Columbia, S.C. (July 31, 2026) - The South Carolina Department of Transportation announced the completion of the US 17 Widening Project in Jasper County at a ribbon cutting ceremony today. The newly widened roadway is now open to traffic, marking a significant improvement for safety, mobility, and regional connectivity.
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.
Additional project improvements include:
- Adding new 6-foot-wide bike paths on both sides of US 17 to provide safer travel options for cyclists
- Installing a new traffic signal at the SC-315 intersection to improve traffic operations and safety
- Incorporating modern roadway design features to improve visibility and long-term reliability
Secretary Justin Powell said, "This strategic location between the Ports of Charleston and Savannah makes US 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. 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."
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.
The US 17 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.
[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]
