US Bridges

US 278 EB over Palmetto Lagoon

Good

Beaufort County, South Carolina · Hilton Head Island · Structure no. 000000000007069

Built
1978
47 years old
Condition
Good
inspected July 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
132 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
13,600
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 278 EB over Palmetto Lagoon is a concrete slab carrying US 278 EB over Palmetto Lagoon in Beaufort County, South Carolina. It was built in 1978, so it is 47 years old, younger than the South Carolina average of 48 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 13,600 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 16,320 by 2043. The structure is 132 ft (40.2 m) long and 43 ft wide.

CarriesUS 278 EB
CrossesPalmetto Lagoon
LocationHilton Head Island
RouteU.S. Route 278
Coordinates32.18025, -80.72467
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating42.9 US tons
Inventory rating33.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadHS 20
Structure length132 ft (40.2 m)
Longest span22 ft (6.7 m)
Deck width43 ft (13 m)
Roadway width39 ft (12 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic13,600 (2023)
Projected traffic16,320 by 2043
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 278 EB over Palmetto Lagoon built?

It was built in 1978, making it 47 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 278 EB over Palmetto Lagoon in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in July 2024.

How much traffic does US 278 EB over Palmetto Lagoon carry?

About 13,600 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is US 278 EB over Palmetto Lagoon?

The structure is 132 ft (40.2 m) long with a longest span of 22 ft (6.7 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns US 278 EB over Palmetto Lagoon?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.