Ribbon cutting ceremony held for U.S. 17 Widening Project completion in Jasper Co.

HARDEEVILLE, Sc. (WTOC) - A project that’s slowed drivers from the Talmadge Bridge into the Lowcountry is complete after years of work.

The South Carolina Department of Transportation announced the completion of the U.S. 17 Widening Project in Jasper County at a ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, July 31.

“The newly widened roadway is now open to traffic, marking a significant improvement for safety, mobility, and regional connectivity,” they wrote.

The $64.15 million project widened approximately 4.1 miles of US 17 from a two-lane roadway to a four-lane divided highway with a 36-foot grass median, extending from SC-315 to the Georgia state line.

“It was a long time coming, but certainly, this is a project that will help move traffic between Savannah, Hardeeville, and the Beaufort Area. So, it should continue to build the bond between South Carolina and Georgia,” SCDOT Secretary Justin Powell said at the ceremony.

Additional project improvements include:

• Adding new 6-foot-wide bike paths on both sides of U.S. 17
• Installing a new traffic signal at the SC-315 intersection
• Incorporating modern roadway design features to improve visibility and long-term reliability

“This strategic location between the Ports of Charleston and Savannah makes U.S. 17 one of the most important transportation corridors in the Southeast. As both ports continue to grow and handle increasing volumes of cargo, the transportation network connecting them becomes even more critical,” Powell said. “Various goods arriving at these ports do not stay there -- they move across South Carolina and throughout the nation, supplying manufacturers, retailers, businesses, and consumers from coast to coast.”

The project was made possible through a partnership between SCDOT, the Lowcountry Area Transportation Study (LATS) and the Lowcountry Council of Governments.

Powell adds, “Communities thrive when people and goods can moved safely and efficiently. Every improvement we make today helps position South Carolina for continued success.”

Although the project is substantially complete, crews will continue working over the next few weeks to address final project work items.

Drivers may continue to see traffic cones and occasional intermittent lane closures as crews complete the remaining work. Any traffic impacts are expected to be minimal.

In addition to the project strengthening a vital transportation link between the Lowcountry region and Georgia, it will improve access along the corridor and enhance hurricane evacuation routes.

Pictured: Hardeeville Mayor Harry Williams, Representative William “Bill” Hagar - District 122, Senator Margie Bright Matthews - District 45, SCDOT Secretary Justin Powell, Joey Rowell -Jasper County Council Chairman, Hank Amundson - Executive Director of Lowcountry Council of Governments, Stephanie Rossi - Planning Director Lowcountry Council of Governments