A reminder to commercial truck drivers about the Woods Bridge
The city sent out a reminder to commercial truck drivers and other operators that it is against the law to cross Woods Memorial Bridge if their vehicle has three or more axles and weighs 40,000 pounds or more.
The bridge is one of several places in the City of Beaufort where through truck traffic is not allowed.
The City of Beaufort reminds commercial truck drivers and other operators to follow the designated through truck routes established by South Carolina Department of Transportation. These routes, which are well marked by signs saying “Truck Route,” must be used unless specific business purposes, such as loading or unloading goods, necessitate otherwise.
Routes where commercial truck through traffic is not allowed in the City of Beaufort include travel to and from U.S. 21 Business/Boundary Street, S.C. 281/Ribaut Road, and U.S. 21/Lady’s Island Drive. These designated routes are marked by signs saying “Truck Notice/No Thru Trucks.”
Violations can result in fines of up to $237.50.
Adhering to these routes is not only a matter of regulatory compliance but also a commitment to maintaining the safety and integrity of our community and its historic infrastructure. Non-compliance with these regulations constitutes a violation of the South Carolina Code of Laws, Title 56 — Motor Vehicles, Chapter 5 — Uniform Act Regulating Traffic on Highways, which mandates obedience to traffic-control devices.
For any questions or additional information, please contact Capt. Joseph Dobbins, Operations Division, at 843-322-7900.
A construction reminder
IPW Construction Group will continue to perform shoulder closures and temporary lane closures the entire length of Laurel Bay Road in Beaufort. Closures will take place between the hours of 6 a.m. and 8 p.m., Monday to Saturday, until the end of the year.
During this time, please prepare for and expect minor delays in traffic. Drivers traveling through the area are asked to please be mindful of our traffic control team and the crews working within the area. In addition, the ramp coming off U.S. 21 onto Laurel Bay Road is permanently closed.
Free Summer Tax Prep Available for Lowcountry Residents Who Missed Deadline
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program is offering a free summer tax preparation program for qualifying residents of Beaufort and Jasper counties who missed the traditional tax filing deadline.
This program – a collaboration between the IRS, Beaufort County Human Services Alliance, and United Way of the Lowcountry (UWLC) – is designed to assist low-income individuals and families, non-English speaking taxpayers, people with disabilities, and seniors (age 60+) in accurately and efficiently filing their federal and state tax returns.
“We understand that filing taxes can be overwhelming, especially for those who have limited resources,” United Way Volunteer and VITA Program Coordinator Sherry Halphen said. “Our summer tax preparation program allows residents to receive free assistance from IRS-certified volunteers, ensuring they receive every deduction and credit they deserve.”
Program Details:
- What: Free tax preparation assistance by IRS-certified VITA volunteers.
- When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursdays, July 25, August 22 and September 26.
- Where: United Way of the Lowcountry Bluffton Office (10 Buckingham Plantation Drive, Suite D, Bluffton, S.C. 29910)
- Appointments Required: Call 843.321.9071 or email lowcountryvitacoalition@gmail.com
- Visit www.uwlowcountry.org/VITAforeligibility requirements and a list of documents to bring with you to your appointment.
DNR to host free fishing clinics at Broad River Fishing Pier
The S.C. Department of Natural Resources is hosting two free fishing clinics: the first will be Saturday, July 27, from 8 until 11 a.m. and the second clinic will be Tuesday, Aug. 13, from 4 until 7 p.m.
Both clinics will be held at Beaufort’s Broad River Fishing Pier, 1050 Robert Smalls Parkway (map).
The fishing clinics are both free and open to the public. Participants must pre-register. Only 12 participants will be accepted for each clinic.
Register at https://bit.ly/3Y6gZ8H to attend the Saturday, July 27 free fishing clinic. Register at https://bit.ly/3Y1FPXa to attend the Tuesday, Aug. 13 free fishing clinic.
For more information, contact Pam Corwin at SCDNR at 843-729-0759 or corwinp@dnr.sc.gov.
