U.S. 278

U.S. 278 in South Carolina runs 145.55 miles southeast from North Augusta to the LowCountry region and Hilton Head Island. Circumventing the Department of Energy Savannah River Site (SRS), U.S. 278 links the county seats of Barnwell, Allendale and Hampton. Within Jasper County, U.S. 278 combines with U.S. 17 south from Ridgeland toward Hardeeville before turning east to Bluffton in Beaufort County. A 8.99 mile long business route for U.S. 278 at Hilton Head Island loops east from the formerly tolled Cross Island Parkway to the end of U.S. 278 at the traffic circle joining Palmetto Bay Road, Greenwood Drive, Pop Avenue and William Hilton Parkway.

U.S. 278 South Carolina Guides

• West

The South Carolina State Highway Department initially proposed U.S. 278 along a route east from North Augusta over MSR 28 to Barnwell, and over S.C. 64 from there to Walterboro and U.S. 17 at Jacksonboro. The American Association of State Highway Officials (AASHO) denied the request on July 19, 1955, citing narrow bridges, a lack of regional traffic demand and the presence of a parallel U.S. 78.

The second proposal for U.S. 278 in South Carolina revised the route south of Barnwell. It continued over MSR 28 to Almeda and then over S.C. 128 to S.C. 462 east of Ridgeland. U.S. 278 then was outlined as replacing S.C. 462 south to S.C. 179 and then over the eastern extent of S.C. 46 to Bluffton and Hilton Head Island. Citing benefits to the year-round resort of Hilton Head Island, a state port and three defense establishments, AASHO granted the request on December 6, 1964.

U.S. 278 was realigned between Ridgeland and S.C. 170 near the Okatee River in Beaufort County onto an overlap with U.S. 17 south to Road 88, and then east along a four lane highway built to S.C. 170 in June 1996. The former route east from Ridgeland to Grahamville and Old House become part of S.C. 336. The old route south from S.C. 462 at Old House to S.C. 170 become part of an extended S.C. 462. The relocation of U.S. 278 was approved by AASHTO on April 23, 1995.

U.S. 278 was formally realigned west onto newly built Cross Island Parkway on Hilton Head Island with concurrence by AASHTO on November 7, 1998. The same action established U.S. 278 Business to the east along the previous route.

East

U.S. 278 separates from U.S. 1/78 (Jefferson Davis Highway) along S.C. 417 (Augusta Road) just ahead of S.C. 125 (Atomic Road).
06/01/07

U.S. 278 turns south alongside S.C. 125 (Atomic Road) to Beech Island while S.C. 417 continues east to Clearwater.
06/01/07

U.S. 278 and S.C. 125 (Atomic Road) overlap 3.59 miles south to Beech Island.
06/01/07

U.S. 278/301 (Main Street) at Bay Street in Downtown Allendale.
01/03/08

U.S. 278 parts ways with U.S. 301 (Main Street) south at Allendale-Fairfax Highway and S.C. 125 (Augusta Highway) north.
01/03/08

U.S. 278 combines with U.S. 17 (Jacob Smart Boulevard) from 3rd Avenue in Ridgeland.
03/10/22

U.S. 278 separates from U.S. 17 south ahead of a diamond interchange (Exit 8) with Interstate 95.
09/25/22

Connect with:
Interstate 95
U.S. 1
U.S. 25
U.S. 78
U.S. 301
U.S. 321
U.S. 601

Page Updated 12-02-2022.