Beaufort County will undertake a $1 million Independent "end-to-end analysis" of traffic simulations on U.S. 278 between Moss Creek Drive in Bluffton and the Gumtree Road intersection on Hilton Head Island before moving into the design phase for the $290 million project.

"The County has received a letter from Sen. Davis requesting the study and appreciated his involvement in this project. The County Staff is currently discussing the logistics with SCDOT to conduct the requested end-to-end traffic simulation study," said Chris Ophardt, Beaufort County Public Information Officer. 

The study will be a meaningful addition to the project; using the latest traffic simulations and the simulations from prior studies ensure the designers have the most accurate picture of traffic flow. It will also help with future projects along the 278 corridor. The County has recognized the need to develop plans since the ending of tolls on the Cross Island Expressway will change traffic patterns.

Members of the County Council and the County administration continue to meet with the Town of Hilton Head to ensure that this project remains on schedule. Officials do not anticipate a significant delay if the Finding of No Significant Impact, or FONSI, can be submitted early this summer to the Federal Highway Administration.

"The County also appreciates Sen. Davis' suggestion that the County's and the Town's respective traffic optimization studies be coordinated and accelerated, in that having that data will better enable the County and the Town to make road decisions that are in the best interests of the people," said Ophardt.

Since voters passed the 2018 Penny Sales tax, the County and SCDOT have worked with the citizen's committee, elected officials, and the community to narrow down the 19 different bridge location options. They will continue to refine the preferred alternative during the design phase to ensure we have the best project for our community.