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Beaufort County Council Approves Revised Mackay Creek Bridge Plan

Architectural rendering of the new Mackay Creek Bridge over Mackay Creek

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.