.

Funding and Development Plans

The bridge project aims to secure $120 million from the State Infrastructure Bank, covering about 40% of the nearly $300 million total cost. The funding framework includes:

• $101 million from Beaufort County
• $3.35 million from Hilton Head

Town officials have called for clearer design plans to address concerns over access during the bridge construction.

In addition, a temporary ferry embarkation site will be established at the C.C. Haigh Jr. Public Boat Landing, with upgrades estimated at $495,000 to meet legal relocation deadlines. Plans for a permanent ferry site at Cross Island Landing have faced delays, although a resolution has been passed allowing negotiations with a new ferry service provider.

Daufuskie Island relies on ferry services due to the absence of direct road connections to the mainland.

Other Local Developments

Ongoing erosion at the Russ Point Boat Landing has required repairs, which have now been completed, and the site has reopened to the public.

This update highlights efforts by local officials to enhance both accessibility and transportation routes on Hilton Head Island as the community navigates multiple infrastructure developments.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Major Bridge Project Set to Transform Hilton Head Island Access

Additional Resources

• WSAV: Beaufort Boat Landing Temporary Closure
• Wikipedia: Hilton Head Island
• Island Packet: Upcoming Town Council Vote
• Google Search: Hilton Head Island Town Council Vote
• Post and Courier: Daufuskie Island Ferry Updates
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Daufuskie Island
• Island Packet: Beaufort Community News
• Google News: Beaufort Community News