Hilton Head officials talk corridor master plan; Get update on U.S. 278 bridge project

HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. (WTOC) - Drivers know the slowdown the moment they hit U.S. 278—and town leaders say that same corridor also includes one of the county’s deadliest intersections.

Now, Hilton Head Island is considering a major overhaul of William Hilton Parkway.

The William Hilton Parkway Corridor Master Plan lays out eight projects from Jenkins Island to Jarvis Creek, aimed at easing congestion, improving safety, creating a stronger “gateway” feel, and strengthening the island’s emergency evacuation route.

Town leaders argue the price tag is only going up if they wait.

“We need to find this cash, and we need to get going. If we delay, we are going to pay,” Councilman for Ward 3, Steve DeSimone said.

Not everyone is sold.

“This to me is a beautification project masquerading as a traffic operation improvement project,” One Hilton Head Island resident said.

Another says he has seen the town attempt similar projects in the past.

“Apparently, it isn’t as easy as they think,” one resident said. “That’s the third one of those that I have seen.”

Even supporters say the town likely can’t build everything at once—but want projects ready to move as funding becomes available.

Mayor Alan Perry said the town must line up sources and be prepared to act.

Meanwhile, Beaufort County is moving forward on the bridge—federal grant or not.

County officials say the design for the U.S. 278 bridge project is 60% complete.

The current $311M plan would replace the eastbound bridge over Mackay and Skull Creeks, addressing structural deficiencies and improving approaches. The county originally aimed to replace both bridges, but scaled back.

The replacement would include two lanes, with room for a future lane and future projects.

If the county lands a federal Large Bridge Grant, the design could expand—but they’re still waiting to hear back.

Under the current plan, construction would take about 2.5 years. If the county proceeds without federal funding, construction could start as soon as 2028.

Two big plans—town corridor upgrades and a county bridge rebuild—could reshape how people get on and off Hilton Head.

The next question is funding, and how fast leaders can turn planning into pavement.