Tree damages traffic signal, closes westbound lanes on Hilton Head Island

HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. — A fallen tree damaged a traffic signal early this morning , causing lane closures and detours along a busy roadway on Hilton Head Island.

The incident occurred at the intersection of westbound William Hilton Parkway and Whooping Crane Way, where a tree struck and damaged the traffic signal mast arm. Officials say the signal is currently operating on flash.

Town traffic operations crews and deputies with the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene.

Due to concerns about the stability of the mast arm, westbound lanes at the intersection have been closed. Traffic is being detoured via Whooping Crane Way to Main Street. Lanes exiting the Hilton Head Plantation traffic circle toward William Hilton Parkway are also closed.

The westbound lanes of 278 are closed to traffic and being rerouted onto Whooping Crane Way. This is at the turn lane into Hilton Head Plantation.

Drivers are urged to avoid the area and seek alternate routes.

Officials say crews are expected to have the traffic light fixed by early Sunday afternoon.