News Summary

The Beaufort County Council has approved a revised plan for the replacement of the Mackay Creek bridge after community feedback and budget discussions. The new $260 million plan will include a new bridge structure built to modern safety standards, facilitating two-way traffic to Pinckney Island. This decision aims to improve connectivity and address the deteriorating condition of the existing bridge, which is under annual inspection for safety concerns.

Hilton Head Island: Beaufort County Council Approves Revised Mackay Creek Bridge Replacement Plan

The Beaufort County Council has approved a scaled-back plan for the replacement of the eastbound Mackay Creek bridge following community feedback and budget constraints.

The decision was made on March 10, just weeks ahead of a critical funding deadline set by the State Infrastructure Bank (SIB). Key details of the plan include:

• Cost: The new bridge construction is estimated at $260 million, nearing $300 million when including utilities and engineering expenses.
• Structure: The plan includes demolishing the existing bridge and constructing a new span from the mainland to Jenkins Island.
• Access: The new bridge will facilitate two-way traffic to and from Pinckney Island.
• Construction Method: The project will be built “offline,” allowing the current bridge to remain operational and reduce traffic disruptions during construction.

Council members unanimously voted on the plan, which comes after voters declined a more expansive replacement option costing $488 million. The earlier plan faced opposition after a proposed 1% sales tax referendum aimed at funding infrastructure improvements was rejected by 55% of voters.

The existing Mackay Bridge, built in 1956 and widened in 1984, is now under annual inspection due to its deteriorating condition. A January 2024 inspection rated its structure and substructure as “poor,” raising concerns among residents about safety and traffic impacts.

The project has experienced nearly a decade of delays, primarily due to discussions about costs and funding adequacy.

This new plan focuses on immediate infrastructure needs, ensuring the new bridge meets modern earthquake and hurricane standards while accommodating anticipated future traffic. However, there are ongoing concerns within the community regarding the bridge’s potential impact on local traffic and infrastructure.

By moving forward with this streamlined plan, the council aims to secure essential funding and improve connectivity between Hilton Head Island and Bluffton.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Mackay Creek Bridge Replacement Receives Approval Amid Budget Cuts
Hilton Head Council Approves $300 Million Highway 278 Revamp
Hilton Head Town Council’s Crucial Vote on Bridge Project
Hilton Head Water Supply and U.S. 278 Corridor Project Updates
Hilton Head’s U.S. 278 Corridor Project Faces Funding Challenges
Beaufort County Urgently Pursues Funding for U.S. 278 Project
Hilton Head’s Bridge Replacement Project Faces Funding Challenges
Beaufort County Faces Critical Funding Crisis for U.S. 278 Project
Beaufort Council Considers Financing for U.S. 278 Corridor Project
Beaufort County Faces $190 Million Shortfall for U.S. 278 Project

Additional Resources

• Post and Courier: Hilton Head Bridge Plan Cost
• Wikipedia: Hilton Head Island
• Island Packet: Local Traffic News
• Google Search: Hilton Head bridge project
• WTOC: Hilton Head Highway 278 Project Approved
• Google Scholar: Hilton Head infrastructure
• Post and Courier: Hilton Head Bridge Project Plan
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Hilton Head Island
• Island Packet: Travel and Tourism
• Google News: Hilton Head traffic

Author: HERE Hilton Head